POLICE & YOUTH

CHICAGO WESTSIDE SPORTS

WHERE EVERYBODY GETS A CHANCE TO PLAY

Administered by city of refuge-chicago (501c3)

WHO WE ARE

Chicago Westside Sports is a gathering of volunteers representing local organizations and churches, community members and the Chicago Police Department working together to provide opportunities for youth to engage in safe and healthy activities such as zero cost Club Baseball, AAU Basketball and Team USA Archery.


We team together from a variety of backgrounds to accomplish one purpose: to give each child a chance to form relationships, build community, and have the opportunity to grow and succeed while being poured into by local leaders and mentors.


Pouring into the community: Positive and transformational leadership.

WHAT WE DO

Our purpose is to promote safe activities for children and their families in high-crime, under-resourced areas. The most unique feature of the conference is it's "Full Court Press" initiative that combines the unified efforts of local police, churches, and community organizations to promote positive, transforming change. Boys and girls can learn about leadership, accountability, organization, preparation, conflict resolution and teamwork in a tangible and practical way. With this same logic, adults who take on the role of coach and mentor practice the concepts of collaboration. The hope is as all parties work together successfully in a project like this, the same concept can be applied to positively address inequality, poverty and gun violence. 

Quality athletic instruction is just the beginning: Our focus is on health and wellness, education, mentoring, and athletic excellence.

WHY IT MATTERS

The effect of communities coming together with one goal has far-reaching impact, beyond just the court or field. People begin to have pride in their community, invisible walls are toppled in favor of understanding and common interests, and children see positive role models displaying kind behavior that promotes growth.


Further, collaboration among previously disconnected organizations results in a powerful and comprehensive network of resources that come together to have real effect, but most importantly: families come together to celebrate children and to provide a platform to talk about the things that matter most to them.


When families and communities come together, everybody wins.

CORE MODEL

At the heart of each sports league are the volunteers who help create the impact that the team experiences. The athletic training and the success of the team are just a by-product of what these volunteers are really after. Team leaders, including the coaches, are focused on creating a safe place for youth to be themselves, have fun and thrive. They instill character through sport, and give team members the opportunity to succeed in life by mentoring them through sport, school and social situations.


Our three-legged stool model is the method we use to fully support each team. It's a proven method to ensure that all the needs of the youth are thoughtfully met. The mindset and expertise of each leader creates a multi-view approach that allows the collective team leaders to see things about each child that an individual coach cannot. This makes for a dynamic environment where kids are holistically seen and mentored.

GET INVOLVED

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The key to success on the West side of Chicago is simple: participation.  We are so grateful for all of the community involvement, volunteers from local organizations, faith-based participation and of course the Chicago Police Department. Many people have made sacrifices of their time and resources, and businesses have given of their funds and provided their staff with the opportunity to build into these communities.


If you want to get involved with an organization that is making a real difference in the city of Chicago, that uses funds and donations prudently, and that promotes lasting change, please contact us to let us know how you would like to help.


Your participation could impact the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of people. SELECT THE AREA BELOW THAT BEST DESCRIBES WHERE YOU COULD VOLUNTEER.

DONORS
(IN-KIND AND MONETARY INVOLVEMENT)

Offering quality sports with zero cost to participants in under-resourced communities only happens when people and organizations are motivated to support these efforts. In kind gifts of uniforms, equipment and monetary donations are always appreciated.

IN-KIND DONATIONS MONETARY DONATIONS

WHAT COMMUNITY LOOKS LIKE

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