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MUNDELEIN, IL—Mundelein Park & Recreation District is excited to announce it has been selected as one of 10 park and recreation agencies to receive funding through a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Nike partnership to increase access to youth sports for all. The Increasing Access to Youth Sports Community of Practice initiative works to increase access to youth sports for all, ensuring that girls can fully experience the physical, mental and social benefits that sports provide.
Through a commitment to creating play opportunities for everyone, NRPA is empowering local park and recreation agencies to lead the way in closing the gap for girls in youth sports. As a grantee, Mundelein Park & Recreation District will receive funding to launch a Girls Flag Football League for participants grades K-3rd grade and participate in professional development opportunities and peer networking to implement strategies that increase access and participation in sports for girls in Mundelein and surrounding Lake County.
“Thanks to this wonderful opportunity from NRPA and Nike, we’re launching a Girls Flag Football League for girls in grades K–3 this spring. The goals are to create a fun, supportive, and equitable introduction to youth sports for families in Mundelein and surrounding Lake County communities, and to increase girls’ participation in youth sports and women’s representation in coaching,” said Kyle Berg, Director of Recreation and Facilities of Mundelein Park & Recreation District. “Grant funding will help cover equipment, uniforms, training for coaches and mentors, and address financial barriers to participation. Fifty percent financial assistance is offered for participants that qualify for Mundelein Parks Foundation’s recreational scholarship program.”
The league will be led by volunteer coaches, with a focus on recruiting women and members of local high school flag football programs. All coaches will receive USA Football training and educational resources to ensure a positive experience for all.
Practices and games will take place at Keith Mione Community Park. A key part of the program is high school mentorship. High school girls will serve as role models and mentors, helping younger athletes build skills and confidence while also gaining leadership experience as future coaches and officials.
For more information about the Girls Flag Football League, visit https://www.mundeleinparks.org/programs/youth-sports/flag-football/ . If you are interested in coaching, please contact Patrick Teehan, Athletic Supervisor at pteehan@mundeleinparks.org.
NRPA is leading a nationwide effort to increase access for all in youth sports, sharing impactful stories of girls and women in sports along the way. The District will contribute to this work by piloting new practices, using new resources like Get Her in the Game: A Playbook for Park and Recreation Leaders and sharing its experiences as part of a collaborative learning community.
Mundelein Park & Recreation District is proud to join this initiative and looks forward to empowering the next generation of female athletes and coaches in Mundelein.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters — the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, environmental resilience, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.
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