Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative is proud to forge strategic citywide partnerships that amplify our impact and reach across communities.
By working closely with essential stakeholders, we pool resources, exchange knowledge, and enhance access to youth sports programs. These partnerships enable us to collectively address the diverse needs of Philadelphia’s youth, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment that transcends boundaries, leading to enduring, transformative impact.
PPR collaborates with PYSC to establish a citywide youth sports network, focusing on accessibility, program evaluation, and career development.
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) manages over 150 parks and 170 recreational spaces, providing accessible programs, services, and spaces for all Philadelphians. In 2023, PYSC and PPR formalized a partnership to create an innovative, multi-year plan for a citywide youth sports network. This comprehensive plan aims to address gaps in access and service delivery by thoroughly assessing PPR’s assets, existing programs, and developing career pathways through training and resources.
The citywide plan includes:
Creation of the PPR Director of Youth Sports position
Comprehensive assessment PPR facilities and resources
Comprehensive assessment of existing youth sports available through PPR
Curriculum, equipment, and outcome measurement for all PPR programs
PYSC membership for all PPR permit holders inclusive of capacity building services, coach education, and network building opportunities.
Development of an operational plan to address gaps in access or service delivery
PYSC has partnered with the SDP to launch an intramural sports program, expanding access to co-curricular activities for students.
The School District of Philadelphia
Since 2019, PYSC has partnered with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) to launch and support the intramural sports program, guided by the SDP office of athletics and after school enrichment. The program aims to enhance after-school offerings by introducing students to new sports and physical fitness activities, fostering new relationships within the school community. Intramural sports coaches, who are SDP staff, play a crucial role in the program’s success. They receive comprehensive training in sports-based youth development, along with support for practices and program planning. Additionally, coaches and participating schools are provided with equipment, sports and social-emotional learning curriculum, outcome measurement tools, and a seasonal stipend.
Through this partnership, intramural sports has been implemented in over 35 schools and will continue to expand with the ongoing support of PYSC and the School District. The goal is to ensure that all students have access to co-curricular activities that support both healthy physical and mental development.
PYSC has partnered with the CHJS to provide comprehensive coach education courses.
The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport
The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC) has partnered with the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport (CHJS) to provide comprehensive coach education courses rooted in sports youth development, trauma-informed coaching, and the brain science of sport. This collaboration leverages CHJS’s expertise to deliver impactful training, and together, we have successfully trained over 1,000 coaches throughout Philadelphia, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of youth sports programs across the city.
PYSC is a founding member of the CSEq, aiming to promote nationwide sport equity in youth sports through support and advocacy.
Coalition for Sports Equity
The Coalition for Sport Equity (CSEq) is a nationwide collective of city and regional organizations dedicated to promoting sport, physical activity, and play. Established in the early months of the pandemic, CSEq serves as a learning hub for organizations striving to increase equity and enhance the quality of youth sports. As a founding member, PYSC embraces the CSEq mission of empowering local communities to drive positive change in youth sports. PYSC supports and advocates for organizations providing direct service programming, both locally and nationally, aiming to renew the youth sports sector with a focus on well-being, healthy development, and equity.
GPEC aims to enhance out-of-school time programs in Philadelphia, advocating for support of initiatives and securing federal funds.
The Greater Philadelphia Extracurricular Collaborative
The Greater Philadelphia Extracurricular Collaborative’s (GPEC) mission is to improve social, academic, physical, and behavioral outcomes for children by enhancing the quality and reach of out-of-school time (OST) and extracurricular programs in the Greater Philadelphia region. During the pandemic, traditional funders and providers united to gain access to resources, forming a coalition of volunteers. This volunteer leadership team focuses on OST programs and is currently advocating for the City of Philadelphia to establish an intermediary to support these initiatives. Their efforts include pushing for federal funds, improving communication and transparency with providers, and creating a centralized hub for OST resources.
Partner with PYSC
If you are passionate about making a difference in youth sports access and equity in Philadelphia, please consider joining our movement and becoming part of the change.