Disney Jr. & ESPN team up offering ‘Every Kid Sports’ grants

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Sports play a critical role in a child’s development.

Disney Jr. Let’s Play and ESPN’s Take Back Sports are teaming up to offer sports grants to families with children facing financial hardship.

These grants, available through the Fall 2025 Every Kid Sports Pass, will cover fall registration fees for qualifying applicants.

At Safe Hub in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, this is more than a soccer pitch; it’s a refuge.

“When I first came here, I wasn’t talking much because I was shy, but now I’ve started talking more and a little louder too,” says 9-year-old Aziyah.

“Soccer teaches you leadership and how to grow from your mistakes,” said 11-year-old Sebastian.

That’s the goal behind the Every Kid Sports Pass: to help those who are in a financial bind cover the cost of sports registration.

Qualifications for the Fall 2025 Every Kid Sports grant program include:

Current enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP or WIC

The young athlete is between 3-7 years old.

The league is a recreational sport, not elite or travel team.

The season lasts at least 4 weeks.

We spoke with ESPN SportsCenter host and native Philadelphian Kevin Negandhi about the importance of sports.

“What sports is going to give you is the idea of understanding discipline, commitment, patience, practice, getting better at something every single day,” said Negandhi.

Registration for the Fall 2025 Every Kid Sports Pass is still active. Click here to learn more