Our Programs & Initiatives

Every program we run is rooted in a simple belief: all Racine youth deserve a safe, joyful place to play and grow.

Youth Development Programs

As part of our commitment to growing youth sport leagues across our County and beyond, our foundation offers Youth Development Programs to local players looking to receive hands-on training from our youth coaching staff. Our youth programs are open to players ages 7 to 18, of all levels and abilities from beginners to advanced. Programs offered range from position-specific training, to skills clinics and camps, to an elite, tryout-based Regional Development School program.

Youth Running & Fitness

Building endurance, discipline, and a love for movement along the Racine lakefront.

Our Youth Running program meets young people where they are — whether they've never run a mile or are preparing for their first 5K. Structured sessions combine fitness training with mentorship, goal-setting, and community-building.

  • Weekly group runs and training sessions at lakefront parks
  • Beginner-friendly programming for all fitness levels
  • Goal-setting and personal achievement tracking
  • Race preparation and community event participation
  • Nutrition and wellness education integrated into sessions
  • Mentorship from trained adult coaches and volunteers

Multi-Sport Play Leagues

Inclusive leagues for all skill levels — because sport belongs to everyone.

From soccer and basketball to flag football and volleyball, our multi-sport leagues provide structured play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Leagues rotate sports by season to expose youth to a wide range of athletic experiences.

  • Seasonal leagues (fall, winter, spring, summer)
  • Soccer, basketball, flag football, volleyball, and more
  • All equipment provided — no gear required
  • Coed and single-gender divisions available
  • Emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun
  • Weekend and after-school scheduling options

Youth Soccer League

Seasonal soccer programming for beginners and competitive play.

Youth Soccer League entrants develop ball skills, positional awareness, and game sense in coached team environments.

  • Seasonal divisions with progressive difficulty
  • Coed and single-gender options
  • All equipment provided

Youth Basketball League

Coed and single-gender divisions emphasizing teamwork and fun.

League play develops fundamentals, court awareness, and team chemistry through weekly coached sessions and weekend games.

  • Skill clinics plus game-day structure
  • Coached by certified youth coaches
  • End-of-season showcase event

Youth Flag Football League

Non-contact football focused on teamwork and sportsmanship.

A safe, inclusive introduction to football fundamentals with an emphasis on respect, communication, and healthy competition.

  • No tackle contact
  • Position rotation for all players
  • Weekend game format

Youth Volleyball League

Indoor and outdoor volleyball for all skill levels.

From introductory rallies to competitive team play, young athletes build coordination, communication, and court IQ.

  • Indoor season and outdoor summer sessions
  • Beginner through advanced tiers
  • Small-sided drills and full-team play

Youth Tennis League

Beginner-friendly tennis with coaching and match play.

Designed for new and developing players, this league builds strokes, scoring knowledge, and match confidence in a supportive setting.

  • Racquet skills and stroke development
  • Uses modified equipment for younger players
  • Seasonal ladder play and events

Position-Specific Training

Small-group coaching by position to build sharper, game-ready skills.

Athletes are grouped by position to work on the exact skills, decisions, and techniques their role demands. Coaches deliver focused repetition, feedback, and game-realistic scenarios.

  • Goalkeeper, midfielder, forward, and defense tracks
  • Small-group sessions with real coaching feedback
  • Game-realistic drills and situational reps
  • Open to all levels

Skills Clinics & Camps

High-intensity camps and short clinics that build technical skills, speed, and confidence.

These short-format programs fit busy family schedules and deliver focused improvement — from footwork and ball control to conditioning and mental focus on the field.

  • Day camps, weekend clinics, and holiday-break sessions
  • Skill-focus tracks for every level
  • All equipment provided

Regional Development School

Elite, tryout-based programming for advanced players pushing to the next level.

This pathway is for serious players with the discipline and drive to train like an elite squad. Tryouts determine placement into advanced coaching groups with structured progress tracking and competitive fixtures.

  • Tryout-based admission
  • Advanced coaching and performance tracking
  • Intra-regional matches and showcase events
  • Clear pathway to competitive squads

Outdoor Education & Exploration

Connecting Racine's youth to the natural wonders of the Great Lakes region.

Lake Michigan is one of Racine's greatest assets — and many youth have never fully experienced it. Our Outdoor Education program takes young people off screens and into nature, building environmental stewardship alongside physical wellness.

  • Lakefront exploration walks and nature hikes
  • Environmental education and sustainability projects
  • Kayaking, paddleboarding, and water safety introduction
  • Bird watching, plant identification, and ecology lessons
  • Partnerships with state parks and conservation organizations
  • Summer day trips and overnight outdoor experiences

Coach & Mentor Training

Equipping the adults who shape youth — with skills, tools, and support.

Great coaches change lives. Our training program invests in the adults who work with Racine youth — providing professional development, trauma-informed coaching techniques, and resources to create the most positive play environments possible.

  • Positive Youth Development (PYD) coaching certification
  • Trauma-informed and culturally responsive coaching practices
  • First aid, CPR, and safety certifications provided
  • Ongoing mentorship and peer coaching network
  • Monthly workshops and resource library
  • Open to volunteer and professional coaches citywide

Safe Play Spaces

Activating Racine's parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers year-round.

A safe, welcoming space to play is foundational. We partner with the City of Racine, neighborhood associations, and community organizations to activate underutilized parks and recreation spaces, ensuring youth have safe places to play in their own neighborhoods.

  • Pop-up play activations in parks and community spaces
  • Playground equipment upgrades and improvements
  • Supervised open recreation hours at parks
  • Mobile play units bringing equipment to neighborhoods
  • Community input process for space design and activation
  • Year-round programming including winter indoor options

Community Grantmaking

Funding organizations creating play-based opportunities for Racine youth.

Beyond our direct programs, we fund the broader ecosystem of youth-serving organizations in Racine County. Through our grants program, we invest in nonprofits, schools, and community groups doing the daily work of getting kids moving.

  • Grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000
  • Funding for equipment, staff, facility costs, and transportation
  • Quarterly application review cycles
  • Open to nonprofits, schools, and community organizations
  • Priority for programs serving underserved youth
  • Technical assistance available to applicants

Follow Us on Social

Follow us social for the latest photos, videos, and updates from the programs we offer.

Ready to Play, Volunteer, or Partner?

There are many ways to be part of the Racine Play Foundation community — whether you're a youth, parent, coach, volunteer, or organization.

Youth Registration

Sign up your child for a free program. Youth registration is the same as Player.

Register Now

Volunteer

Become a coach, mentor, or event volunteer and make a direct difference in young people's lives.

Volunteer

Partner With Us

Are you a school, park, or organization? Let's build something great for Racine's youth together.

Partner Up

Make a Donation

Your financial support fuels free programs and removes barriers for children who need them most.

Donate