COMING TOGETHER IN CHICAGO – SEPTEMBER IN-PERSON GATHERING
Coalition leaders from across the country spent two days together in Chicago last September, and there's a lot to be excited about. We reviewed research data, talked about the importance of storytelling, and set priorities for next year - all with a clear focus on systems change and centering youth most often left out of sports.
What happened:
Looked at findings from 60+ interviews across dozens of coalitions to see what's working and what needs to shift
Got real about challenges and best practices for how to tell our story better, capturing not just the visible wins but the relationship-building and trust-work that makes change possible
Collaboratively set 2026 priorities, leaning into systems change approaches and how to reach kids furthest from resources.
The conversations from those two days are already rippling out across coalitions - showing up in advocacy campaigns, new partnerships, and deeper work with community organizations.
Read more about our gathering here.
SYSTEMS CHANGE FRAMEWORKS – ASHOKA WHITE PAPERS NOW AVAILABLE
We're excited to share three white papers that help get us closer to a shared language for systems change in youth sport. Developed through a collaboration with Ashoka Sport for Changemaking, these papers come from conversations with funders, practitioners, and community leaders formed into an Action Team over the summer.
Here's what they cover:
Executive Summary - High level summary
White Paper #1 – Digs into the root problems and systems keeping kids out of sports, setting a foundation for understanding the deeper barriers we're tackling.
White Paper #2 – Distinguishes between direct service work (the immediate programs and coaching) and systems actions (shifting policy, narratives, and how decisions get made), and why we need both.
White Paper #3 – Offers practical strategies for implementing systems change in your local context.
Access all papers here.
