ESPN Teams Up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Increase Youth Sports Access Nationwide
Press Release
ATLANTA – (March 21, 2025) — Boys & Girls Clubs of America and ESPN have teamed up to increase access to sports for young people in communities across the country. Building upon ESPN’s longstanding commitment to breaking down barriers to entry in youth sports, this initiative will support the organization’s ALL STARS programming, expanding upon the more than 2.3 million kids across the country who have the opportunity to participate in team sports through their local Boys & Girls Club.
Unlike other youth sports programs, ALL STARS, is a youth-development-based curriculum that prioritizes participation, inclusion, and long-term development over winning and gaining sport-specific skills. The partnership will also include events and competitions to complement the programming, making the idea of playing sports more accessible for Boys & Girls Club members.
“We are thrilled to partner with ESPN, a company that shares our commitment to youth development and creating positive impact. This partnership will provide young people with unique opportunities to experience the power of sports, guided by trained coaches and leveraging the incredible resources and reach of ESPN,” said Chad Hartman, National Director of Corporate Partnership & Engagement at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“ESPN is committed to providing access to sports for youth, especially for those who have fewer opportunities to participate,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “As part of our newly launched youth sports initiative, we’re proud to team up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help youth take back sports so they can realize the incredible fun, happiness and life skills that sports brings.”
Additionally, this partnership will support training and development of Boys & Girls Club staff and coaches through community partner programs, foundational youth development and trauma-informed training for coaches to enhance the sports experience for young people served by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“Spending time at my Boys & Girls Club as a kid, I gained so much more than just a passion for sports – I learned about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of giving back,” said Michael Collins, senior golf analyst at ESPN and Boys & Girls Club alumnus. “ESPN has been a huge part of my life and career, and I’ve seen firsthand their commitment to supporting young athletes. So, now seeing these two organizations, which are both so meaningful to me, come together to give more kids access to sports – it’s incredibly exciting.”
To stay updated on our partnership and learn more about the sports programming offered at Boys & Girls Clubs near you visit Sports & Recreation – Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplift the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use the power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets.
Media Contacts
Eliza Lynch
Director of Public Relations
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
203-522-7010
elynch@bgca.org
