Empowering Student Athletes with the LA84 Foundation 

Think Together students are getting geared up and ready to bring their A-game. In collaboration with the LA84 Foundation, Think Together will be providing 39 middle schools in San Bernardino and Riverside County with access to free, high-quality competitive sports programs that will serve more than 3,000 students. 

These aspiring athletes will have access to basketball programs for girls and boys in the winter, soccer in the spring, and flag football in the fall. Select schools will also continue to offer co-ed volleyball in the fall. 

The sports programs will be in-person, running in three 10-week rotations throughout the year. Students will participate in about an hour of sports each day, four days a week. Each season will include inter-school games and conclude with regional Saturday tournaments, providing meaningful opportunities to compete, grow and stay active. 

Mark, an eighth grade Think Together student from Rialto Unified School District, has been an active member of his school’s flag football team. With the support of his coaches and teammates, he has not only grown as an athlete but has also discovered what it means to be a leader.  

“Being a part of this team has helped me build character. I’ve learned how to be more responsible and respectful towards others. I feel like I’ve also learned how to communicate better with my teammates,” shared Mark. 

From early childhood, discovering how to work as part of a team helps children build confidence, empathy and the ability to achieve goals together. Research from the University of San Diego suggests that youth sports can have a major positive impact on growth and development. 

“We’re helping develop an all-around athlete. We want them to not only be great on the field, but we also want to support them in their academic and behavioral achievements as well,” said Sports Coordinator Michael Lara. “The time they spend here can build their futures, helping them grow into future leaders.” 

Think Together’s partnership with the LA84 Foundation began in 2008, with both organizations recognizing the transformational power of sports. With more than 30,000 students in Think Together’s San Bernardino and Riverside County regions, these sports programs help prepare future all-stars to reach their full potential.