And How Are the Children?

by Rob Marcus – Chief Community Impact Officer, PCA

As we begin another year, I find myself reflecting on a profound question rooted in the traditions of the Maasai people of East Africa: “And how are the children?”  When the Maasai greet each other, they do not greet each other by saying “hello”, or “how are you doing?”, they instead greet each other by asking “And how are the children?”.1 It is a traditional greeting and isn’t reserved for parents alone—it is asked by all, reflecting the high value the Maasai place on the well-being of their youngest members. The response, “All the children are well,” signifies that peace and safety prevail, and the community has fulfilled its responsibility to protect its most vulnerable members.

When I first heard this proverb two years ago from Larry McKenzie, a local PCA Board Member in Minneapolis, its power struck me. It asks us to consider the well-being of our children as a reflection of our collective values, priorities, and the kind of society we’re building.

This simple yet powerful question reminds us that the state of our community is measured not by its wealth or prestige but by how well we care for our most vulnerable members—our children. No matter what we believe is the best way forward, every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, dream, and grow.

For us at PCA, that means doing our part to ensure every child has access to the life-changing benefits of positive youth sports.

The Transformative Power of Youth Sports

Youth sports, when led by a supportive coach, offer so much more than physical activity. For many kids, the field, court, or track is where they first discover their potential and learn how to overcome challenges. Sports can teach teamwork, resilience, leadership, and discipline. They provide a safe space to build friendships, develop confidence, and learn valuable life skills. For instance, participation in sports helps girls build stronger peer relationships and develop a greater sense of connection compared to those who do not engage in sports.2

But today, the reality is stark: not every child gets to experience these benefits. Nationally, nearly half of Black youth ages 6–12 did not participate in organized team sports last year.3 Youth sports have become increasingly expensive, with costs for equipment, travel, and participation fees creating significant barriers. In California, nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents report struggling to afford the costs associated with their children’s sports participation.4 Fields and facilities are often unavailable in underserved communities, leaving kids with few or no options to play.

This reality is not the child’s fault.

It’s not their fault that youth sports are expensive.

It’s not their fault that there may not be quality fields where they live.

It’s not their fault that opportunities to play might be limited.

Every child deserves the opportunity to play and benefit from a positive youth sports experience. The Maasai greeting asks, “And how are the children?” As we reflect on this question, are we ensuring that all children have the (youth sports) opportunities they deserve? When the answer is anything less than “All the children are well,” it is our responsibility to change that.

Breaking Down Barriers

At the heart of everything we do at PCA is a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of positive youth sports. That’s why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, especially for kids who’ve historically been left out.

Here’s how we’re making it happen:

  • Opening Doors: We’re partnering with community leaders, schools, and local organizations to build coalitions and bring sports programs to underserved areas so kids can play and grow.
  • Listening and Learning: Through convening community roundtables, we’re sitting down with parents, coaches, and youth to tackle challenges head-on and come up with real, workable solutions that meet their unique needs.
  • Supporting Coaches: Great coaches make a world of difference. That’s why we focus on training them to create positive, inclusive, and supportive environments where kids feel seen, encouraged, and inspired.
  • Driving Change: We’re not stopping at programs—we’re pushing for big-picture change by working with organizations like the LA84 Foundation and Let’s Play Boston to engage policymakers to ensure youth sports are a priority in every community, from funding to facilities.

When kids are left on the sidelines, we all lose. Communities lose the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who could thrive if given the chance to play. Removing these barriers isn’t just an investment in our kids—it’s an investment in our collective future.

By focusing on access, affordability, and inclusion, we’re building a foundation for lasting change—one that ensures every child has the chance to thrive, grow, and shine through the power of positive youth sports.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to what next year may bring, I challenge each of us to ask: “And how are the children?” Are we doing enough to ensure every child has the chance to play, grow, and thrive?

You can help by volunteering as a coach, attending a workshop on creating positive sports environments, joining a sports equity coalition near you, or donating equipment to families and programs in need. Even a small action can make a big difference in ensuring every child gets their chance to participate.

We owe it to our kids—and to our communities—to make youth sports positive, equitable, and accessible to all. Let’s break down the barriers, invest in the future, and create a world where no child is left on the sidelines.

Because when the children are well, our communities are stronger. When the children have opportunities, our future is brighter. And when the children can play, learn, and grow, we all win.

Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to play, grow, and shine. Let’s build a future where the answer to “And how are the children?” is always, “All the children are well.”

Take the first step – Get Involved Today
  1. Hunt Institute. (2016, March). How are the children? Retrieved from https://hunt-institute.org/resources/2016/03/how-are-the-children/#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20tribe%20in,influence%20and%20support%20young%20children.
  2. Massey, W. V., Veliz, P. T., Zarrett, N., & Farello, A. (2024). Thriving through sport: The transformative impact on girls’ mental health. Women’s Sports Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org
  3. Cooper, J. N., Shinnick, R., Jolly, S., & Keaton, A. (2024). National Black Sport Participation and Physical Activity Report. New Balance Institute for Innovative Leadership in Sport, University of Massachusetts Boston.
  4. LA84 Foundation. (2024). 2024 Play Equity Report. LA84 Foundation.