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Following the announcement of our Australia grant recipients last month, Beyond Sport and New Balance Foundation are thrilled to reveal the latest grantees of our Futures in Motion positive youth development program. Over the next three years, Japanese community organizations, Chance For All, Knocku and Yamato Sylphid Sports Club (Yamato Sylphid), will receive funding and capacity-building support to enhance programs advancing youth wellbeing, education, inclusion and career pathways, as well as their own organizational sustainability.
In Japan, nearly 60% of 10-19-year-olds and 55% of girls exercise less than once a week. For young people with disabilities, over a third haven’t exercised at all in past years. Futures in Motion launched in April 2025 to support organizations that are expanding opportunities and access for youth who are typically excluded from sport and physical activity – and the personal development and wellbeing benefits that come with it. This exclusion often exacerbates health challenges and social inequities, which, in Japan, particularly impacts girls and young women, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ youth, those living in remote areas and youth discouraged by the country’s hyper-competitive school sports system.
“Beyond Sport is thrilled to deepen our engagement in Asia, while simultaneously learning more about local needs and how best to meet them. Chance for All, Knocku and Yamato Sylphid are doing exemplary sport for development work in Japan, and we are proud to support their efforts,” said Fred Fikouhi-Turner, Executive Director of Beyond Sport. “The positive impact that sport and physical activity can have in communities, particularly on youth development, is immense and we look forward to making an impact.”
The three organizations are all promoting bright futures while empowering young people to take an active role in their own growth. Through targeted interventions, they are supporting youth in non-traditional learning environments, non-competitive sports clubs and across diverse identities.
“Sport is a powerful catalyst for personal growth and community resilience,” said Megan Bloch, Director of Global Philanthropy, New Balance Foundation. “Through Futures in Motion, we’re proud to expand our global footprint into Japan and support Chance for All, Knocku and Yamato Sylphid – organizations advancing inclusive sport and empowering youth. This investment reflects our commitment to building a healthier, more equitable world for young people everywhere.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECTS
CHANCE FOR ALL
Addressing the shortage of safe, active spaces for children to play and learn
Chance for All operates after-school care for elementary school children, play-centered programs and community spaces run by university students that nurture children’s fundamental motor, social and life skills, as well as their physical abilities.
This grant will support the expansion of their “Play Cars” initiative which operates nationally through the Japan Children’s Support Team (J-CST) consortium. Facilitated by trained “Play Leaders,” these mobile play areas provide free, recreational play spaces for all children, and particularly tailored to the needs of urban centers and low-income communities. During times of disaster, Play Cars offer a flexible and responsive solution for those living in affected areas.
“CFA’s selection represents international recognition of the philosophy that we’ve cultivated over the years centered on supporting children’s right to play, which is extremely meaningful. I look forward to further expanding our national network with this grant and working towards realizing a society where children can play safely no matter their circumstances,” said Tomohiro Aoki of the Benesse Children’s Fund, a Chance for All partner. “As demonstrated by achievements during the Noto Peninsula earthquake, CFA has the ability to bring hope and smiles to children even under difficult situations. Through this grant, I sincerely hope that more children in various regions will be able to realize their true potential through play and expand their possibilities for the future.”
KNOCKU
Strengthening inclusive, community-based sports programs for youth with disabilities
Knocku is an emerging organization building a society where youth with and without disabilities can enjoy sports together. As there are few community facilities where this can happen, they seek to create an enriching national para-sports model. Using sport and other activities, they address mental and physical health, while also supporting young people with disabilities to create and reach goals that are important to them.
This grant will help strengthen the organization’s inclusive community handball club. The goal is to provide consistent programming for young people with physical disabilities and those in special needs schools who have limited opportunities for physical education and to live independent lives.
“We are working to create a society where people with and without disabilities can enjoy sports together in their local communities. Since we have only recently started our programs, securing stable funding is challenging, so we are truly grateful for the support,” said Founder & Representative Director, Miyu Okada. There are very few sports communities in Japan where children and youth with disabilities can participate, which severely limits their options to engage in sports. To overcome this, we plan to build a solid foundation of activities through this program, creating a model for para-sports communities in Japan and enriching the lives of all who participate!”
YAMATO SYLPHID SPORTS CLUB
Unlocking opportunities for young women to build their life and leadership skills
The nonprofit arm of women’s football club Yamato Sylphid is fostering an environment where children, including more girls, can develop life skills. Their “learning by teaching” approach supports personal growth and provides young women with experiences to enhance their careers and challenge traditional gender roles.
This grant will help grow their “Yamato Sylphid Empowerment Project” program which is inspiring and developing the next generation of young leaders through sport. Through football and play-based learning, the program builds self-esteem, confidence and a spirit of challenge in elementary school children. A key aspect is the involvement of Club players who serve as facilitators and role models, while also strengthening their own leadership skills and continuing their personal growth.
“We are very pleased to be able to connect with others who will create the future together through the Futures in Motion program. Yamato Sylphid is fostering an environment where all children, including female athletes, can walk their own paths and take on challenges. The ultimate outcome of this project is to increase the number of girls who can find hope for the future through sports,” said Project Manager, Kiyoko Hashimoto. Through this opportunity, we hope to learn from organizations around the world, incorporate new perspectives, help our club grow and build the future together through community.”
Congratulations to our grantees!
Futures in Motion was developed and operates in close collaboration with in-country consultants, advisory groups and subject matter experts to ensure cultural and local relevancy. By 2027, it will be active in seven locations, helping to strengthen community organizations, ensure their long-term sustainability and equip young leaders to drive change.
Poland grantees and 2026 program locations will be announced early next year. Make sure to subscribe to our mailing list and follow Beyond Sport on social to receive our latest news.
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