Insights and Reflection from The Project Play Summit
We recently had the opportunity to attend the Project Play Summit in Baltimore, MD which brings together a diverse group of individuals and organizations committed to making a positive impact in youth sports. Being new to this space, our goals for attending the conference were:
- Gain a broader understanding of the issues and challenges in youth sports from various perspectives
- Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to changing the landscape of youth sports
- Understand fundraising strategies for public and privately funded youth sports focused community service organizations
Day One: Inspiration and Engagement
Our journey began with picking up our badges at the event hotel. From there, we hopped on a bus to the Under Armour House at Fayette. This one-of-a-kind facility is a testament to the power of partnerships, having been developed by Under Armour in collaboration with The Living Classrooms Foundation. The facility’s unique learning environments provide equitable access to education, workforce, health, and wellness opportunities, helping individuals achieve their goals and build stronger, healthier communities.
The basketball gym at the facility had been transformed into an exhibit space, hosting six community organizations dedicated to equity, inclusion, and access in youth sports. We visited each table, engaging in enlightening conversations with community leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs. Their innovative ideas and approaches to overcoming challenges in youth sports were truly inspiring.
Before leaving the gym, we had a memorable opportunity to share our thoughts on the role of parents in youth sports with USA Today. It was an amazing moment to highlight the importance of parental involvement and support in youth sports. Check out our Co-Founder, Keith Kostka featured in the USA Today Sports video.
Welcome Address and Panel Discussions
Next, we moved to the athletic field for the Welcome Address by Tom Farrey, the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute's Sports and Society Program. His insights into the current state of youth sports and his vision for change were both inspiring and thought-provoking.
The day continued with panel discussions featuring Baltimore-area Icons. Orioles Iron Man Cal Ripken shared lessons on perseverance and his unique experience growing up with a baseball legend for a dad. Former Ravens wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl Champion Torrey Smith emphasized the importance of providing safe places for kids to play and discussed the amazing work he is doing with foundation Level82 . We also heard directly from local young athletes, gaining firsthand understanding of their needs and experiences.
Although the Baltimore Orioles game was rained out, the first day of the conference was undeniably a win!
Day Two: Deepening Connections and Learning
Opening Remarks at Johns Hopkins
Day two started with opening remarks on the Johns Hopkins campus. Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armour, discussed his commitment to rebuilding Baltimore through various sports initiatives. In a conversation with Greg Olsen, Plank shared valuable lessons learned from his efforts to revitalize the city.
Panel Discussions and Breakout Sessions
We attended two insightful panel discussions—one on health equity in youth sports and another on the benefits of increasing youth sports participation rates from 54% to 63%. These discussions provided valuable perspectives on how to create more inclusive and accessible sports programs.
The breakout sessions and panel discussions that followed were more personal and allowed us to make meaningful connections with other changemakers. These interactions underscored the importance of partnerships and collaboration.
Address by Governor Wes Moore
Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered a powerful speech on how his administration is supporting and organizing youth sports for positive change. His commitment to improving youth sports infrastructure and accessibility was truly inspiring.
Key Takeaways
After the event, our team came back together that night to discuss our biggest takeaways and came up with the following.
- Keep it Fun: One of the most important messages we took away from the conference is the need to keep youth sports fun. Ensuring that young athletes enjoy their experiences is crucial for maintaining their participation and enthusiasm.
- Fundraising and Cost of Operations: Managing the costs of operations and fundraising remains a significant challenge for community organizations. It’s essential to develop sustainable funding strategies to support these vital programs.
- Partnerships and Connectivity: The desire for collaboration among individuals and organizations was evident throughout the conference. We need to explore ways to facilitate easier and more effective partnerships to amplify our collective impact.
In conclusion, the conference was an enriching experience that provided us with new insights, valuable connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. We are excited to apply what we’ve learned to further our mission of supporting youth sports and creating positive change in our communities. A big shoutout to Aspen Institute Sports & Society for such an impactful event.