Our Programs

The goal of our programs is to engage and empower local youth through athletics and academics.

OUR PARTNERS

OUR PROGRAMS

Athletic Programs

Our athletic programs are designed to give students an insight into a new sport that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Sustained participation in our programs has fostered growth, endurance, strategy, and skill; empowering local youths to achieve their dreams.

Our young athletes have discovered a passion for something they can enjoy for life. Our students will eventually succeed in a well-rounded sport with personal, physical, and collegiate benefits. Through athletic development participants also have the potential to earn athletic scholarships.

Academic Programs

Our organization is dedicated to improving the lives of our youth through education, practice and study. Whether the path they take be the trades or college, our goal is to make that path easier to travel by preparing that youth for the academic rigors that are forthcoming.

We make an effort to encourage youth from lower socioeconomic status (SES) and minority groups by providing them access to knowledge and learning opportunities that may otherwise be lacking. The main goal of the foundation is to create a safe and nurturing environment for youth where they can realize and obtain their full potential.

Program Development

Participation in youth activities can have a positive, lasting impact on a child's general mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, some youth populations are unable to participate and/or reap the benefits of sports or academic activities because of existing inequities and youth from lower socioeconomic status and ethnic minorities have been found to participate in these activities less.

These disparities are unfortunately pervasive and likely the result of multiple barriers (e.g., financial and time constraints, limited resources and the inability to access facilities both in and out of school, and lack of familial support). Through our programs, we aim to continuously improve in providing support to reduce these barriers.

Impact of our programs

Short-Term Outcomes

Reduce inequality in social, mental, and physical health
Increased positive social norms, health, and well-being for low SES groups
Increased physical Activity (PA) over the life course for low socioeconomic status (SES) youth
Diverse extracurricular activities for college applications

Intermediate-Term Outcomes

Decrease likelihood of risky behavior (e.g., binge drinking, illicit drug use, and tobacco use)
Increased civic engagement
Decrease in obesity rates and increase independent exercise
Likelihood of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) (e.g., diabetes, cardiac/heart disease decrease)

Long-Term Outcomes

Sustained positive influence of economic, intellectual, social, and psychological outcomes
Long lasting positive influences which help build positive health behaviors, increase self-sufficiency, self-esteem, feelings of self-efficacy, leadership skills, and interactions with others, and promote an overall decrease in problem behaviors.

FEATURED PARTNERSHIPS & INSPIRATION

Fencing with Division 1 Athletes

We've proudly partnered with Sacred Heart University (SHU) Division 1 fencing program to start a fencing program for middle school students in Bridgeport.

Through this exciting partnership with SHU, the Willie and Sandra McBride Foundation are giving Bridgeport youth the opportunity to learn from Division 1 college athletes. Both the men's and women's fencing team aim to send four to five athletes once per week to work directly with aspiring middle school students, sharing their knowledge of the sport and their experience with the sport.

Reach for the stars: Miles Chamley-Watson

Miles Chamley-Watson is a British-American five-time World Champion fencer. He is also an Olympian, and a true inspiration to the level athletics can take youth.

Chamley-Watson began fencing from the young age of 8, shortly after his family relocated from the London to New York City. Following a successful youth career, he got a full scholarship to Pennsylvania State University for fencing. After college, Chamley-Watson emerged as a world champion fencer, winning the World Championship in 2013 and 2019. He also competed in the 2016 Brazilian Olympics.

Image source: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 12, 2016: Fencer Miles Chamley-Watson of United States competes in the Men's team foil of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Carioca Arena 3