When is Project Play?

Throughout June and July, Project Play will take place on the open space at 31st and Lawndale.

Tuesdays: 5-8pm
Thursdays: 4-6pm

Storage Space

Our programs involve quite a bit of equipment, which needs to be stored when not in use. If you have storage space we can use, let us know!

Dollars

Gym space is costly. So are the materials we purchase for our programs. We would be grateful for your support. Checks can be made out to "Beyond the Ball" and sent to:

Beyond the Ball
3057 S. Drake Ave.
Chicago, IL 60623

How can you help Beyond the Ball?

There are many ways to support our mission:

Dollars

Gym space is costly. So are the materials we purchase for our programs. We would be grateful for your support. Checks can be made out to "Beyond the Ball" and sent to:

Beyond the Ball
3057 S. Drake Ave.
Chicago, IL 60623

Items

You probably have something to give that appeals to youth between the ages of 5 and 24. Tickets to events, like Bulls games; a summer home that we could use for a leadership retreat; or sports equipment and apparel. Send us an e-mail at btb@beyondtheball.org to let us know.

Networking

Who do you know that enjoys sports, working with youth, or has a passion to see everyone get an opportunity to succeed in life? Let them know about Beyond the Ball. We can probably use their help!

Storage Space

Our programs involve quite a bit of equipment, which needs to be stored when not in use. If you have storage space we can use, let us know!

Time

While we stress neighborhood involvement, we occasionally have events that need additional help! If you are interested in serving with us, send an e-mail to btb@beyondtheball.org. Not only do we offer you a chance to serve, you have an opportunity to learn from the people in our community.

Beyond the Ball Girls

Beyond the Ball recognizes that girls and young women are often left to sit on the sidelines, while the young men get attention through sports. Girls are not only a part of all of our programs, we have a specific program just for them.

Find out more about Beyond the Ball Girls.

project play

This summer, we are bringing back Project Play, which claims underutilized space in Little Village by providing recreational activities for kids and their parents. Every Tuesday last summer, hundreds of people gathered at 31st and Lawndale to play basketball, badminton, kickball, and wiffleball, and much more. Ropes were jumped, hula hoops revolved and faces were painted. Individuals and families forged a stronger community through shared activity.

This year, we are building on the concept, expanding Project Play to two nights a week. On Tuesday nights during June and July, games will be available for families to get out and get moving. On Thursday nights, Project Play will take a more formal look, as we facilitate basketball and soccer leagues for pariticipants.

The idea for Project Play came from our Bitty Ball picnics, the first of which drew over 1,000 residents who enjoyed a day of food and fun. The open field at 31st and Lawndale provides the perfect place for Project Play. It has long been a hot area for gang conflicts, but Project play will be a part of reclaiming the space for healthy, family use.

Project Play was a huge hit last summer! Check out the video below to see what Project Play looks like.