In 2020, social norms were challenged like never before. Social justice movements have risen to the front pages of newspapers across the country. As we reconsider what is important to us, we have come to understand values in a new sort of hierarchy– health, teamwork, coming together, commitment, and socialization have become the cornerstones of everyday life as we hope and wait for a better tomorrow. While we continue to do our part in staying home, it is more important than ever to integrate these principles into our daily lives. Sports have become a medium by which we can communicate the truly important parts of our lives. The push for equitable representation across minority communities has put into the spotlight the importance of standing up for one another, creating safe spaces for growth, and celebrating wins. This National Girls and Women in Sports Day holds a deeper meaning this year, as we are coming together to celebrate women’s accomplishments and their contributions in predominantly male spaces.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day was created to be recognized as a national holiday in 1986. At the time, it was considered a commemorative day for Flo Hyman, a champion in women’s rights and inclusion in athletics. Since then, the day has become to mean so much more. 

Girls participation in sports notoriously tapers off as they enter into adulthood. Less and less women participate in sports starting as young as 13 years old — and it is no secret that the media and societal portrayal of women in sports is not the same as the coverage of male athletes. The coverage of women’s sports did not surpass the coverage of dogs and horses until 1992, with women’s sports covering only 4% of all sport media coverage. Not to mention, diet culture has boxed women into a stereotypical idealist body type, staying small, petite, and skinny. The pressure put on young women to fit a certain standard often dissuades girls from continuing a sport that would make them physically stronger and masculine, an added stressor to an already existing highly masculine space. Biological debates surrounding sex differences have raised questions concerning horomone balances and the capacity to be as physically strong as men. Female athletes are more likely than male athletes to be portrayed in sexually provocative poses as a means of preserving their femininity in the male gaze while they occupy a more masculine sphere. Despite this, women have climbed the ranks in sports ranging from soccer to volleyball, scoring more goals than men in some areas. Though the push is towards equality, we must celebrate the wins of female athletes as they overcome the traditional sexist trope of US sports.

By celebrating our girls in sports on this day, we are rewriting the existing culture of exclusion in the record books down the line. It’s time we start giving credit where it’s due and acknowledge the most impeccable athletes of our time, many of whom are women. 

The lack of positive and common role models is one of the most cited reasons for girls to drop out of sports at a young age. There is a lack of representation when it comes to inspiring female athletes, and especially a lack of multiple identities. Therefore, young girls find it hard to feel empowered in an arena they do not see themselves represented in. When considering the “household names” we all know when it comes to athletes, the first few names will likely be men. While they may be incredible athletes and performers, there is a very good chance that they are not even the technical best in their field. For example, Abby Wambach has scored more goals than any man on the US National Men’s Soccer Team — but is still often referred to as the greatest female soccer player in the US. What will it take for her to be recognized as simply the best of the best?

A culture shift is what is necessary. Raising our girls with sports and celebrating their participation is only the beginning. We must surround ourselves with the achievements of people with frequently underrepresented identities that are akin to our own identities. At the same time, we must saturate the media and dialogue with these powerful women in order to create great role models that our kids won’t have to think twice about. 

Our NGWSD Event

“I am going to tell my mom that today is a national holiday, so I don’t think we should go to school on this day next year!”

The Kids in the Game Foundation believes in equity and for too long there have been opportunity gaps for girls in sports. To celebrate national Girls and Women in Sports Day, we hosted our first ever NGWSD event, including a virtual activity and panel session for girls (and guys) of all ages and their families! The event included a high energy Tabata session lead by Coach Frances, some awesome women in sports trivia, and a short panel discussion with Liz Kennedy and LaKaitlin Wright. Liz Kennedy is a former collegiate swimmer and is now the Head of Marketing at Raise for Good, a social impact focused consultancy specializing in purpose driven organizations looking to accelerate capacity, capital, and awareness. Originally from South Georgia, LaKaitlin Wright is a History major at Towson University, where she plays basketball. We had people join us in NYC and beyond for our event. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Spotlight: Naomi Osaka

“International Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.”

United Nations

At Kids in the Game it is our mission to provide positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play for all youth across New York City. Over the last year, education equity and equality has come to the forefront of conversation across the world alongside the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Kids in the Game Foundation has looked to do our part by creating scholarship funds such as The Real MVP Fund and the Continuing Education Fund.

As an organization we feel that is our job to continue to spread the message of equality not just through our words but our actions. In a year where our country and the world has been devastated by the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is important to acknowledge the necessity of equality for all people so we can recover together.

As a team we’ve made a commitment to educate ourselves and the people around us. And today, we are taking the time to learn about athletes who have used their platform for activism. Our spotlight today shines upon Naomi Osaka. Many know Osaka as the uber talented tennis player who came from a set down to win her second US Open title this year. She then became the No. 1 player in the world, all before the age of 23. 

Just a couple of days ago, Osaka won the 2020 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year activist athlete award. And yes, all the on court success contributed, but it was her work off the court that had the biggest impact. Naomi used her platform to raise awareness and shine light on racial injustice and police brutality across the United States and the rest of the world. 

Months before the US Open began, Osaka took the time to visit Minneapolis, specifically the exact spot where George Floyd was brutally murdered by police. These moments of reflection and education are what helped inspire Osaka to use her platform. On the biggest stage in tennis, she would wear a mask with his name on it. For his family, for his community, and for all Black Americans.

Just a month before the US Open began, Osaka was a semifinalist in the Cincinnati Tournament, where she withdrew to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake. Many allowed this to be their moment to speak out, but Naomi made sure her actions spoke as well. She knew this moment was larger than just tennis. 

“By wearing seven masks at the U.S. Open— with a new one for every round, each honor­ing a different Black victim of police violence or a racist attack—Naomi made an extremely powerful statement. Every time she walked out to play people were talking about which name was going to be on the mask. Breonna Taylor. Elijah McClain. Ahmaud Arbery. Trayvon Martin. George Floyd. Philando Castile. Tamir Rice.”

Sports Illustrated

At the US Open Naomi brought so much attention to these stories. She is the leader of the next generation of young and amazing women in sports, and she is teaching us all about the impact we can have on the world.

Last year, our team at Kids in the Game looked at celebrities whose values best align with ours, and Michelle Obama was who we found fit best. As Naomi took the world by storm, she was listening to “Becoming,” Michelle Obama’s audiobook. Neither of those women asked to be thrust into the spotlight the way they have been, but they are aware of the position they hold and their weight to affect change. It is important that we as an organization understand how we can affect change, too. Where we channel our resources to make the most impact. As coaches, teachers, and athletes, we can have open and honest conversations with each other and our students, as a voice for kids across NYC. 

Our Core Values

• Inclusive We embrace individual strengths and backgrounds.
• Committed We join together to work, play and grow as a team.
• Positive We lead by example through sincere positivity.
• Empathetic We respect each other, our families and our kids.
• Ambitious We challenge ourselves to constantly pursue growth.

 It is vital that our coaches embody these core values and show youth across the city that no matter where you come from, you can spark change.

Written by Pranav Vaid

We want to ensure that our youth sports programming returns safely and under the guidance of state and local guidelines.  That’s why we’ve created these return to play considerations.  These guidelines are intended to help parents and players understand the adjustments in our programs this summer so we can make our sports comeback strong, safe and successful. All families who intend to have their children participate in our sports programming will have to sign an additional waiver specifically releasing Kids in the Game of any liability in the event that your child contracts COVID-19. Below are some of the resources we used to create our guidelines. Our policies will continue to evolve as policies and guidelines are amended. We will continue to communicate these out to you as we receive them.

• CDC Considerations for Youth Sports
• Sadler Sports
• Return to Play 

The 6 youth sports considerations for a safe return to play:

1. The type of play and dynamics of your sport
   1. Soccer & Basketball
2. The Phase of COVID-19 locally
3. Explicit approval from state & local government
4. The ability to secure a place to play
   1. NYC Parks
5. Our readiness to reasonably operate in a way that aligns with CDC ‘Return to Play’ Considerations
6. Clearly understanding risks and taking measures to ensure they are minimized

Programming Adjustments

Parent Expectations

• We ask families to designate one person to consistently drop off their child, when possible, to reduce the number of unique individuals at programming. 
• Parents are expected to stay out of the playing area and maintain appropriate social distancing from their child and other parents after drop off.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor Programming
  • If we are indoors, parents will drop off their child at the door and have to remain outside for the duration of the workout.
  • If we are outdoors, parents will drop off their child at the entrance to the park/court and remain a safe distance away from the children and other parents

Child Expectations

• Health Screening / Temperature Check 
  • Participants will be asked to complete a health screening questionnaire before each session to confirm the absence of COVID-19 symptoms as well their lack of interaction with someone who has tested positive for the virus within the previous 14 days. 
  • Before each session, we will be taking your child’s temperature with infrared, touch free thermometers, as part of their health screening, before they are allowed to participate in programming. 
  • Children with a temperature recorded at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will not be admitted to participate and encouraged to consult with their health professional. 
  • We’re happy to check your temperature too, but it is not required.
  • Note that all Kids in the Game staff will be following the same screening process as well. 

PPE Expectations

• All Kids in the Game staff at the program will be required to wear face coverings during the session. 
• Once in an open air space, face coverings will be encouraged where adequate 6ft physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• For activities that require higher levels of respiratory output participants will maintain >6ft distancing so that face coverings are not required and adequate breathing can be maintained

Coaches, staff and athletes must show no signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days.*

1. Ratio
   1. High School 1:10
   2. Middle School 1:8
   3. Elementary School 1:6
2. Social Distancing
   1. We will only be focusing on specific skill development that does not engage partners or group participation, maintaining >6ft apart.
   2. For activities that require higher levels of respiratory output participants will maintain >6ft distancing so that face coverings are not required and adequate breathing can be maintained.
3. Equipment
   1. Players will be required to bring their own basketball and will not be permitted to share or use any other coaches or players equipment.
   2. We will provide cones and other equipment that will be handled only by the coach.
   3. Players will have to bring their own water bottle and will not be permitted to share a players or coaches bottle.
4. Session Transitions 
   1. Separate sessions will be scheduled with at least 10 minutes between each to accommodate transitions and avoid overlapping time of groups. 
   2. We ask that you arrive promptly for the start time and not too early or late to support these transition windows.

1. Ratio
   1. Elementary School 1:6
2. Social Distancing
   1. We will only be focusing on specific skill development that does not engage partners or group participation.
   2. Each player will have their own designated space that will be at least 6ft away from the other player’s space.
   3. Prior to the start of the session, the coaches will divide up the space and clearly outline the practice areas for each player.  
3. Equipment
   1. Players will have to bring their own soccer ball and will not be permitted to share or use any other coaches or players equipment.
   2. Players will have to bring their own water bottle and will not be permitted to share a players or coaches bottle.
4. Session Transitions 
   1. Separate sessions will be scheduled with at least 10 minutes between each to accommodate transitions and avoid overlapping time of groups. 
   2. We ask that you arrive promptly for the start time and not too early or late to support these transition windows.

Let’s Play.

For more information, email paul@kidsinthegame.com.

For the past 4 years KING has partnered with Up2Us Sports and their Up2Us Coach program. The Coach program is designed to give coaches the tools they need to thrive in Sports-Based Youth Development coaching positions. Each year Up2Us Sports honors one coach as their Coach of the Year that demonstrates the highest standard in promoting positive peer/mentor relationships, healthy lifestyles and positive coaching. In this year’s voting the top two coaches, out of hundreds from around the country, both reign from KING: Leonard Smith as runner up and Tiffany Corselli as the 2019 Coach of the Year! Tiffany currently wears many hats at KING from recess and after school coaching to coaching of our first formed girl KING Hoops teams.

Fast Facts About Tiffany:

Born: Yonkers, New York

Sport of Choice: Basketball

School: Full Athletic Scholarship to Niagara University and Master’s from Dublin City University

College degrees: BS in Sports Management and Master’s in Business Management

Started with KING: Inwood Summer Camp 2018!

Fun Facts: She is a twin! Tiffany also started her own foundation called the TC3 Scholarship Foundation to support graduating high school seniors pursue their college aspirations.

From Tiffany Herself:

What is the best part of coaching kids?

The best part of coaching kids is to see the smile on their faces when they accomplish something new. I understand that I play an important role in their lives, so when I see them grow in not just sports but everyday life it warms my heart. There is no better feeling then when you see a child who doesn’t like to engage with others become a social butterfly. Honestly, I think the kids have a greater impact on me then I do on them. I say this because no matter what type of day I am having when I come around the kids they make me feel a thousand times better.  I tend to often forget what I am going through and for that I could never thank them enough!

Who were positive mentors in your life that inspired you to get into coaching?

I have 3! First, my mother, she is the one who got me into sports.  It might be hard to believe but I was a dancer most of my life until one summer my mother forced me to go to a basketball camp and the rest is history. Everyone needs that person in their life that is going to help them to try new things and take risks. I knew I could do anything because even if I failed she would be there to catch me. That security made me feel I could accomplish the world.

Secondly, my basketball trainer Peter. He literally would wake up at 3:30 am every morning just to be at my house by 4, so we could work out and I would have time to get back home and shower before school at 7:30. From rides to and from practice, to buying me basketball shoes because my mother did not have the money he was always there for me. I would never became the player I was with out him. He showed me what it meant to be a dedicated coach.

Lastly, my high school coach Benji Carter inspired me to get into coaching. He coached me at a pivotal time in my life and without his guidance and support I might not have fully developed into the basketball player I had become. He instilled another level of confidence into me which I did not even know I had. He made the game of basketball fun and he created an family atmosphere for my team. I always said if I got into coaching I would try and replicate a lot of the things he did.

How has coaching the girl KING Hoops team been so far?

Coaching the King Girls Hoops has been amazing thus far. For one, to be able to be apart of founding a program is monumental in itself. A lot of these girls never played basketball prior to joining the team so to be able to watch them progress has been astounding! I enjoy working with these girls so much because I know I have the chance to not only make them better basketball players but also better women. Because of them I found myself constantly studying ways to become a better coach.

If the kids described you, what would they say?

I think if the  kids could describe me they would say I am fun, and energetic! Also they would say that I am athletic and really funny. Editor’s note: She is really funny!