February 2023

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Philadelphia Youth Basketball's

Randy Butler Attend the State of the Union Address

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon was joined by Randy Butler, the Director of Program Operations & Impact at Philadelphia Youth Basketball, a member of the Collaborative for this year's State of the Union Address. We had the opportunity to catch up with Congresswoman Scanlon and Butler after visiting the Capitol.

As a strong advocate for youth sports in Philadelphia, we asked Congresswoman Scanlon about the direction of youth sports at the federal level and ways to advocate:

Do you see the potential for certain federal departments to take the lead in creating new opportunities for youth to participate?

“Under the Biden Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) champions the area of youth sports and nutrition. HHS departments, such as the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Office of Women’s Health, promote programs like the National Youth Sports Strategy and the Youth Engagement in Sports Initiative. I look forward to continuing to partner with HHS to promote these initiatives on both the local and federal levels.

As we take steps to curb violence in our communities, it is also important to center mentoring as an effective intervention and prevention tool and ensure community violence intervention programs geared towards young people have the resources to be part of that solution. I secured language in the FY2023 omnibus funding package urging the Department of Justice to direct resources to youth mentoring programs designed specifically for young people who have been impacted by trauma and violence. Of course, sports-based youth development shares these goals of mentoring young people and helping them to develop healthy habits and lifestyles, and I will continue to keep it a priority in federal legislation.”

Butler founded the HoopHers program at Philadelphia Youth Basketball to create a safe place for young women, offering them the opportunity to learn the game of basketball while simultaneously adopting the values of teamwork, self-confidence, and healthy living. Randy shared her experience visiting the capitol and her hopes for the future of sports-based youth development (SBYD):

What does it mean to have an ally like Rep. Scanlon who supports great efforts like HoopHers, your work at PYB, and our efforts across Philadelphia?

"Rep. Scanlon is so much more than an ally. She's a role model for women in leadership and puts into practice what it means to take action. She shows up to community events, wants to understand the issues, and listens to what her community needs to thrive. We spent quite some time talking at length about HoopHers and the efforts of SBYD in similar organizations across Philadelphia. Rep. Scanlon and her staff were curious to learn more about how they can support and we spent some time brainstorming together what networks and resources they could add to our programs. When I speak about the work that it takes for our young people to feel and be whole, I often share that 'it takes a village,' Rep. Scanlon and her staff are active participants in our 'village', and they want to do more!"

Click Here to read the full interview with both Congresswoman Scanlon and Randy Butler

Conshohocken Brewing Co. is Brewing Up Something Special for the Collaborative

Conshohocken Brewing Co. is teaming up with Phillies announcers, Scott Franzke and Larry Anderson for their newest charity beer. The charity beer follows past brews for retired 76ers TV broadcaster Marc Zumoff and Eagles radio announcers Mike Quick and Merrill Reese. The proceeds of the beer, “Franzke & LA”, will benefit the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative! Conshohocken Brewing Co. has sold beers in the ballpark recently, with its “Ring The Bell” pilsner a best-seller. “Franzke & LA” could join it. More details will be finalized soon.

Youth Sports In the News

Drexel Women’s Soccer Player contributes to Kensington Soccer Club

Ten First Tee participants representing five First Tee Chapters competed in three-day tournament

Harrowgate’s Scanlon ice rink breaks figure skating barriers

Amid The Decline In Sports And Play, To Help Get Kids Playing Again

Events and Opportunities

Parks and Rec Philly Phreeze

Saturday, February 25th | 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.

The Kelly Pool will open its doors for the Philly Phreeze, a one-day-only winter pool plunge to support lifeguard recruitment. This first-ever pool plunge fundraiser will support end-of-summer bonuses of up to $1000 for City lifeguards. Philadelphians can sign up to dive into a freezing pool to help open all of the City’s free outdoor pools this summer. Individuals who fundraise a minimum of $50 can join their neighbors to take the plunge for Philly pools.

Girls on the Run Philadelphia Jump for Joy Fundraising Event

Saturday, February 25th | 1 p.m.

Check out Jump for Joy, a donation-based rebounding class at Tuck Barre & Yoga NoLibs on February 25th at 1 pm and 1:45 pm. Create an account with Tuck Barre & Yoga to purchase tickets for $25. Proceeds will go towards Girls on the Run Philadelphia.

Tights & Flights for PYB HoopHers!

Sunday, March 12 | 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Join Philadelphia Youth Basketball HoopHers for a celebration of Women's History Month x March Madness! $30 ticket includes BYOmat pilates class and beer flight tasting afterward with Fat Lady Brewing!

A percentage of proceeds benefits HoopHers Philly.

Philadelphia Youth Basketball's Third Annual 3v3 Tournament

Saturday | April 8th 1 p.m. | Elite Sports Factory

Round up your teammates for PYB's biggest competition of the year.

CASA Women's Empowerment Cup

Sunday, March 19th

Join CASA Sunday, March 19th for their second annual 5v5 Women's Empowerment Cup. Get ready for a fun-filled day of soccer, raffles, and games. All tournament proceeds will support Safehub girls' soccer programming as well as CASA's new Women's Inclusive Scholarship Fund. There are also volunteer opportunities to get involved even if you're not able to play!

Become a part of CHJS's Training Team!

The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport (CHJS) is seeking individuals that would be interested in joining its Philadelphia Regional Training Team. If you have prior experience/knowledge in the areas of sports-based youth development, coaching girls, and/or healing-centered sport (and would enjoy facilitating large-group sessions sharing that knowledge) please submit an interest form here.

Strive Leadership Sports Challenge 2023

June 25th-June 30th

The Sports Challenge develops character-driven leaders on and off the field and court through a unique 5:1 student-athlete-to-coach ratio, focused sports practices, leadership classes, and a positive, intentional culture. This is a transformational opportunity for student-athletes to learn about themselves and refine their leadership skills, all while having fun playing the sport they love!

Xs & Os of Board Roles & Responsibilities

Mar 16th | 6 p.m. | The Friends Center

Whether serving as an Executive Director and reporting to a Board, or whether serving as a Board member with oversight over an Executive Director, participants need to understand that nonprofit corporations, by law and as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, must have a board of directors to govern the corporation.

This workshop will help participants better understand the general roles and specific duties of the Board of Directors of a nonprofit corporation. In an interactive format, participants will first discuss a framework for organizational effectiveness: Programs, Board leadership, Human Resources Management, and Operations. We will then focus on the Board’s role in each of these four areas.

Philadelphia Foundation Grant

The Philadelphia Foundation's current grant window closes on March 3rd. Applications will be due at midnight for their Direct Service, Impact, and Advocacy grant streams.

United Way Grant

Due on March 3rd, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey has launched its Partnership Grant Program, aimed at sustaining close ties with organizations in their focus areas: Early Learning, Career Pathways, Financial Empowerment, and Community Resiliency. The Partnership Grant Program provides unrestricted grants of $50,000 per year for two years. This year, between 80 and 100 organizations will be selected in spring 2023 for the FY24-FY25 grant cycle.