Philly wants more community sports programs for kids. What’s lacking? Dedicated coaches.
As more kids increasingly flock to for-profit programs, community coaches are disappearing. A trend the city hopes to reverse by partnering with programs training teens to become the next generation.
The Octavius Catto Baseball League was founded in 2025 to provide entry-level baseball opportunities for youth ages 6-12. The city says it needs more coaches in leagues like this to combat kids going to for-profit organizations.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata Named 2026 Montgomery-Wanamaker Citizen Award Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata Named 2026
Montgomery-Wanamaker Citizen Award Recipient
PHILADELPHIA (March 10, 2026)— The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative today named Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata the 2026 Montgomery-Wanamaker Citizen Award recipient, marking a new chapter for one of the city’s most historic civic sports honors.
PYSC will present the award May 20, 2026, at the Philadelphia Sports Legacy Honors at the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center. The formal celebration will bring together leaders from professional sports, business, philanthropy and civic life to recognize excellence rooted in character, leadership and service.
The Montgomery-Wanamaker Citizen Award honors individuals whose influence extends beyond athletic achievement to measurable civic impact in Philadelphia. Mailata’s selection reinforces the award’s renewed focus on athletes who embrace the responsibility that comes with representing the city.
Since arriving in Philadelphia, Mailata has invested time and resources in youth initiatives, participated in outreach across neighborhoods and supported charitable efforts throughout the region. His sustained engagement with young people reflects the values at the heart of the award.
“Jordan embodies what this award stands for,” said Beth Devine, executive director of the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative. “His leadership extends far beyond the field. He has shown up for young people, for neighborhoods and for this city. As we carry this tradition forward, Jordan represents the standard of service and integrity we seek to honor.”
Mailata said the recognition reflects the responsibility he feels representing Philadelphia.
“Philadelphia has given me so much — belief, support and a sense of home,” Mailata said. “To be recognized in the name of leaders who helped shape this city means a great deal to me. I’ve always felt that representing Philadelphia comes with responsibility, especially to young people watching. If I can play a small part in helping them see what’s possible, that’s what matters most.”
The Philadelphia Sports Legacy Honors celebrates civic leadership in sport while directing that legacy forward. Proceeds from the event will support the Philly Youth Sports Fund, a grantmaking initiative that invests directly in neighborhood-based youth sports organizations across the city and expands access to opportunity, mentorship and safe places to play.
Additional program details and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Steven Giannino-Malatesta, PhD
Director of Communications
Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative
sgiannino@pysc.org
609-922-0059
Jordan Mailata wins first Montgomery-Wanamaker Citizens Award, which now bears the name of the late Phillies chairman
After 65 years of honoring athletes, organizations, and teams for their on-field success, the John Wanamaker Athletic Award is entering its next chapter — and it’s bringing a new legacy with it.
The newly renamed Montgomery-Wanamaker Citizens Award pays tribute to both Wanamaker and former Phillies president, the late David Montgomery.
As part of the change, the award — which was previously presented to “the athlete, team or organization which has done the most to reflect credit upon Philadelphia and to the team or sport in which they excel” — will now focus more on athletes’ off-field accomplishments. It will honor recipients’ work in their communities and their love for the city.
This year, that’s Jordan Mailata. The Eagles offensive tackle will be the first to receive the Montgomery-Wanamaker Citizens Award, in recognition of his work with The Philly Specials.