Building Better Humans with the Power of Sports
Fixing our youth sports systems that no longer works for kids
builD WHAT LASTS
THE PROBLEM WE EXIST TO SOLVE
Too many kids are being sidelined by systems that no longer work.
Too many kids are being sidelined—not because they lack talent, interest, or potential, but because the systems around them no longer work.
Across our communities, youth sports and physical activity have become fragmented, expensive, and misaligned with how kids actually grow and develop. Participation is declining. Cost and access barriers are rising. Early specialization and adult-centered incentives are pushing kids out instead of pulling them in.
What we’re seeing in youth sports is not an isolated issue. It’s a warning sign.
WHAT THE DATA SHOWS:
Few Kansas City Youth Are Active Enough
physically active Kids are 2x less likely to feel depressed…
KC Youth Have Inequitable Sports Experiences
ShareWaves is a Champion
For Youth Sports
National thought leaders recognize us for our commitment to increasing participation in youth sports and improving the youth sports experience. ShareWaves is proud to partner with The Aspen Institute and Health and Human Services to improve the youth sports landscape across America.
PROJECT PLAY CHAMPIONS are organizations that take new, meaningful, and specific actions consistent with Project Play's strategies for youth sports.
The National Youth Sports Strategy aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.
“sport has the power to change the world…it speaks to youth in a language they understand. sport can create hope, where once there was only despair.
Nelson Mandela
2026 STRATEGIES FOR IMPACT
ShareWaves focuses on three interconnected strategies to build what lasts—addressing access, experience, and the systems that shape both.
Remove cost as a barrier to participation.
We invest directly at the point of need, using targeted micro-grants to ensure cost does not determine whether a child gets to play, move, and belong.Deliver high-quality movement experiences where kids are
We support and partner with programs that provide inclusive, group-based physical activity and sports training designed for long-term health, confidence, and connection—not early specialization or exclusion.Strengthen the adults and systems around kids.
We equip coaches, educators, and parents with the tools and training needed to create safe, supportive environments that foster social, emotional, and physical development.
Our Current Teammates
