Grantee Spotlight- Algonquin Sports for Kids

At Project Play Western New York, we are grateful for all of our partners in youth sports across the region, and feature the important work of our grantees. Algonquin Sports for Kids is a nonprofit with a dedicated approach to the development of youth sports programs in the City of Buffalo.

The staff and volunteers who make all of Algonquin Sports for Kids’ programs and activities possible truly believe that sports-based youth development programs in after-school environments and in the communities in which players live have the power to keep children safe, inspire success among youth, and the motivation to be change leaders.

As a collaborative partner of the Buffalo Soccer for Success program, Algonquin offers many opportunities for kids throughout Western New York to participate in free soccer programming. Soccer for Success is offered in after-school programs and in City of Buffalo Parks, and serves over 2,250 youth from Buffalo and Lackawanna annually. It has proven results seeing statistically significant changes in BMI and cardiovascular endurance for youth in the program.

Algonquin also offers soccer-based programming during the Buffalo Community Schools programs and summer camps, as well as tennis and skateboarding programs.

A 2018 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has allowed Algonquin Sports for Kids to expand its coaches training offerings. A series of coaching courses, address teaching effective, age-appropriate motivational techniques and specific skills training, have been developed to fill the coach training gaps across Western New York. Training and clinics are directed toward parents, college students, high school students and women, and will begin to create a systemic change that will help develop young athletes and coaches across a variety of proficiencies.

For more information, visit https://www.as4kids.org.