HISTORY
Neighborhood Sports was established in 2003 by Jeff Forster and Hector Santiago, two neighbors and friends with a passion for youth sports. As frequent coaches for their children's teams, they noticed a need for a different, fundamental approach to youth sports that was not yet offered in the Austin area. Starting out with kickball and flag football in Cedar Park, TX, they quickly gained a reputation for a uniquely positive recreational environment. Simply: Everyone had fun.
Now, our programs are organized year round, in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Neighborhood Sports programs consist of camps, clinics, after school programs, and leagues. We are the premier NFL Youth Flag Football League for kids, ages 4-15 with league locations through-out the Austin area, Flower Mound and Highland Village, Kyle/Buda, and in the Northeast San Antonio area. Many of our players have gone on to enjoy playing competitive sports in Middle School, High School, and even some in College. We are also home to the NFL Flag National Champions (boys and girls) 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2015. We are proud to say that we are one of the best recreational youth sports program providers in the country. Our kids develop into better players, and better people, building a better community.
MISSION
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recreational activities, promoting citizenship, and improving the lives of youths all through-out the community. Our programs develop leaders, team players, and build a better tomorrow for our young people. Our league puts the focus on developing the fundamental skills of each sport we offer. We instill good sportsmanship in players, coaches, and parents.
CAUSE
WE HAVE NEVER TURNED AWAY A CHILD WHO COULD NOT AFFORD A FEE!
The number varies annually, but approximately 5 – 10% of our participants benefit from our reduced fee program, which reaches families on government aid, on school lunch programs, and those who are simply experiencing a financial crisis. We believe organized youth activities help build a child's character, as well as gives them something to look forward to. By inviting you to make a donation, we ask that you to stand with us, helping insure that we always "Let Kids Play". Your donation benefits reduced fee program participants and helps improve facilities for everyone in our community.
PROGRAMS
Our programs include: NFL Flag Football, Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Basketball, World Cup Youth Recreational Soccer, Baseball, Track, Camps, Clinics, and After School Programs. Activities are held at schools and facilities in partnering communities. Our programs are spirited, recreational, and instructional, while encouraging good sportsmanship in a positive environment. Participants come from all ethnic and economic levels in our neighborhoods. Families build life-defining relationships in the community within our program.
TESTIMONIALS
"Neighborhood Sports runs a great league for kids AND parents. Flag Football is great for the kids, it develops football skills, teamwork, leadership, and good people skills. I do not think kids should play tackle football until their bodies are ready to wear the equipment and get hit. Kids should wait until they are in 7th grade or older to play tackle football."
-Joe Delamielleure, NFL Hall of Fame Player
"I wanted to let you know that my daughter, Sidney, loved playing soccer this past fall. Marc coached, and I helped him out. We both had lots of fun!"
-Kristine Lilly, USA National Soccer Team / 2x World Champion
"Neighborhood Sports Basketball has played an important role in providing opportunities for young players to improve in the game of basketball. Not only are kids allowed to grow in this league in the game of basketball, but the environment is a positive one that enhances growth as a young person as well."
-Clint Bradley, Leander Varsity Head Basketball Coach
"There are a lot of options for youth sports in Central Texas, and I've coached all of them, at one time or another, since 2008. Neighborhood Sports and the NFL Flag Football stand head-and-shoulders above the rest. Whether you're looking for a fun place to introduce your child to team sports, or whether you're looking to challenge him or her with something more competitive, Neighborhood Sports has an option for you. All of the leagues are fun, affordable and well-organized, and let's face it - my boys think their NFL and NBA jerseys are the coolest in Austin. If you've got kids, I recommend Neighborhood Sports without hesitation."
- Will Ambruzs, Proud parent of players
"Jeff, Hector, and their staff do a great job! I have been associated with, or had my own kids playing, in various Neighborhood Sports leagues for a decade and will continue for years to come..."
-Brian Route, Stony Point Varsity Head Basketball Coach
"I have been involved with Neighborhood Sports for 12 years... as a parent, coach, referee, and for 8 years as a field director in Round Rock West. We joined flag football because I was intrigued by the "once a week" practice and proximity to my home. My son enjoyed his teammates and coaches, and the freedom to play multiple positions not available to him in tackle football. We continued because we enjoy the competitive spirit and close family feel that Neighborhood Sports offers. My son started playing flag football with Neighborhood Sports when he was 8 years old. Now at 20, he is in college, but is still a big part of the league. He loves to come home every Saturday and referee. My son is kind, respectful, and truly enjoys communicating with children and adults alike. I truly believe his time with Neighborhood Sports as a player, volunteer, and referee have helped mold the fine young man he has become. I absolutely love working every Saturday on the Round Rock West football fields. I look Forward to opening day when I get to visit returning coaches, players, and welcome many new families. Our referees are amazing... truly wonderful people who are there because they love children and sports. Neighborhood Sports is really an extension of my family... not only the ones I work with, but the 400+ players and their families who I see every week. I love you guys!!!"
-Pam Pritchard, Field Director and Parent