Fostering Athletics

Program designed to support youth in foster care by using sports as a pathway to improve overall well-being while addressing real-life challenges. Foster youth often face significant barriers to participating in athletics, including financial limitations, lack of access to organized programs, transportation issues, and frequent placement changes. These obstacles can limit their ability to engage in experiences that promote growth and connection. In addition, the program creates space for youth to gain job readiness skills, including teamwork, leadership, accountability, time management, and responsibility skills that are essential for future employment and independence. By removing barriers and creating inclusive opportunities, Fostering Athletics aims to empower foster youth to succeed both on and off the field, strengthening their confidence, life skills, and overall well-being.

Who This Program Is For

Youth currently in foster care or transitioning out of the foster system
Ages 10–21, with programming adapted for different developmental stages
Youth who face limited access to sports or structured extracurricular activities
Individuals seeking supportive mentorship and skill-building opportunities

Key Focus Areas

Athletic Participation

Providing structured sports opportunities to develop physical health, teamwork, and discipline.

Life Skills Development

Mentorship integrated into programming to build leadership, responsibility, and social-emotional skills.

Job Readiness

Developing essential workplace skills such as time management, accountability, and collaboration.

Inclusion & Access

Removing barriers related to transportation, equipment, and program costs to ensure participation for all foster youth.

Mentorship & Support

Fostering consistent relationships with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and role modeling.

Participant Outcomes

Participants in Fostering Athletics can expect to:

Increase confidence and self-esteem
Develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills
Build social connections and sense of belonging
Improve physical fitness and health
Gain job readiness skills to prepare for employment and independence
Learn strategies for managing challenges, decision-making, and goal-setting

Program Formats

In-Person Sessions

Regular practices, workshops, and mentorship meetings at local sports facilities, schools, or community centers.

Workshops & Clinics

Focused skill-building sessions on leadership, communication, and job readiness.

Virtual Components

Online mentorship, workshops, and supplemental training for youth with transportation or scheduling barriers.

Special Events