To Our Supporters,

As the summer days come to a close and classrooms open their doors to a new year, there’s a familiar spark in the air. That collective feeling of nervousness mixed with excitement is universal as we approach the first day of school. 

But as we welcome students back, we are holding onto a quiet, vital truth: for so many young people, school isn't just one of many places they can play—it is the only place.

Over the years, youth sports have continued to drift toward hyper-competitive leagues with prohibitive price tags. Somewhere along the way, sport and play shifted away from being focused on the joy that comes from sharing games with your community. The result is clear: millions of kids are simply walking away.

They aren't quitting because they don't love moving. They are quitting because sports stopped being fun.

Recent insights from the Aspen Institute’s National Youth Sports Survey and the National Institute for Play (NIFPlay) echoes what youth have been telling us year after year. High-stakes tournaments and competing for scholarships simply are not what the majority of what kids want out of sports. When asked what would bring them back to the game, they share a much simpler vision:

• They want to laugh and move with their friends.
• They want coaches who mentor their character, not just drill strategy.
• They want safe, low-pressure environments where everyone gets a chance to play, regardless of skill or income.

For those who need it the most, school programs are a lifeline. School is where they feel most comfortable trying a new sport, costs don't shut families out, and where young people find a sense of belonging.

At its core, play isn't a reward for good behavior. It’s a necessity, and we need to start treating it like one. 



This is where you come in.

As a community member invested in making Chicago a more equitable city for our youth, you hold the power to shape what this school year feels like for our youth.

By stepping up and supporting programs like ours, you are ensuring that:

• Schools remain vibrant havens for inclusive, low-stakes recreation that invites non-athletes off the sidelines.
• Coaches and educators are equipped with the tools to prioritize emotional safety, life skills, and mentorship over win-loss records.
• Every child, regardless of background, gets to experience the simple, transformative joy of play.

We need to make room for play and ensure it’s accessible to everyone.



Thank you for supporting us for the long run as we kick off a new school year. With your help, everyone can be a runner this year.



With gratitude,

Kyra Marcano

Executive Director