Why Safe Play Matters for Kids in Underserved Communities - Youth Sports

Cross and Field
Sep 2, 2025
2 min read

Youth sports have always been more than just games. For many children, especially those growing up in underserved communities, the chance to play is not just about fun, it’s about having a safe space, a sense of belonging, and a pathway to hope.

At Cross & Field, we’ve seen firsthand how sports transform lives in places like Searcy, Arkansas and Jinotega, Nicaragua. When a child steps onto a field, they gain more than exercise, they gain confidence, mentors, and a vision for a brighter future.

The Role of Safe Play in Childhood Development

A baseball glove or a soccer ball may seem small, but for a child in Jinotega, it can feel like holding the keys to a new world. Studies show that children who engage in sports are:

40% more likely to excel in school performance (Aspen Institute, Project Play).
Less likely to be involved in risky behavior, because structured play offers healthy alternatives.
More confident and resilient, learning to overcome failure and celebrate teamwork.

Safe play provides structure when life may feel uncertain. It is a positive outlet, a shield against the challenges of poverty, and a bridge to growth, both physical and spiritual.

A Story from Jinotega

Imagine a young boy in Jinotega, where opportunities are scarce and daily struggles weigh heavily. When he picks up a bat for the first time through one of our youth sports programs, his eyes light up. Suddenly, he isn’t just another kid in a tough neighborhood, he’s part of a team, supported by mentors who believe in him.

The goal of Cross & Field is to build a baseball field in Jinotega, a safe haven where kids can gather, learn discipline, and play without fear. It’s more than a field, it’s a foundation for leadership, resilience, and faith.

The Benefits of Youth Sports in Underserved Communities

1. Building Character and Leadership

On the field, every child learns teamwork, perseverance, and accountability. These lessons extend far beyond sports, shaping future leaders.

2. Creating Safe Outlets

Youth sports in Jinotega provide an alternative to unsafe environments. When kids are playing baseball or soccer, they are safe, supported, and guided.

3. Strengthening Community and Faith

Sports unite families, coaches, and mentors. They remind children they are not alone. In Jinotega, every game doubles as a moment of faith and encouragement.

4. Breaking Cycles of Limitation

Sports show kids what’s possible. For many, it’s the first time they’ve seen hope take shape in something tangible.

children's backpacks hanged on the side of a fence while they attend a youth sports event

Addressing the Counterpoint

Some may argue that sports are a luxury in communities where basic needs like food or healthcare are pressing. But the reality is, youth sports complement these needs, offering mental health benefits, mentorship, and structure that ripple into every area of life. When paired with education and nutrition, safe play becomes a vital ingredient in raising healthier, more resilient children.

How You Can Help

Cross & Field is committed to giving kids in Searcy and Jinotega the chance to experience the benefits of youth sports. Whether it’s sponsoring equipment, helping us build a baseball field, or volunteering your time, every action counts.