Volo Kids Foundation

Overview

The Volo Kids Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to building communities of active, resilient, and confident children through quality, free sports programs. The foundation aims to create community-based spaces that foster youth mentorship, family health, and community well-being.

Mission

Volo Kids Foundation seeks to address the barriers that prevent children from participating in sports, such as financial constraints and lack of access to transportation. Their programs are designed to be inclusive, welcoming children of all racial backgrounds, genders, and skill levels.

History

The foundation was created as part of the broader Volo Sports initiative, which emerged as a response to civil unrest in Baltimore. The organization uses sports as a tool for healing and community building.

Impact

By providing free sports opportunities, Volo Kids Foundation aims to counteract the trends of decreasing sports participation among children. Approximately 70% of children quit sports by age 13 due to overly competitive environments and early specialization pressures, while 77% of low-income families struggle to afford sports costs. The foundation also addresses the rise in reported sadness and loneliness among children, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Programs

Volo Kids offers a variety of sports programs, including soccer leagues that run year-round. These programs serve as platforms for social interaction and skill development, helping children build confidence and resilience through play.

[1] https://volokids.org [2] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/47-4697427 [3] https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3926956.jsp [4] https://www.volosports.com/about-us [5] https://www.volosports.com/Volo-Kids-Foundation/Soccer