2025 TAKE BACK SPORTS IMPACT REPORT 14 ESPN has invested $5 million in organizations focused on the four pillars that will help remove the barriers to entry. Investments were targeted toward those that have the least amount of access, which often includes underserved communities. PHILANTHROPY PHILANTHROPY PHILANTHROPY ESPN has developed a comprehensive strategy to get kids into sports and then keep them in the system once they’re playing. ESPN activates Take Back Sports in three primary ways: 1 1 THE THE THE HOW HOW HOW 15 TakeBackSports.org LA Parks Foundation ESPN provided equipment, coaching resources and new sporting opportunities for 2,000 youth engaged through the Los Angeles parks system. Every Kid Sports Teaming up with Disney Jr., ESPN covered the registration fees (which can often be a barrier for participation) for 1,200 young kids trying out rec sports. Locations included Chicago, Fresno, Calif., Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh, N.C. and San Francisco. Special Olympics As the official sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports®, which pairs athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, ESPN has helped engage more than 181,000 Unified participants in the last year—a 15% year-over- year increase. USTA Foundation ESPN’s support has helped to grow National Junior Tennis League chapters in New York Metro, Los Angeles Metro and Florida, impacting more than 23,000 youth with no-or low-cost tennis, academic support and social and emotional learning opportunities. Women’s Sport Foundation As the founding partner of the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Sports 4 Life program, ESPN funds local community sports organizations that focus on getting underserved girls to play sports and build critical life skills, impacting 9,500 girls in the last year. Extra Yard for Teachers ESPN and the College Football Playoff Foundation teamed up to celebrate and help fund program supplies for teachers who serve the dual role as a coach, as part of the Extra Yard for Teachers program. National Recreation and Parks Association As part of the Million Coaches Challenge, ESPN worked with NRPA to train 9,300 coaches and parks professionals at local park and rec agencies on positive youth development and support social and emotional learning. Positive Coaching Alliance Through ESPN’s grant, Positive Coaching Alliance trained 5,800 coaches, serving over 88,000 youth in local community leagues in positive youth development best practices. COMMUNITY REC LEAGUES QUALITY COACHING
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.