The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC) is more than just an organization; it is the backbone of a transformative movement dedicated to providing every child in Philadelphia with access to quality youth sports programs.
Serving as a coordinating body, PYSC unites over 95 organizations that collectively work to ensure all young people in our city have the opportunity to participate in sports programs, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What is a Backbone Organization?
A backbone organization plays a critical role in collective impact efforts—a structured approach to achieving large-scale social change through collaboration. Backbone organizations are essential for bringing together diverse stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of community needs, and providing the capacity to address those needs effectively. Organizations like PYSC lead coordinated efforts, ensuring that all participating entities work in harmony toward a common goal.
2018 PYSC TASK FORCE REPORT
The Report of the Philadelphia Task Force on Sports-Based Youth Development.
Building a System to Provide Sports-Based Youth Development for all of Philadelphia’s Children.
PYSC’s Role as a Backbone Organization
PYSC embodies the essence of a backbone organization by:
Coordination and Leadership
- Central Hub: PYSC acts as the central hub, orchestrating efforts across numerous youth sports providers, schools, community centers, and other stakeholders.
- Unified Vision: We lead the charge in creating a unified vision for youth sports in Philadelphia, ensuring all partners align their efforts toward common objectives.
Research and Evaluation
- Impact Measurement: PYSC collects and analyzes data to measure the impact of youth sports programs, identifying areas for improvement and demonstrating the value of our collective efforts.
- Continuous Improvement: We use this data to inform strategies and drive continuous improvement across all member organizations.
Building Capacity
- Resource Sharing: PYSC facilitates the sharing of resources, knowledge, and best practices among its member organizations, helping them enhance their programs and reach more children.
- Training and Development: We offer training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities to empower coaches, referees, staff, and volunteers across the network.
Strategic Partnerships
- Collaborative Efforts: PYSC fosters strategic partnerships with schools, local government, nonprofits, and businesses to leverage additional resources and create a more comprehensive support system for youth sports.
- Collective Impact: Through these partnerships, we amplify our collective impact, ensuring that every child has access to the benefits of sports—physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, and social and emotional growth.
Advocacy and Policy
- Policy Advocacy: PYSC advocates for policies that eliminate barriers to youth sports participation, promoting equity and inclusion for all children.
- Community Engagement: We engage with community leaders, policymakers, and the public to raise awareness about the importance of youth sports and the challenges faced by our communities.
The Impact of PYSC’s Backbone Role
By serving as the backbone of the youth sports movement in Philadelphia, PYSC ensures that efforts are not duplicated and resources are used efficiently. Our coordinated approach allows us to address the unique needs of different communities, tailoring programs to achieve maximum impact.
Through our work, thousands of children in Philadelphia gain access to sports programs that enrich their lives, improve their health, and build their futures. PYSC’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility ensures that no child is left out, regardless of socioeconomic status, ability, or gender.
Together with the support of our member organizations, partners and funders, PYSC is building a brighter, more active future for Philadelphia’s youth. We invite you to join us in this vital movement and help us continue to champion the power of sports to transform lives and communities.