Our Initiatives
From early childhood discovery to citywide coalition-building, our initiatives create pathways for every kid to find their sport and for every grassroots leader to thrive.
YOUTH SERVED
ANNUALLY
MEMBER
ORGANIZATIONS
Grants Distributed
SINCE 1990
Our Core Initiatives
Each initiative plays a vital role in our belief to ensure every child has access to high-quality youth sports experiences.
Youth Sports Collaborative
The Backbone for DC's Youth Sports Organizations & Leaders
The Youth Sports Collaborative is a vetted network of 37 top-tier DC youth sports organizations united to expand access, equity, and opportunity. We provide the support, funding, and network our members need to keep kids safe, connected, and thriving.
- Comprehensive coach education
- Capacity-building support in fundraising, operations, and program quality
- Peer learning through town halls and workshops
- Access to best-in-class strategic partners
Early Access to Sports
Free After-School Sports Discovery for Young Kids
Early Access to Sports is a before-school sports discovery program designed specifically for elementary students (1st to 4th graders) (ages 6-9) who lack the opportunity to experience a variety of sports. Kids can’t play what they can’t see and we change that.
- Introduction to 10+ different sports through Youth Sports Collaborative member organizations
- Focus on social-emotional learning, teamwork, and confidence-building
- Truancy prevention and school readiness
- Peer-to-peer leadership and field trip enrichment activities
- Partnership with DC Public Schools and 2-4-1 Sports in underserved wards
Sports Medicine Center
$5M in Youth Sports Injury Prevention & Treatment
The Fight For Children Sports Medicine Center at Children’s National Hospital provides world-class sports medicine care to young athletes, regardless of their ability to pay. This permanent community asset ensures kids can play safely and heal properly.
- State-of-the-art injury prevention and treatment
- Accessible care for underserved youth athletes
- Sports physicals and wellness programs
- Partnership with Children’s National Hospital
DC Youth Sports Fund
When sports reach every child, they spark lasting change that strengthens generations.
The DC Youth Sports Fund powers this vision by investing in youth and mobilizing a region-wide movement to ensure every young person in the DC metropolitan area can access the benefits of sport.
$15M
Goal by 2030
70%
Kids drop out by age 13
33pt
Racial participation gap in DC
The Fund provides grants, capacity building, research, and advocacy support to organizations working to ensure every child in DC has the chance to discover, access, and thrive through sport.
Why youth sports matter
Sports aren’t just recreation, they’re a lifeline that builds healthier, more confident, and more successful young people.
Academic Success
Student-athletes graduate at 98% vs. 88% of non-athletes. Athletes score up to 40% higher on standardized tests.
Mental Health
Active youth report significantly lower rates of depression, anxiety, and risky behavior.
Life Skills
Sports teach discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership—skills that last a lifetime.
Programs & Events
Beyond our core initiatives, we create moments that rally our community and celebrate the power of sports.
YOUTH SPORTS DAY
Over 2,000 kids and families join our annual back-to-school celebration, connecting with free, high-quality afterschool sports programs and sharing in the joy of community across DC.
Youth Sports Town Hall
Our ongoing Town Hall series gathers private, public, and nonprofit leaders to share insights, build connections, and strengthen our collective commitment to youth through sports.
Support Our Initiatives
Your contribution fuels the programs that open doors, build capacity, and create lasting change for DC’s youth.