Baltimore has a rich history of developing its children and communities through sports – from the childhood of Babe Ruth to the proliferation of recreation centers in the 1960s and ‘70s, from the rise of decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to the basketball successes of Carmelo Anthony, Angel Reese and many others. The Aspen Institute recognized as much in State of Play Baltimore, the first community landscape analysis from our Project Play initiative, which included findings and recommendations shaped by an eight-member local advisory board that included then-City Council member Brandon Scott. Since 2017, Scott - now Mayor - and local leaders have worked hard to make Baltimore’s children active through sports.
Maryland pioneers model that brings soccer into high-poverty schools
TAKOMA PARK, Maryland – It’s 3:40 pm on a fall afternoon, and as classes let out, about 40 children flood into the outdoor patio at Rolling Terrace Elementary School. They come for snacks and soccer and receive life lessons along the way.
On this day, many are antsy to play soccer, tying their free cleats and chatting loudly with friends rather than listening to their mentors discuss what optimism and persistence mean. Lukas Barbieri, a high school student who is the youngest of Rolling Terrace’s soccer mentors, eventually quiets the kids down.
“Does anyone remember what optimism means?” Barbieri asks.
“Helping your friends,” says one child. “Being thoughtful,” adds another.
“Sort of,” Barbieri replies. “Optimism means you have to believe in yourself.”
In a sense, this scene represents what optimism for youth sports looks like.
Press release: Aspen Institute releases youth sports report in Oakland
State of Play Oakland, in partnership with Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s foundation, shows ways to improve disparities in sports participation by race, gender and income.
Press release: Aspen Institute release youth sports report in Central Ohio
State of Play Central Ohio shows that financial barriers impact sports participation for Black children more than White children.
Councilman Brandon Scott: Political pressure is keeping too many youth sports coaches from being properly trained
Too many Baltimore youth coaches use political connections to avoid proper training that could keep more kids active in sports, Baltimore City Councilman Brandon Scott said.
Speaking at the Project Play: Baltimore Huddle in June 2017, Scott called for unifying language in Baltimore that stipulates training and background checks as requirements to be a youth sports coach – whether at a city school or recreation program. Scott recently announced he is running for Maryland lieutenant governor alongside Jim Shea in the Democratic primary for governor.