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
Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative Secures Grant to Advance Youth Sports as a Tool for Safer Communities
PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 3, 2025) – The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC) has received a grant from the Office of Public Safety to leverage youth sports as a tool for building safer, thriving communities. This initiative aligns with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s vision to empower young people, disrupt cycles of violence and promote community well-being through collaboration.
Youth sports have long been a transformative force in Philadelphia, fostering leadership, inspiration and a sense of belonging for tens of thousands of children each year. Through this grant, PYSC will develop recommendations on how sports can create safe, supportive spaces for empowerment and healing, ensuring all youth, especially those in underserved communities, have access to its benefits.
“We know youth sports have the unique ability to create safe spaces, build strong relationships and inspire young people to reach their full potential,” said Dontae Privette, PYSC’s director of community engagement. “This grant allows us to deepen partnerships with community organizations, expand opportunities for youth and ensure every child has access to the resources they need to thrive.”
The funding will enable PYSC to convene sport-specific groups — including soccer, football, basketball and baseball — where providers will share best practices to better support youth and families. PYSC will also offer trauma-informed coach training, healing-centered strategies and conflict resolution tools to better equip providers working in neighborhoods most affected by systemic inequities.
“This grant is a powerful opportunity to unite Philadelphia’s youth sports ecosystem in a shared effort to build stronger, safer communities,” Privette said. “By investing in the potential of our young people and the power of sports, we are ensuring a pathway to resilience, hope and opportunity for every child in Philadelphia.”
For more information about this release, or PYSC, please contact Steven Giannino-Malatesta at Sgiannino@pysc.org
###
About Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC)
The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC) unites more than 110 organizations delivering sports-based youth development programs to over 100,000 children annually. PYSC fosters equitable access and inclusion, ensuring every child can experience the transformative power of sports.
DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE
Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative to Host PYSC Summit: Sports and Mental Health at Lincoln Financial Field
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 2, 2024) – The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC) will host the 2024 PYSC Summit: Sports and Mental Health on Nov. 19, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field. The event will bring together athletes, experts, and practitioners to address the critical intersection of sports and mental health.
The Summit will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring conversations with a dynamic group of speakers:
Jameer Nelson, former NBA All-Star and current general manager of the Delaware Blue Coats.
Sinead Farrelly, former professional soccer player and outspoken advocate for athletes’ rights.
Ariana Ramsey, USA Rugby 7s National Team player and 2024 Olympic medalist.
Chris Therien, former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, author and current podcast host.
Attendees will also hear from an NFL panel featuring Dominique Curry and Tim Massaquoi, discussing the specific mental health challenges faced by football players.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a series of practitioner workshops will provide hands-on sessions designed to equip attendees with tools and strategies to support mental health in youth sports. The summit is honored to welcome representatives from all five major Philadelphia professional sports teams, making this event truly special. This level of collaboration underscores Philly’s commitment to advancing youth sports and mental health.
Beth Devine, executive director of PYSC, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “We are excited to bring experts, athletes, and coaches together for a meaningful discussion on this important topic. At PYSC, we know that sports support not just physical health, but mental and emotional health for young people. So we are proud to lead this conversation and continue working to improve out-comes for youth through sports,” Devine said.
Media requests should be directed to Steven Giannino-Malatesta at sgiannino@pysc.org.
For more information about registration, visit www.pyscsummit.com.
###
About the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC)
PYSC is committed to ensuring that every child in Philadelphia has access to quality sports
programs that contribute to their overall development. Through partnerships and initiatives like the
PYSC Summit, the organization continues to advocate for youth sports as a critical
component of the city’s future.
DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE
PYSC Partners with Parks and Rec for Citywide Swimwear Drive
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative are leading a citywide campaign to collect and distribute new swimwear and swim accessories for Philly’s youth. Our public pools will open soon, and we want to ensure our kids are suited up for the summer.
This summer, Parks & Rec, in partnership with Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative is collecting new swimwear and swim accessories at six sites. All donated bathing suits and accessories will be distributed to children at the City’s outdoor pools.