TeamSnap & Beyond Sport Announce New Return to Play Fund Grantees

July 21, 2023 

Beyond Sport is proud to announce TeamSnap, the all-in-one youth sports app on a mission to make youth sports accessible and equitable across the US, as the latest Funding Partner of our Return to Play Fund (RTPF) co-founded with ESPN.

Established in 2009 in Boulder, Colorado, TeamSnap is committed to making an impact in local communities by increasing access to quality sports programs for young athletes at all stages of their lives. Encompassing coaches, administrators, volunteers, sports parents and players, TeamSnap Impact is focused on breaking down barriers to youth participation in sports in the US and making it possible for all to participate.

In response to the substantial social, economic, health and access to play disparities in Black and Brown communities - which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic - Beyond Sport and multimedia sports entertainment leader, ESPN, created the Fund in 2021 to use sport to promote youth mental and physical wellbeing, address racial inequities and increase access to safe facilities for recreation. Guided by an Expert Advisory Council of specialists in public health and trauma-informed responses, diversity, equity and inclusion and youth sports programming, the collaborative RTPF supports nonprofit community sport organizations that are not only dedicated to getting young people of color moving again, but also in providing them with guidance and opportunities to grow, succeed and be confident in their abilities.

"Collaboration, direct investment and intersectionality are key to creating equitable opportunities and access in local communities," said Fred Turner, Executive Director of Beyond Sport. “Through Beyond Sport's partnership with likeminded organizations, the Return to Play Fund has the ability to create genuine systemic change for marginalized youth, using a platform – sport – that has proven powerful in addressing society's most complex issues."

Through direct funding, policy development and technology grants, TeamSnap supports increased self-esteem, cognitive skills development, career success and improved mental health. With their support, we are excited to announce grants have been awarded to three community-based non-profits.

“TeamSnap Impact is thrilled to partner with Beyond Sport and to have the opportunity to directly impact these three organizations," said Lance Lee, Director of Community Impact at TeamSnap. "Our goal of increasing access to sport for kids aligns perfectly with the missions of the organizations we are supporting. We look forward to amplifying the great work that they are already doing and to continue making a difference in the communities that need assistance the most.”

Diverse in scale, approach and communities served, the recipients are all using sport with intention to positively impact Black and Brown communities:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC), Illinois: one of the oldest youth development organizations in Chicago, BGCC’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need them the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Serving thousands of youth annually at 24 Club locations across Chicago – ages five to 18 – BGCC works to equip members with emotional, educational, physical and cultural resources that allow them to enjoy their childhood and thrive in adulthood. 

• Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), California: serving more than 3,100 youth aged 6-24 in Central and South Central Los Angeles, HOLA helps young people overcome barriers through a comprehensive array of free after-school academic, arts, athletics and wellness programs provided within a trusted and nurturing environment. Since 1989, the non-profit has offered sports programming and opportunities for youth to realize their full potential.

• Inter Tribal Sports (ITS), California: reaching thousands of Native American kids from twenty-two different Tribes across Southern California, ITS works to unify tribal youth and communities through structured athletic programs with a strong foundation in Native culture, leadership and wellness. Its year-round coed sports programs and enrichment programs provide opportunities for its participants to build self-esteem, respect, acceptance and sportsmanship through fun, positive activities.

The grantees had the following to say about being part of the Return to Play Fund: 

"Becoming a RTPF partner and receiving support from Beyond Sport and TeamSnap means the world to our organization as it is going to help allow thousands of Native American kids the opportunity to play in our zero-cost sports leagues for another one year period," shared Inter-Tribal Sports, Inc. Executive Director, Isaiah Thompson.

“As an organization that started in 1902, our goal has always been to continue to grow BGCC, enabling us to serve as many youth as possible, especially those who need us most. Our supporters and partners like Beyond Sport and TeamSnap make everything we do possible,” stated Rollie Jones, Associate Director of Sports & Youth Leadership at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. “They give our Club members access to innovative programming and activities to help them achieve their goals and empower them to thrive and excel.” 

“Heart of Los Angeles is truly honored to be a Return to Play grantee. The youth that we serve so often lack access to athletics and play, in spite of the tremendous impact we know that play has on children's wellbeing,” said HOLA Chief Development Officer, Cristina Briskie-Wood. “At HOLA, we're trying to remove barriers to access and to provide safe spaces, caring mentors and quality play opportunities. We can only do this work through partnership, and to receive this funding from Beyond Sport and TeamSnap helps us move the needle forward.” 

TeamSnap employees will also be participating in volunteer activities with the organizations this summer. This week they had the opportunity to engage with the wonderful team and participants at HOLA.

The Return to Play Fund is supported by Founding Partners Beyond Sport and ESPN, Funding Partners The Pincus Family Foundation and TeamSnap and Media Sponsor SiriusXM. Visit our website for more information on the Fund and its capacity building, infrastructure and advocacy pillars, as well as for free digital resources for parents/guardians, coaches and youth. Partnership opportunities are available.