Over the past decade, EAP has forged meaningful partnerships with amazing sports and youth-serving organizations, schools, and coaches to help support their efforts. These individuals and organization's are true game changers! They play an integral role in shaping the lives of the youth within our community. Their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality programming and transformative experiences serves as a catalyst for the success and growth of our youth. Their impact extends far beyond the courts, playing fields and track - they empower the youth of our community to realize their full potential and become well-rounded, confident student athletes, prepared to succeed.
In partnering with these incredible game-changers, EAP serves as a support system, offering assistance and resources to help amplify their efforts and expand their reach and impact. Over the years, EAP has assisted with equipment, uniforms, youth development programming, transportation, as well providing scholarships for their youth to participate in high level programs such as camps, tournaments and college showcase events that could lead to live changing opportunities. Together, EAP works hand-in-hand with these game changers, united by a shared vision of providing equitable access to high quality programs, experiences and opportunities for the youth of our community to help them grow and thrive.
Everyone’s a Player believes in leveling the playing field for young athletes from Lawrence and other under resourced communities to ensure they have access to life changing opportunities. Our All Star sports scholarship program opens doors to high-level camps, clinics, college showcase events, tournaments, and national championships, providing opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach. Through our scholarships, talented youth can build and showcase their skills, gain exposure to college recruiters, and pursue their dreams in sports. We are committed to empowering these individuals by bridging the gap and ensuring that financial constraints don't hinder their potential.
To date, EAP has awarded over 285 All Star Sports Scholarships to youth and teams in our community.
Scholarships are awarded based on several criteria including academic performance, coach and teacher recommendations, personal statements, commitment level to sport, and community engagement.
Current scholarships opportunities for youth basketball, football, volleyball and soccer camps available for Lawrence youth, summer 2023. Please contact us to learn more.
"Thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play in a national tournament in North Carolina. It was the farthest I have ever traveled. It opened up a new world for me. The competition was off the charts and I witnessed a new level of play that I never knew existed. It motivated me to work harder and up my game. I will dig deep to get there next year, and show off my new talents. Thank you EAP for your help!”
"I am so thankful to EAP for awarding me a scholarship to attend a football college showcase camp. I made connections with several college coaches at the camp and over the last year, have been approached by 2 colleges about playing. This opportunity would not have taken place without your help. I have always dreamed of playing football in college and will now get the chance to do so, all because of your generous team. Thank you!”
By forging partnership with best-in-class organizations, EAP can expand the benefits and high quality opportunities available to youth of the Lawrence. These partnerships ensure that Lawrence youth receive high-quality programs, coaching and resources that are tailored to their specific needs and promote their holistic development. Together, we can create synergistic environment that furthers their growth, unlocks their potential and empowers them to thrive in sports, school and in life.
Through strategic partnerships, we have launched key initiatives to address the unmet needs of our community and uplift its youth. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and community collaboration. Through our partnerships and collective efforts, we strive to create a more inclusive and vibrant environment for our youth to grow, thrive, and build a brighter future.
One of EAP’s flagship programs is the Lawrence Sports Leadership Academy, co-founded with Beyond Soccer which is multi-sport leadership summer camp for Lawrence youth.
This camp provides a high-level experience on par with their peers in surrounding towns. This initiative not only aims to bridge the gap to increase historically low sports participation rates within the city but also introduces middle and high school students to various sports, physical activity and performance training. With expert trainers, motivational speakers, nutritional educators, and activities like yoga, functional training, and Zumba, we create a holistic environment for personal growth and development.
EAP and Beyond Soccer also played a crucial role in establishing a sports collaborative in the city, Lawrence Sports Alliance.
This collaborative brings together sports organizations, fostering resource-sharing, the exchange of best practices, and collective advocacy for increased funding for youth sports. By uniting these groups, we help to amplify our impact and create a stronger, more supportive sports ecosystem for the youth. The Alliance also serves as community resource center for families, to identify and connect youth to sports programming, physi-cal activity and youth development opportunities.
One of EAP’s flagship programs is the Lawrence Sports Leadership Academy, co-founded with Beyond Soccer which is multi-sport leadership summer camp for Lawrence youth.
This camp provides a high-level experience on par with their peers in surrounding towns. This initiative not only aims to bridge the gap to increase historically low sports participation rates within the city but also introduces middle and high school students to various sports, physical activity and performance training. With expert trainers, motivational speakers, nutritional educators, and activities like yoga, functional training, and Zumba, we create a holistic environment for personal growth and development.
EAP and Beyond Soccer also played a crucial role in establishing a sports collaborative in the city, Lawrence Sports Alliance.
This collaborative brings together sports organizations, fostering resource-sharing, the exchange of best practices, and collective advocacy for increased funding for youth sports. By uniting these groups, we help to amplify our impact and create a stronger, more supportive sports ecosystem for the youth. The Alliance also serves as community resource center for families, to identify and connect youth to sports programming, physical activity and youth development opportunities.
EAP is also proud to have partnered with Spark Fitness & Tennis and the United States Tennis Association to launch Serving Stars, the city's first formalized tennis and enrichment programming for Lawrence youth.
Serving Stars is a chapter of the United States Tennis Associations, National Junior Tennis and Learning Network. The program offer tennis training, fitness, enrichment and academic support. This program equips Lawrence youth with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive both in the game and in life and empowers them to succeed, and unlock their full potential.
EAP is dedicated to serving on both local and national communities, striving to amplify voices and champion the cause of providing equitable opportunities and experiences for youth, particularly through the important role that sports and physical activity play in their lives. We understand that true empowerment necessitates addressing and changing systemic inequities that continue cycles of disadvantage. We are committed to create brighter futures for our youth and cultivate a healthier, vibrant environment for our families. By engaging with the community at large, we aim to create a lasting impact that goes beyond individual achievements, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the well-being of our society. Through our collaborative efforts, we aspire to build a more inclusive and equitable future, where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential.