About

Our Story

Our story started in 2003 with one coach and a dream. Michael Murphy always had a heart for youth sports and fitness, and he wanted to make sure every kid had the same opportunities as he did growing up. With a bag of used basketballs and soccer balls, Kids in the Game was born.

After years of on-the-ground coaching and meeting in hotel lobbies, Michael teamed up with Matt Murphy (and no, they aren’t related). Together, they have been building and growing what is now Kids in the Game. The outcome? Running programs in dozens of communities around New York City for over 25,000 kids. This includes everything from after-school, esports, competitive sports teams, and summer camps. Ultimately, we want to play today to change tomorrow.

Our Program Goals

Develop emotional intelligence in youth

Develop emotional intelligence in youth

Our programs provide the groundwork for our kids to learn the workforce skills needed for their future
91% of KING Hoops players increased their self-management skills
Connect people of all backgrounds

Connect people of all backgrounds

NYC is a big city; we like to make it feel a little smaller
Our kids come from 39 different community districts throughout NYC
Foster a positive sense of self in kids

Foster a positive sense of self in kids

Our activities are inclusive, allowing all kids to be successful and confident
86% of our kids in after-school say they have the confidence to try something new
Form impactful, long term relationships

Form impactful, long term relationships

Our programs create a safe environment that foster adult and peer relationships through shared experiences
100% of our Esports players feel supported by teammates
Provide a better way to play

Provide a better way to play

We believe sport is the platform for the overlap of functional and social emotional development
Our recess activity stations show a 25% increase in physical activity levels and a 20% increase in prosocial behaviors
About