WORKFORCE & LEADERSHIP

Beyond the game.
Building what comes next.

Sports make the introduction. Real experiences help our kids discover their voice, meet mentors and see new possibilities for their future.

OUR SEASON SO FAR

One experience. A new connection.

Each week adds a new experience: meet mentors, explore jobs and see how skills from sports can lead to careers on and off the field.

October 15, 2026

Money skills. Bigger possibilities.

At Operation Breakthrough, Rico Conn and Chase helped our kids explore earning, saving and coins through questions, conversation and hands-on learning.

Skills in action
Financial literacy · Asking questions · Connecting with a mentor

Children raise their hands in Rico’s October 15 financial literacy class. — Curiosity and participation.

Rico Conn teaches children about money at Operation Breakthrough. — Learning with a mentor.

Rico and the children explore coins during the Chase class. — Money skills in action.

Read the class story & see the photos →

CB Fit coaches teach a group of JTL children on the field.

October 8, 2026

Movement. Mentorship. Career possibilities.

Colby Broadnax + Coach Tiff · CB Fit

Colby and Coach Tiff brought CB Fit to our kids on October 8. Group instruction and agility drills connected movement and teamwork with careers in coaching, personal training and sports performance.

Career connections
Coaching · Personal training · Sports performance · Business ownership

Meet Colby and the CB Fit team ↗

Join the League and Blue Springs Wildcats players compete at Troost Park.

October 3, 2026

New teams. Shared opportunity.

Join the League + BSAA Wildcats

The Blue Springs Wildcats joined us for a community game day. Young athletes met new teammates and opponents, with coaches and volunteers helping make the experience possible.

Skills in action
Teamwork · Sportsmanship · Community connection

Read the Wildcats game-day recap →

Two children hold a Special Olympics Unified Sports banner during the Thursday experience.

September 24, 2026

Everyone belongs in the game.

Katie + Special Olympics Missouri

Shared play, movement and inclusive activities gave our kids a chance to connect, try something new and encourage one another. Thank you to Katie and the SOMO team.

Skills in action
Inclusion · Encouragement · Leading with care

Explore SOMO and Thursday highlights →

Tigers players pose together at Join the League Media Day.

September 17, 2026

Media Day: Their voice. Their future.

Media Day + community media partners

Media Day connected player portraits, interviews and team stories with careers in photography, interviewing, graphic design and production. With community media partners and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, our kids practiced sharing their voices and explored the work behind the camera.

Skills in action
Communication · Confidence · Creative careers

Open the full Media Day recap →

EVERY GAME DAY · HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Behind the game.
Leading the way.

Our high school youth help make game day happen. Working alongside adult leads, they take on real responsibilities that connect sports with event operations, teamwork and future work.

Set up & get ready

Help prepare the field and equipment so players, coaches and families are ready for the day.

Keep the day moving

Support game-day logistics and event needs alongside coaches and adult leads.

Practice leadership

Show up, communicate clearly, follow through and solve problems as part of a team.

See careers in action

Connect these responsibilities with sports management, event production and community recreation.

Skills in action: Responsibility · Organization · Communication · Teamwork

High school students: use our volunteer form to join the crew and tell us which roles interest you. Looking to play? Explore basketball and submit interest for the available age groups.

Join the High School Youth Crew Explore basketball & register interest

WHAT KIDS CAN EXPLORE

Skills that travel beyond the field.

Lead with a team

Practice communication, preparation and responsibility through sports.

Tell a story

Explore interviews, photography and the creative work behind the game.

Meet a mentor

Ask questions about money, wellness and the many ways people build a career.

Help make it happen

Explore Youth Crew roles in equipment, event support and game-day operations alongside adult leads.

HELP OPEN THE NEXT DOOR

Your experience could spark their future.

Share a career story, lead an activity or help a student discover a new interest.

Bring your career to JTL Explore volunteering See what is next

Beyond Football: HE Leads Powers the Off-Season Pathway