Celebrating the Heart of Youth Sports: Coach Appreciation Month
By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 22, 2025
Every October, Coach Appreciation Month gives us a chance to pause and honor the individuals who dedicate their time, energy and heart to shaping the next generation through sports.
Beyond the Sidelines: Every Girl Deserves Her Chance to Play, Grow and Lead
By Brian McFadden and Michael Vaughan Cherubin | Posted on August 29, 2025
As part of this year’s pre-conference offerings at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, NRPA is excited to join with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to bring you “Beyond the Sidelines: Elevating Girls' Participation in Park and Rec Sports.”
Back to School, Back to Belonging: How Park and Recreation Professionals Can Be Anchors for Youth This Fall
By Lisa Perry | Posted on August 14, 2025
Whether you’re overseeing afterschool programs, leading teen nights, coaching youth sports, or coordinating seasonal events, you’re likely one of the most consistent adult figures in a young person’s life outside of school and home.
Expanding Youth Soccer Participation with MLS GO
By Teresa Morrissey | Posted on July 18, 2025
NRPA is excited to partner with Major League Soccer (MLS) and RCX Sports to expand MLS GO, a recreational youth soccer program designed to increase access to soccer for boys and girls ages 4-14 in communities nationwide.
A Decade of Impact: Celebrating 10 Years of the Swoosh Summer Academy in Chicago
By Allison Colman | Posted on July 8, 2025
The Chicago Park District, the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, and Nike recently came together to celebrate a powerful milestone: 10 years of the Swoosh Summer Academy.
Why Coach Training Matters More Than Ever in Parks and Recreation
By Brian McFadden | Posted on May 23, 2025
Across the country, park and recreation departments are where many kids experience their first coach, their first team, their first taste of what sports can be. But too often, volunteers are handed a whistle and a roster — without the support they need to thrive.
Have You Heard? NRPA’s Youth Sports Framework Just Launched!
By Rosa Riley | Posted on February 26, 2025
We hope you’re ready to dive into all the great content and resources NRPA's new Youth Sports Framework contains. Here are five things you can expect to find.
Youth Sports: If She Can See It, She Can Be It — Episode 166
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on February 25, 2025
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day 2025: Lead Her Forward
By Brian McFadden | Posted on January 31, 2025
On Wednesday, February 5, we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a powerful reminder that girls and women belong in every aspect of sports. Here's how you can get involved.