Play as the Way | Ball for Life Oakland

“If you don’t feel like you belong in a place that you're calling home, how does anyone expect you to build confidence or to deem yourself worthy?"
Coach Armani, Ball for Life

When kids run toward our coaches yelling “PE!” or their coach’s name, it’s easy to see the joy that relationships and play bring to their school day. As Ball for Life’s executive director, I get to be part of moments like this every week. Our coaches lead PE, recess, and sports electives for more than 2,000 students at eight Title I partner schools in Oakland. 

Outside of school, youth sports costs continue to rise, while physical education is often among the first programs cut when school budgets tighten. Our programs ensure every child plays without families having to worry about fees, rides, or work schedules. 

But we know that exercise alone isn’t enough. We design our programs with belonging at the center. You can feel the camaraderie at the end of the film, when a coach and a group of students link arms and laugh together. Moments like those turn school from a place students have to go into a place they call home.  

We envision an Oakland where every child, in every neighborhood, gets to play and belong with coaches they trust. As the year ends, I invite you to join us in making that vision true for Oakland kids.

** What Your Gift Makes Possible **

• Dedicated coaches at each of our partner school sites, leading PE, recess, and sport and play-based electives
• Essential equipment and materials for our PE, recess, and sport and play programs
• Comprehensive training and mentoring for our coaches
• Affordable programs responsive to the needs and budgets of Title 1 schools 

Your gift may be eligible for an employer match, which can multiply your impact for Oakland youth. If we can help with the employer matching process, please email admin@ballforlifeoakland.org.

Jake Seltzer
Executive Director, Ball for Life Oakland