ORDER CALLING FOR A WORKSHOP WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH & RECREATION (YARD), THE NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND OTHER RELEVANT OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS YOUTH SPORTS IMPROVEMENTS AND THE POTENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF A YOUTH SPORTS COMMISSION
WHEREAS: Participation in youth sports supports healthy development, physical and mental health, academic engagement, teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience, and creates a sense of belonging and purpose for young people, and
WHEREAS: New Haven has a long and proud tradition in youth school athletics, and sports remain one of the primary ways students and families rally around their schools and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: School coaches play a critical role as mentors, advocates, and trusted adults for student-athletes and youth participants; and
WHEREAS: Coaches, leagues, and partners report growing challenges, including limited and inconsistent access to gyms, fields, and courts, aging facilities, transportation and equipment barriers, and limited institutional support; and
WHEREAS: Many youths feel disconnected from organized sports due to cost, transportation, lack of information, or perceptions that programs are not accessible; and
WHEREAS: The City of New Haven has experienced an uptick in youth violence, and expanded access to high-quality youth sports is a key strategy to provide positive alternatives, strengthen mentorship, and increase safe, structured spaces for young people; and
WHEREAS: Other municipalities have developed travel sports and inter-municipal league models that may offer valuable lessons for New Haven; and
WHEREAS: A more coordinated approach involving YARD, the New Haven Public Schools, Parks Department, school athletic programs, community leagues, and nonprofit partners could improve facility use, expand access, and strengthen mentorship; and
WHEREAS: The City is interested in exploring the potential establishment of a Youth Sports Commission to provide ongoing input on youth athletics, facility ac...
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