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The Unity Council’s Neighborhood Sports Initiative (NSI) is a set of programs designed to provide a safe place for underserved youth to engage in sports and recreational activities, both in after-school and summer program settings. NSI staff schedule, coordinate, and manage three programs that serve over 700 youth from the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland and surrounding communities: the Fruitvale Youth Basketball League, the Girl’s Sports Program, and our 6-9PM After-School Program.
HISTORY:
The Neighborhood Sports Initiative was founded in 2004 by The Unity Council to ensure that the limited open spaces in the Fruitvale neighborhood were fully utilized. Too many schoolyards and parks were left unused, while local youth were left with few options for productive, healthy recreational activities. The most densely populated neighborhood in Oakland, the Fruitvale also has its highest concentration of children.
Originally funded by Team Up For Youth and Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY), the NSI has since expanded. We have now partnered with the Oakland Schoolyards Initiative (OSI) in order to upgrade and revitalize schoolyards throughout the Fruitvale.
OUR MISSION:
The Neighborhood Sports Initiative seeks to promote a culture of active youth who thrive academically, physically, and socially. We believe that physically and mentally active youth with a love for the outdoors are more likely to succeed, no matter what path they choose in life. By providing a space for Fruitvale youth to be active and productive, the NSI positively affects such quantifiable academic measures as dropout rates, absences, and academic performance, as well as physical health measures such as obesity and diabetes rates. Participating in organized sports and outdoor activities also builds leadership skills and teamwork.
SERVICES:
Girl’s Sports Program:
- Summer Water Recreational Activities (Kayaking, Canoeing, Dragonboating, Rowing) at Jack London Aquatic Center
- Afterschool Sports Program (Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, etc.) at ASCEND School and Urban Promise Academy
6-9 Afterschool Program (At Cesar Chavez Educational Center):
- Team Practice (Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball)
- Fruitvale Youth Basketball League
- Weekend Games at CCEC
OTHER INFORMATION:
Youth Program T-shirts are available for purchase. If interested, please contact Louisa Larkin at llarkin@unitycouncil.org
Fruitvale Youth Basketball League Tee ($15):
Girls Sports Program Tee ($15):
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