WHY WE PLAY
In today’s “pay-to-play” youth sports environment, the rising cost of equipment and participation is a major barrier. Parents may spend an average of $883 annually to get a child fully equipped for their primary sport (Aspen Institute, Project Play 2022), and costs have continued to climb, up more than 40% in recent years. As a result, there is now nearly a 20 percentage point gap in participation between kids from higher-income and those from lower-income families. For many children, access to sports is no longer determined by interest or ability, but by affordability.
At the same time, only about half of kids in the U.S. regularly participate in organized sports, leaving millions without access to the proven benefits of play. The power of sports and play brings improved physical health, stronger mental well-being, and critical life skills like teamwork and confidence that transfer to the classroom and beyond.
By removing barriers to play, C4K is not only getting more kids in the game but also investing in their health and future of kids.
Only about 24% of children ages 6–17 get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Active kids build higher self-esteem, reduced stress, and achieve better emotional regulation.
Student athletes report up to 40% higher test scores, higher GPAs, and better school attendance.
POWER OF SPORTS
Active kids learn life lessons such as teamwork, problem resolution, collaboration, and perseverance.
Kids who are physically active have a 40–50% lower risk of developing chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease later in life (CDC).
F.U.E.L. (Females Understanding Educating Leading)
is a collaborative initiative created in 2022 to empower middle school female athletes in Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and Tulsa Public Schools (TPS). In partnership with Cleats for Kids, USA Softball, Thunder Basketball, and the University of Central Oklahoma Wellness Center, F.U.E.L. is designed to address the barriers that often prevent girls from participating in and staying in sports.
Kids Helping Kids
A unique aspect of C4K’s mission is “Kids Helping Kids.” When kids connect to community service they become part of something bigger than themselves.
C4K’s “Kids in Action” philanthropic program sparks so many learning opportunities: kindness, communication skills, empathy, responsibility, teamwork, hope, community relationships, perspective, and confidence.
“Ever since we handed these cleats out I’ve noticed a change in my teams. The locker rooms are cleaner, the players are more respectful. I even had to ask some of my players to not wear their cleats outside of the locker room or in the school hallway, they’re that excited.” - Andy Collier, Mid-Del Public Schools Athletic Director