By Shannon Gunby, Executive Director, The On Deck Circle

Philadelphia is undeniably a sports city. From the roar of the crowd at Citizens Bank Park to the sea of green on game day for the Eagles, sports pulse through our streets, our neighborhoods, and our culture. But for too many young people in Philly, the chance to play sports doesn’t come as easily as buying a ticket or joining a neighborhood team. While our city is rich in sports tradition, there are still deep equity gaps when it comes to youth access, especially in under-resourced communities.

At The On Deck Circle, we believe every child should have the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive through sport, no matter their zip code, family income, or prior experience. And we’re not just talking about competition. We’re talking about connection, character-building, and the simple joy of being part of something bigger than yourself. Unfortunately, for many families in Philadelphia, barriers like lack of equipment, limited field space, unaffordable league fees, and the absence of trained coaches make access to sports feel out of reach.

Across much of the country, youth sports have shifted into a pay-to-play system. Philly is no exception. This setup leaves many Black and Brown youth, along with families living paycheck to paycheck, without a path into meaningful athletic experiences. The impact stretches far beyond the field. Kids miss out on chances to build confidence, learn teamwork, and develop lifelong healthy habits.

That’s where The On Deck Circle comes in. We are committed to breaking down these barriers by bringing free, inclusive, and high-energy Quickball programs to neighborhoods across the city. We supply all the equipment, train local coaches and volunteers, and work with rec centers, schools, and community groups to make it easy for kids to show up and play.

Our Quickball model makes baseball more engaging, more inclusive, and more fun. It focuses on teamwork, energy, and accessibility. We’ve seen what happens when a kid picks up a bat and ball for the first time: their eyes light up, they find confidence, and they feel like they belong. We’ve also seen how programs like these can help reclaim public spaces, support working families, and build communities where all kids feel seen and celebrated.

But we cannot do this alone. Closing the equity gap in youth sports takes more than a one-time investment. It requires real commitment—to the coaches, the families, the community partners, and the kids themselves. It means listening, showing up, and doing the work side by side.

Philly has the heart of a champion. Let’s make sure we’re putting that heart to work where it matters most: on the playgrounds, blacktops, and ballfields where kids are still waiting for their chance to play. At The On Deck Circle, we’re not just coaching games. We’re opening doors, creating connections, and building something real. One swing at a time.