It's Official! Open Door Sports to provide quality after school sports programs to underserved communities in DC.

Written by: Liisa Fetig Posted on: July 12, 2018 Tagged: Special Needs Open Door Sports Nonprofit Low income children Blog: News

2018 07 12 13 18 01

Washington, DC – April 19, 2017 - Open Door Sports Inc. (ODS) is excited to announce its launch as a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality sports programs to underserved communities in the DC area. “The idea for Open Door Sports was born out of a desire to provide high-quality sports programming to ALL kids - regardless of physical ability, financial need or location. As a mother of a child with special needs and a former collegiate athlete and youth soccer coach, the disparity between what was available to typical developing children and those with financial challenges or special needs was striking. Our goal at Open Door Sports is to bridge this gap in access by coming to the kids and providing excellent after-school sports programming in their local schools and communities.” states Sarah Albus, Co-founder and Executive Director of Open Door Sports.


Open Door Sports held its first fundraiser on March 18, 2017 at Manor Country Club in Rockville, MD and raised nearly $19,000 to cover the cost of its upcoming programming. “Due in large part to the generosity of our donors, Open Door Sports will provide direct programming to 153 children this spring while fully covering the cost of participation for nearly 60 percent of them. We are incredibly grateful for the support,” Albus remarks. ODS programs are currently up and running at three schools in Washington, DC and two schools in Montgomery County, MD, with plans to start three new programs at schools in Montgomery County this Fall.

ODS was founded in partnership with The Player Progression Academy (PPA) who has built its reputation on having an excellent coaching staff and a holistic approach to sports, where the whole child benefits from participating. Michael Worden, President of the Player Progression Academy remarks, "PPA is thrilled to be involved with Open Door Sports and looks forward to supporting ODS as an extension of our mission to create great experiences and advanced development for our communities through sport." Open Door Sports Inc. will share in PPA’s vision, working to provide all kids with the chance to benefit physically and emotionally through quality sports instruction.

For additional information about Open Door Sports Inc., go to www.opendoorsports.org

Contact: Sarah Albus, Co-founder & Executive Director, Open Door Sports Inc., salbus@opendoorsports.org