How can we get more kids to play sports? Here's Little League's answer
Little League and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are partnering to create more baseball and softball access. Here's what it means for your kid.
In the early 1960s, Patrick Wilson and Lorraine Orr both grew up playing sports in rural communities, with the former becoming the CEO of Little League International and the latter becoming the COO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The organizations have partnered to make sports more accessible for kids, particularly in light of rising costs and digital distractions.
The partnership will begin with 25-30 pilot programs in the 2027 season, aiming to create pathways for club members to play baseball and softball through local Little League programs. Orr notes that there is a "90% match" between where Boys & Girls Clubs and Little League programs are located.
Boys & Girls Clubs will gain access to more facilities and equipment, while Little League will cross-promote its programs to interested club members. The organizations will work together to promote these opportunities and provide needed equipment or finances to support the pilots.
Orr envisions the partnership expanding the number of Boys & Girls Clubs from 5,500 to 10,000, and increasing youth sports participation from 600,000 to 1 million. The coaching for these programs will be provided by volunteers, with Little League relying almost entirely on volunteer coaches.
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