Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

P.L.A.Y.S. Program, Presented by Meridian

Program Focus: The Chicago Fire Foundation's P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program is designed to enhance both academic performance and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in elementary students through a structured, soccer-based curriculum.

What the Program Offers:

  • Soccer fundamentals instruction

  • Social-emotional learning (SEL) skills development including emotional control, goal setting, cooperation, respect, communication, and teamwork

  • Direct connection between sports-based learning and classroom academic performance
  • Program History:

  • Launched in 2013

  • Has delivered over 436,320 hours of programming to third through fifth graders across Chicago

  • In 2026, will serve 70 CPS schools and reach nearly 1,680 students
  • Geographic Scope:

  • Must be located in Chicago, IL
  • Eligible Participants:

  • Youth in grades 3rd-5th grade only
  • Program Timeline:

  • Programming takes place in the spring (March-June)
  • Contact Information:

  • Stacy Tsihlopoulos at stsihlopoulos@chicagofirefc.com
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Complete the online application form
    2. After submission, the Chicago Fire Foundation will reach out with next steps

    Key Requirements:

  • Must be located in Chicago, IL

  • Program is for youth in grades 3rd-5th grade only

  • Programming takes place in the spring (March-June)
  • Contact for Questions:

  • Stacy Tsihlopoulos at stsihlopoulos@chicagofirefc.com
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-sportsafter-schoolk-12-schoolsacademic-enrichment

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