Exploring the Effects of Access & Opportunity by Tati Barquero
OLC Development & Communications Coordinator
tatiana Barquero
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articipating in team sports provides children with valuable life skills that extend beyond the court or field. They learn how to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and adapt to different situations. Being part of a team also promotes a sense of belonging amongst community, which is especially important during the formative years of childhood and early adulthood. In the summer going into 6th grade, I joined a club basketball team with the intention of making my school's A-team in the spring. Despite putting in my best effort during tryouts, I fell short of my goal. Fortunately, my school had multiple basketball teams, ensuring that my identity as an athlete did not come to an end. Many schools nowadays have only one basketball team to represent the entire student body. With limited spots available, the stakes feel higher while the chances of making the team are lower. For children who want to try the sport or hope to belong to a team, it can be discouraging to go up against students who have the opportunity to play year-round. I’m all for competition and although it’s essential to sports, we’re limiting opportunities to build confidence across all youth by cutting those kids at such an early age. By limiting opportunities for children to participate in sports, we are limiting their potential for growth and development. It's crucial that schools and communities prioritize providing accessible and inclusive athletic programs for all children—if a kid wants to compete then let’s do something to let them. Perhaps offering an opportunity to a kid who is taking a chance on themselves could be the catalyst they require to develop into a kinder and more resilient adult one day. As more of these opportunities exist, the power of sport can take off and impact everyone. Cementing the 6th-12th grade pipeline, OLC is collaborating with Oakland Unified and the Oakland Athletic League to ensure that any kid who wants to play a sport, can. This spring OLC will be running middle school programs at Bret Harte, Edna Brewer, Elmhurst United, and Roosevelt in addition to high school programs with players from Castlemont, McClymonds, Oakland High, Oakland Tech, and Skyline. All I needed was a chance to belong, a place to be met with trust, and a space that welcomed mistakes mistakes so that I could learn from them. The experiences, knowledge, and friendships I’ve gained through playing sports have shaped who I am today—and being able to recognize that makes me want those same opportunities (and more) for this generation of youth.
