Local Nonprofit Offers Free Inclusive Sports for At-risk Kids

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Playmakers Organization is a local non-profit that offers free inclusive sports events for at-risk kids, including foster kids and kids with developmental differences. “Today, inclusiveness is more important than ever,” said Playmakers founder Greg Roeszler (Coach Roz). The Playmakers goal is to provide resources and support to families while giving kids the opportunity to participate in sports. Coach Roz said, “Team experiences help in their overall development, giving kids a sense of team and a sense of accountability.”

All kids deserve the chance to participate, play, and thrive—but not all kids have the same opportunities. At-risk kids are already more likely to be living in a home without a father figure, and Coach Roz explained that the risk increases even more if the child has a disability. Living in a single-parent home comes with challenges that make it more difficult to participate in team sports.

Foster children also face barriers to team sports. Frequent moves to new homes and schools create a lack of stability, making it nearly impossible for them to continue with a team sport. And foster families often can’t afford the high cost of traditional team sports, nor the commitment to multiple practices each week.

To bridge this gap in opportunity, The Playmakers Organization has a busy summer planned, with activities and events that will reach more than 2,000 kids and their families. The summer will begin with football camps in Buffalo, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; and Orange City, Iowa. Here in the Sacramento Region, the Playmaker River City Fun Day cornhole tournament will be held July 10 at River City Church, and The Harrison Phillips Man of the Year Golf Tournament will be held in Rancho Murieta on July 11-12. The Mike McGlinchey Playmaker Football Camp will be on July 17 at the Fremont School for the Deaf, and the Izzie Lueken Soccer Camp will be held August 7 (location to be determined).

New this year, Playmakers is launching an All-Inclusive Sports league with weekly games. With a baseball season, football season, and basketball season, participants will be able to engage with sports year-round.  The practice and game will be held on the same day, and kids can attend as often as they are able. Coach Roz explained that kids will be able to come whenever they can and they’ll have a uniform, a coach, a referee, teammates, and “people cheering for them.”

To reach the kids most in need, Playmakers is partnering with Autism Speaks; Big Brothers Big Sisters; and Defending the Cause Regional Alliance, which coordinates with foster agencies and advocates for children in the foster system.

Since Playmakers is designed to support kids and enrich their lives, Coach Roz wanted them to have a voice in the organization’s direction. The Playmakers Children’s Board of Directors gives kids a unique opportunity to learn leadership skills and responsibility. He says the most important thing for all children is to have someone “just communicate with them and develop a relationship with them.”

The league and camps are completely free to kids and their families. As a non-profit, Playmakers depends on generous donations from the community, and there are always various opportunities for volunteers and sponsorships.

Visit www.ThePlaymakers.org to learn more about The Playmakers Organization and sign up for upcoming events.