PHILADELPHIA. — Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson, and State Representatives Jordan A. Harris and Jason Dawkins were joined by coaches, athletes, and cheerleaders to share details about a historic $3 million investment in youth sports and services aimed at violence prevention under Mayor’s «One Philly Budget.» The budget allocates $300,000 to assist the football and cheerleading teams with travel expenses. The funding is timely since the teams begin their travels to their National Championship this week.
«Philadelphia, we are responsible for ensuring our children are equipped with the tools necessary for success. It is up to us to make sure our children are surrounded by positive mentors, coaches, and leaders that will aid positive development because, as we all know, it takes a village,» said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “That is why I made this $3 million a priority in my One Philly Budget and will continue to make sure these activities are well funded moving forward.”
Today’s announcement of the first $1 million in a series of investments into Philadelphia youth sports programs includes:
- Over $300,000 to support the youth football and cheer teams to make sure they get to their national tournaments, with additional funds available for championship qualifiers in other sports as their seasons get underway.
- Helping to reduce the financial burden of these experiences on parents and caregivers and neighborhood organizations, and make sure every deserving child gets their chance at a championship.
- Resupplying our Parks & Recreation centers with over $250,000 in quality new equipment so staff and community members can lead great programs.
- Committing $450,000 to the Philadelphia Youth Sports Fund to provide grants year-round to help organizations across the city in every sport pay for registration, equipment, coaching, travel or whatever financial challenges they have.
Those to receive this funding entail 28 teams from 9 organizations throughout the city, including:
- The Blackhawks Athletic Club, three cheer teams, and six football teams from ages 8-13 years old
- The Oak Lane Lady Wildcats, five cheer teams from ages 8-16 years old
- The Uptown Warriors, four cheer teams from ages 5-16 years-old
- The North Philly Aztecs, four cheer teams from ages 8-16 years-old
- The Frankford Chargers, one football team, and one dance team, both 8 years old
- The Sturgis Hornets, a 7 years-old and under football team
- The City Youth Association Gators, a 14 years-old and under football team
- Germantown Elite, a 6 years-old and under football team
- The Kensington Ravens, a 12-16 years-old cheer team
“I want to thank the mayor because when we found out we were going to nationals, I asked myself where we were going to get the money from, and someone said the mayor got something for you,” said Donald Richardson, Executive Director, North Philly Blackhawks. “I told myself, we’re going to get there, and the City is seeing that we get there.”
“This is a little special for me because we have been fundraising and doing this from the muscle for years, without the support,” said Kimberly Jamison, Cheer Coordinator, The Oak Lane Lady Wildcats. “We are eternally grateful and appreciative of the leadership and vision of Mayor Parker. This grant will help us expand our program, enabling more youth athletes to develop skills, build confidence, and foster teamwork.”
This funding is part of a comprehensive plan to increase youth engagement across the city with special attention on building safe spaces, a sense of community, and access to training, education, resources, and connections. The program will target all youth sports, with Mayor Parker committing $450,000 to The Philadelphia Youth Sports Fund, which provides grants year-round to help organizations across the City, in every sport, pay for registration, equipment, coaching, travel, or whatever financial challenges they have. Grants will be available year-round, with the first application window opening this week. The Fund is powered by the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative led by Executive Director Beth Devine, in partnership with the City’s Philadelphia City Fund as the fiscal sponsor.
«This funding is more than just the funding of sports and athletics,» said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Parks and Recreation. «It is an investment in our children — it’s about allowing opportunities for life lessons to be learned. To teach our youth about defeat and strength, teamwork, conflict resolution, disappointment, stick-to-itiveness — all lessons of resiliency they will carry for a lifetime.»
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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and management of 500 recreation buildings, 166 miles of trail, and 250 playgrounds. PPR offers safe, enjoyable recreation, environmental and cultural programs and events throughout Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. More than 3,000 full-time and seasonal employees proudly serve Philly residents every day, ensuring the department remains a modern, equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system. Visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
