Beyond the Ball
Beyond the Ball empowers urban youth to transform their community, not escape it.
We've been in existence since 2000. Programming is very intentional about going beyond just giving youth something to do. Sports leagues and clinics grow youth into leaders. Classes, experience trips and mentoring give students practical skills and ideas for success in life.
Beyond the Ball can point to many of our alumni as proof of our success. Several of the youth involved since Beyond the Ball's inception are now attending or have graduated college. Many have returned to the West Side and found employment, bringing stability to the community.
A busy summer at Beyond the Ball
Spring 2010 Tournament finishes up at Little Village Lawndale High School
Our Spring 2010 League recently finished, with the Lakers and Lee Mac tying for first place during the regular season. Standings and statistics were kept up-to-date on the website throughout the league thanks to the players' initiative. Want to find out who won the tournament championship? Click on the link to see.
Project Play now running two nights per week
Project Play, which began last summer as a way to reclaim open space while providing opportunities for families to exercise together, returns this summer. Last year, hundreds turned out on Tuesday nights for games at 31st and Lawndale in Little Village. This year, we're adding a more formal opportunity on Thursday nights, facilitating basketball and soccer leagues for Project Play youth. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday night in June and July starting at 4pm.
B-ball on the Block kicks off in June
B-Ball on the Block will be back this summer, kicking off at Healing the Hood on June 12. We will once again facilitate the Citywide Championship, this year on August 21. Find the schedule and more information by following the link above.
Our Little Village promotes community ownership
“Our Little Village” brought over 400 residents and volunteers together on Saturday, April 24, to clean up Little Village. Beyond the Ball created Our Little Village as a way to encourage residents to take ownership of their neighborhood. Click on the link for more information.