Developing Youth Sports Programs in the Near South Chicago Neighborhoods
This project's parent organization is Near South Youth Association (NSYA)
It operates in United States
It uses Multiple sports
More about Developing Youth Sports Programs in the Near South Chicago Neighborhoods
The Near South Neighborhoods have recently developed into a diverse community of young families in Chicago. The area was previously a warehouse district without park district facilities or youth programs available for the growing community. A few energetic parents sought to establish these much needed youth sport programs starting with soccer and expanding to the current offerings. The Near South Neighborhoods are socioeconomically and ethnically diverse. By utilizing youth sports as a motivator, families have joined together for a common goal and the community has been energized into developing even further expanded facilities and programs for their youth.
The social issues that have been addressed include childhood obesity and inactivity and gang violence among our youth. Community youth programs offer opportunities for families. State budget cuts have eliminated many schools extracurricular programs which ultimately lead to inactivity and idle time.
They address the issues of gang violence and childhood obesity by keeping kids active in a positive environment utilizing the once unused and abandoned parks. The various sports programs along with the NSYA have involved the schools, park facilities, alderman, community groups, churches and local businesses with one goal: providing youth sports programs for all in the community.