Our Story

26 years of leveling the playing field

PlaySmart Academy New York beginnings go back to the friendships which founder Kevin Kavanagh made at Princeton University in the mid-1990s. Kevin and several other founders continued to keep the program alive during their early careers in NYC by working with Chelsea Piers to provide programs. When Kevin and his family moved to Rye, he and his wife, Amanda, started fundraising and looking for partnership opportunities for PlaySmart programs in the suburbs. They hired a director, and Rye Country Day School generously donated their facilities to use, and PlaySmart Academy, NY launched in 2013.

Founded

In
1997

Raised since founding

Over
$1 Million

Kids served

1000s Nationwide

Our Impact

PlaySmart Academy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that helps underserved middle school-aged youth realize their academic and life potential through sports.

PlaySmart was created in 1997 by a group of Princeton University alumni who wanted to provide athletic opportunities to kids who would otherwise not have them.

From the beginning, PlaySmart has introduced young people to sports through camps, scholarships, and enrichment programs — raising over $1 million and helping thousands of kids across the United States.

Presently, PlaySmart is located in Rye, NY. Former sites include Denver, CO, Omaha, NE, Newark, NJ, Oklahoma City, OK, Baltimore, MD,Tampa, FL, and Saint Petersburg, FL.  Each site has offered programs such as after school sports, branded enrichment programs, quality coaching, scholarships, as well as partnership, mentorship and volunteer opportunities.

“By introducing young people to new possibilities, we hope to broaden their perspective, raise their aspirations, and level the playing field for all.”

Get Involved

Whether you want to enroll a child, volunteer your time, or support our mission through a donation, there’s a place for you in the PlaySmart community.