Los Angles, CA–September 7, 2016 –The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, the official team charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers, announced that it will continue its partnership with Playworks Southern California for the second year. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will grant Playworks Southern California $25,000 for its peer-leadership program to improve students’ self-esteem, communication skills, and motivation to do well in school. Junior Coaches will also participate in the Junior Coach Leadership Program (JCLP), implemented during the critical after-school hours, where students can develop leadership skills.
Los Angeles Dodger Pitcher J.P. Howell will kick off Junior Coach Recruitment for the new school year as the “Coach for a Day” at Playworks’ partner Eastman Avenue Elementary School. Howell will coach healthy play in foursquare, wall ball, kickball, basketball, and a tag game during recess with nearly 700 students.
Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional health. Playworks Southern California currently serves 69 elementary schools reaching 80,000 students directly and through professional training services. With the $25,000 grant, Playworks can provide their coaches with the resources needed to successfully mentor 1,035 Junior Coaches through our leadership program.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. The Foundation’s support is critical to our continued success and is essential to amplifying our message that sport and play have the power to bring out the best in every kid,” remarks LaVal Brewer, Executive Director, Playworks Southern California.
“As we continue to invest in the power of play with Playworks Southern California we now have the opportunity to further support and impact over 1,000 young leaders through the Junior Coach Leadership Program,” said Nichol Whiteman, Executive Director, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “We truly believe that quality recreation has the power to create change and transform schools.”
