1,300 kids will play sports free of charge in Olympic City USA this year
Youth sports registration for spring soccer and summer youth sports is now open through the City’s Sports Office. The registration link is available at ColoradoSprings.gov/youthsports.
In 2024, hundreds of local kids will continue to benefit from the opportunity to play organized youth sports free of charge at park sites across Colorado Springs thanks to a program created by Olympic City USA. The $82 fee to play spring soccer will be waived for the first 400 kids to register in the PreK-4th grade age divisions. Additionally, 300 free spots will be available in select age divisions for t-ball, a $70 value, 200 spots for baseball and softball, a $74 value and an additional 400 kids for fall soccer. Jerseys are included as part of the free registration.
“We believe that every child should have access to organized sports regardless of their financial situation,” said Will Davis, Colorado Springs Youth Sports Program Administrator. “Youth sports not only promote physical activity but also teach important life lessons. 2024 is an Olympic and Paralympic Games year, and we are thrilled to infuse the Olympic and Paralympic values of excellence, friendship, respect, courage, determination, inspiration and equality through all our programming. These values are essential in the world of sports and beyond.”
There are no restrictions as to who can take a free registration. The free spots are first come, first serve, however, families are asked to only take a spot if they need it so that all kids have a chance to get in the game. Most free spots will be available in the youngest age divisions, PreK-2nd grade, and at locations in the southeast and central regions.
For adults ages 18-plus who are looking to get involved in the community, there are many opportunities to serve as a volunteer coach for these teams. The Sports Office provides equipment and training to all volunteer coaches and coaching experience is not required.
A total of 1,300 kids will play for free in 2024. Thanks to generous grants and donations from the Daniels Fund, Boeing, the Chapman Foundations, Childrens Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Utilities, Comcast, Dakota Foundation, Gazette Charities Foundation, and the Schuck Foundation, 2,500 kids have benefitted from the program since it first began as a pilot in 2021.