Troubled and/or underprivileged children are often left without direction, and often lead lives that lack meaning or purpose. Sports programs have been created all over the country to help with these issues, spreading the message that hard work, a "team first" attitude, integrity and a goal-oriented mindset are invaluable assets in all areas of life.
Baseball
Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, a program presented by the KPMG corporation, has four separate co-ed baseball and softball leagues for age groups ranging from 6 to 18, operating in over 200 cities worldwide. Also known as RBI, the program has been around since 1989 and is administered by the MLB. Fees to join vary from city to city.
Inner City Sports Little League was founded in 2003. The program is based out of Brooklyn, New York, and offers co-ed baseball, softball and tee ball for kids aged 4 to 14. Designed to help children overcome the challenges of urban life, the program requires all members to participate in off-field educational activities. Fees vary depending on age, ranging from $70 to $90.
Basketball
Inner City Players Basketball was established in Portland, Oregon in 1997; their message is to "use the game of basketball as a motivational vehicle for inner city youth to dream." Teaming up with local schools and educational programs, they focus on excelling on the court as well as in the classroom. Also known as ICP, they boast a 98 percent high school completion rate, and as of 2010 over 200 program graduates have gone on to pursue a college education. Ages range from as young as under 10 to as old as 17, and fees vary based on age group.
Skills For Life Basketball Academy is a summer day camp based out of Peoria, Illinois. It serves children from ages 9 and 14, and was founded in 2008. Their core values are teamwork, integrity and respect with a focus on teaching positive life skills that children can use on and off the court. Fees are $150 per child as of 2010.
Football
American Youth Football & Cheer is sponsored by the sports equipment manufacturer Under Armour. It is the fastest growing youth organization in America. Founded in 1996, as of 2010 it has over 600 members in leagues across the globe. Their goal is to teach good sportsmanship, teamwork and the importance of academics off the field. They offer co-ed programs for ages ranging from 5 to 16 for both football and cheerleading. Fees vary based on age group and location.
Snoop Youth Football League, founded in 2004 by platinum recording artist Snoop Dogg, makes possible for children all over the country from ages 5 to 13 to play football at a low cost. Players are only allowed to participate if they keep with strict academic requirements, and respect themselves and others off the field. There are more than 3,500 players nationwide. Fees vary depending on age and location.
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