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In recognition of Black History Month in the U.S. and Canada, we’re highlighting Head In The Game grantee, the Chicago Fire Foundation, and its work to improve the quality of life for underserved communities in Chicago, Illinois and beyond.
The charitable arm of MLS’s Chicago Fire FC was created to respond to the needs of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods and surrounding communities. It works to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged youth through sport-based development programs, serving mainly Black and Brown youth.
The Foundation’s internationally recognized P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth Soccer) Program uses a sport-based curriculum to enhance the academic performance and development of key social and emotional (SEL) skills of elementary school students. The ten-week program focuses on educational and life skill topics and values alongside soccer. Since the Program’s inception in 2013, it has grown more than 400%, now serving 1500+ third through fifth graders each year. In these public schools, Black students make up more than a third of the district’s student population.
We spoke to Foundation Programs and Events Manager, Tim Mack, on the challenges facing Chicagoan youth – particularly young people of color – its SEL-based approach to addressing inequalities and more:
What are the primary challenges that Chicagoan youth face?
Within Chicago Public Schools (CPS), 40% of kids drop out at a rate of nearly 70 students per day and fewer than 70% graduate high school. Compounding these grim insights, communities of color are disproportionately impacted. Their challenges extend beyond academics to threats of violence, crime and drug use, leaving many students vulnerable. With increasing budget cuts to programming and low academic statistics across CPS, the Foundation saw an opportunity to impact the lives of underserved youth.
Why is Black history important to highlight for both your organization and participants?
We recognize the importance of Black History Month and leverage our brand and athletes to raise awareness and share experiences year-round. Philanthropy and community giving are central to our organization’s mission. Giving back to the community is a core pillar in measuring our success. We understand that the best solutions are found in people from the communities most affected by the issues and we’re committed to shining a light on causes affecting marginalized communities.
Why is SEL more impactful when combined with sports?
Studies show a correlation between academic performance and the physical education students receive. P.L.A.Y.S., in its 13th year, is the first of its kind to use soccer to teach SEL traits and life lessons to both educate participants and address social inequalities. P.L.A.Y.S. combines soccer with SEL traits directly linked to academic success, including emotional control, goal setting and attainment, cooperation, respect, communication and teamwork. By teaching these values within the structure of sport, students learn and transfer them from the field to the classroom, ultimately improving academic outcomes. Activities also include parent participation, ensuring a holistic approach to the program model that extends education beyond the school day.
Can you speak to the impact of P.L.A.Y.S. on youth and the wider community?
P.L.A.Y.S. targets communities that are most in need, regardless of gender, race, disability, religion or sexuality. Within program schools, participants represent the true diversity of the communities that they come from. Participating students, no matter their demographics or physical capabilities, are all respected and encouraged to embrace each other’s differences by everyone involved in the program. Nearly 83% of program coaches identify as Black or Hispanic and serve as teachers within each participating school. This allows for a deeper, more personal relationship between the students and coaches as they understand the daily struggles these students face. Their engagement extends beyond the field and into the classroom, allowing them to tailor to student’s needs and monitor their behavior changes and reception to the program.
It not only benefits its participants but also positively affects the broader community where it operates, actively engaging families and local youth in meaningful ways. 95% of parents reported that P.L.A.Y.S. had a positive impact on their child’s behavior at home, while 97% believed the program enhanced their child’s ability to get along with others.
How is Head In The Game helping the overall mental wellbeing of your participants?
By integrating the work of Head In The Game into our programming, we have created a unique opportunity to engage our young athletes in a space where they already feel comfortable. They learn important skills such as emotional regulation and coping strategies in a way that is relatable to their own environment. This approach empowers young people to prioritize their mental health. Many of the youth we work with face violence, bullying and other daily stressors that come with growing up on Chicago’s West and South Sides. Mental health isn’t always openly discussed in Black and Brown communities, but P.L.A.Y.S. provides a positive space for kids to learn and practice strategies that support their overall well-being.
What’s next for P.L.A.Y.S.?
The Foundation has implemented a strategic plan to expand the program, which has seen over 400% growth since its inception. Centered around the belief that education can change everything, the Foundation plans to scale P.L.A.Y.S. relative to the number of CPS. By regularly evaluating program outcomes, the Foundation envisions P.L.A.Y.S. as a catalyst for positive social change in the Chicago community. As the Club grows, the Foundation will remain integral to its business model, ensuring the sustainability of its programming.
Beyond Sport is proud to help support Chicago Fire Foundation’s youth mental wellbeing programming as part of our Head In the Game program. Visit Head In The Game’s Resource Hub to access mental wellbeing resources for teens.
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