Every Kid Deserves to Play: The Impact of "Every Kid Gets a Ball" in Des Moines

The joy of childhood is deeply intertwined with play. Beyond simple fun and laughter, play is fundamental to a child's development, nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and vital social connections. For many children, these formative experiences flourish through organized youth sports, where they can build confidence, hone skills, and cultivate a lifelong love for activity.

The Challenge of Access: Cost as a Barrier

Here in Des Moines, the escalating cost of participation – including essential equipment – often creates a daunting hurdle for families. The Aspen Institute's latest parent survey (2024) reveals the financial burden: the average U.S. family spent $1,016 on their child's primary sport in 2024, marking a 46% increase since 2019. When factoring in other sports, the annual cost for one child's sports experiences soared to nearly $1,500." (Source: Aspen Institute Project Play)

This is where Des Moines Parks and Recreation stepped in, introducing the youth recreational scholarship program several years ago for children who qualify for free/reduced fees through Des Moines Public Schools based on their household income. Through this program, they receive discounts on youth sports and swim lessons.

Every Kid Gets a Ball: A Game-Changing Initiative In 2022, Friends of Des Moines Parks made a commitment to provide every child participating in an athletic program with a ball specific to that sport at no cost to their family. This seemingly simple gesture has a profound impact. It's more than just a piece of equipment; it's an invitation to play, practice, and dream beyond the organized season.  This innovative opportunity allows for youth to truly embrace the activity of their sport year-round, whether they're refining their dribbling skills on a neighborhood court, practicing soccer kicks in their local park, or just enjoying active fun with friends in their backyard. It transforms our parks and community centers into extensions of their learning and play, accessible anytime.

Support the Power of Play

This program is a testament to the belief that every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and grow through sports, regardless of their family's income. But programs like 'Every Kid Gets a Ball' are only possible with the continued support of our community. If you believe in the power of play and want to help us put a ball in every child's hands, please consider Donating to the Friends of Des Moines Parks here or Learning more about how you can get involved. Together, we can ensure that every kid in Des Moines truly gets to experience the joy of the game.