Laurie M. Tisch Illuminates Youth Sports with $10 Million Play to Thrive Initiative

Laurie M. Tisch Launches Play to Thrive Initiative

In an exciting development for youth sports and mental health, philanthropist Laurie M. Tisch recently unveiled the Play to Thrive initiative, a $10 million multi-year project designed to enhance access to sports and foster better mental health among young people in New York City and beyond. The announcement took place during the first-ever State of Soccer Summit hosted by the Aspen Institute.

Fostering Mental Health Through Sports

As we face escalating concerns regarding youth mental health, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, the importance of sports has never been more vital. Active participation in soccer and other sports not only improves physical health but also significantly contributes to emotional and mental wellness. The initiative’s aim is to address these challenges by ensuring that underserved communities have equal opportunities to engage in sports programs.

Laurie M. Tisch, the founder and president of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, emphasized the transformative potential of soccer, stating, "Soccer is more than a game; it's a powerful tool to foster inclusion, leadership, and community." Tisch highlighted that far too many young individuals remain on the sidelines due to socio-economic barriers and lack of access.

Funding Innovative Programs

The Play to Thrive initiative has already earmarked funding for several frontline programs that aim to harness the spirit of soccer for positive social change:

1. State of Soccer in New York City/Northern New Jersey: This project will assess youth soccer accessibility in the region, focusing on girls, injury prevention, and youth voices in sports. It will be conducted by the Aspen Institute's Project Play and is expected to provide critical insights and recommendations by spring 2026.

2. Keep Her in the Game: In collaboration with Gotham FC and Dove, this initiative continues its mission to reduce dropout rates among adolescent girls by training coaches and engaging them with female role models, including players from Gotham FC.

3. Playworks: This national nonprofit organization focuses on creating positive play experiences for children at school. The funding will support its programs throughout New York City and New Jersey, providing professional development and engagement opportunities at Gotham FC games.

4. Street Soccer USA: Aiming to establish a Street Soccer Park in Queens, this project will bolster sports equity by providing a safe environment for children experiencing poverty and housing instability. Utilization of trauma-informed coaching and social-emotional learning will enable participants to build resilience and key life skills.

A Legacy of Change

Kira Pritchard, senior program officer at the Illumination Fund, articulated that while the initial focus is on youth soccer, the broader vision of Play to Thrive encompasses the potential benefits of all sports for promoting youth development and mental well-being. Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Governor of Gotham FC, echoed this vision, emphasizing soccer as a unifying force within communities.

"At Gotham FC, we believe soccer has the power to bring people together. Through partnerships like Illumination Fund's Play to Thrive, we are committed to creating more opportunities for every young person to experience the confidence and connection that the game inspires," said Blodgett.

The Play to Thrive initiative also builds on the success of the Illumination Fund's previous Arts in Health initiative, which highlights similar objectives through the arts. Laurie M. Tisch reiterated the essential role of both sports and the arts in fostering community and belonging, surmising that despite differences, both fields unite individuals around shared experiences and aspirations.

Looking Forward

With the FIFA World Cup slated to come to the region in 2026, this initiative marks a crucial moment for creating lasting change within youth sports. Tisch culminated the announcement with a call to action, stating, “Let’s build a future where everyone has the chance to play, grow, and belong.” The Play to Thrive initiative will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone of this vision, extending the reach of support and opportunity across New York City.

For additional details about the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and the Play to Thrive initiative, visit www.thelmtif.org.