ESPN and Disney Jr. are expanding their second-year partnership with nonprofit Every Kid Sports to eight U.S. cities. The initiative provides preschool sports grants and free clinics for children ages 3-7 from income-restricted families, building on a Year 1 that reached more than 1,200 families.
Key Takeaways
- 1,200+ families across eight U.S. cities received youth sports grants in Year 1, covering 22 different sports
- 50% of participating families said it was their child’s first time ever playing a sport
- Year 2 expands grant registrations to eight cities: Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, and New York
- Free clinics grow beyond East Los Angeles to Oakland, Chicago, Fresno, LA-Inland Empire, and Philadelphia
- New content collection “Me & Mickey: Let’s Play Sports” debuts June 29 on Disney+ and Disney Jr., featuring 10 shorts developed with Positive Coaching Alliance
ESPN Disney Jr Youth Sports Preschool Grants Hit Scale
The numbers from Year 1 tell a clear story about unmet demand. More than 1,200 families used grants to register children for organized sports, and half reported their child had never played a sport before. That first-time participation rate is a signal for any operator tracking new registrations in the preschool segment.
The inaugural free clinic in East Los Angeles last fall drew more than 70 preschoolers and kindergarteners. Year 2 adds clinic locations in Oakland, Chicago, Fresno, the LA Inland Empire, and Philadelphia.
Grant registrations are open now at [everykidsports.org/letsplaysports](https://everykidsports.org/letsplaysports), with fulfillment running through fall 2026 via the Every Kid Sports Pass.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Disney Jr. and ESPN to bring the magic of play to preschoolers from income-restricted families,” said Eleana Fanaika, executive director of Every Kid Sports. “This collaboration is about more than sports. It’s about joy, confidence and creating those first unforgettable moments that spark a lifelong love of being active and connected.”
Media-Backed Content as an On-Ramp
The programming side of this initiative is deliberate. “Me & Mickey: Let’s Play Sports” is a collection of 10 shorts that teach basic techniques like kicking a soccer ball and playing catch. It extends the existing “Me & Mickey” vlog series and debuts Monday, June 29 at 6:25 a.m. EDT/PDT on Disney+, Disney Jr., and Disney Jr. On Demand.
The shorts were developed in collaboration between Disney Jr., ESPN, and the Positive Coaching Alliance. A companion PSA is narrated by Heather Dinich, ESPN senior writer and college football insider.
Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship, framed the effort around early development: “At ESPN, we believe sports can make a meaningful difference for kids from an early age, helping build confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship.”
Why Operators in Grant Markets Should Pay Attention
For youth sports providers in the eight grant cities, this program creates a funded pipeline of first-time registrations. The Every Kid Sports Pass covers registration costs for qualifying families. Operators who partner with the nonprofit can capture participants without the price barrier that typically suppresses preschool enrollment in underserved areas.
The 50% first-time-player figure from Year 1 indicates these grants are reaching families who would not otherwise register. For facility owners and club directors in Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, and the California markets, connecting with Every Kid Sports ahead of fall 2026 fulfillment represents a concrete acquisition opportunity backed by Disney-scale awareness.
Source: Thewaltdisneycompany
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