ESPN and Disney Jr. Team Up with Every Kid Sports to Get Preschoolers in the Game

ESPN and Disney Jr. Team Up with Every Kid Sports to Get Preschoolers in the Game

ESPN and Disney Jr. are joining forces with the national nonprofit Every Kid Sports to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at getting preschoolers into the game. This collaboration will provide crucial sports grants for families facing financial hardship, marking the first time preschoolers will directly benefit from these vital resources.

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This new program is part of ESPN’s “Take Back Sports” initiative – a broader effort to increase youth sports participation – and the “Disney Jr. Let’s Play!” campaign, which is dedicated to inspiring play through beloved Disney Jr. characters and stories. The initiative reflects Disney’s unwavering commitment to bringing happiness and opportunity to kids, families, and communities.

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Registrations Now Open for Preschool Sports Grants

Registrations for these invaluable grants are officially open for qualifying families with children aged 3-7. The program is currently available in select cities: Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, and New York. Families interested in applying can visit https://everykidsports.org/letsplaysports to review the qualifications and submit an application for the Fall 2025 Every Kid Sports Pass.

The financial barrier to youth sports is significant. The average cost for preschool sports registrations in the U.S. is estimated at $80 per sport, per season. For older children (ages 6-18), new data from the Aspen Institute suggests costs can exceed $1,000 per year per child. Through this strategic collaboration, ESPN and Disney Jr. are directly addressing these financial hurdles, striving to increase access to sports programs for the next generation.

Celebrities Champion the Cause

The campaign was kicked off live on “Good Morning America” by Jess Sims, an ESPN college sports reporter, “Good Morning America” contributor, and fitness expert.

“I am honored to join ESPN and Disney Jr. to encourage preschoolers to get out and play,” said Sims. “With youth sports participation declining, due in part to an increase in registration fees, this program will ensure that young kids have the chance to play and experience the incredible benefits and important life lessons that come from playing sports.”

Adding to the star power, former NFL quarterback and ESPN College Football Analyst Jesse Palmer, along with Sydney Leroux, forward for Angel City F.C. of the National Women’s Soccer League, have also joined the campaign as ambassadors.

Eleana Fanaika, Executive Director of Every Kid Sports, expressed her enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to team up with Disney Jr. and ESPN to bring the magic of play to preschoolers from income-restricted families. 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.”

This initiative underscores a shared belief in the power of play and sports to foster vital life skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for physical activity, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to get in the game.

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