Kids in the Game
Kids in the Game (KinG) is a provider of youth sports programs in the New York City area, covering afterschool, recess, and physical education programs, as well as specialized camps and clinics. KinG was founded on the principle that organized programs and activities outside of the classroom are integral parts of a child's learning development. Our physical education curriculum meets the New York State Standards for Health, Physical Education and Family and Consumer Sciences.
Our professionally trained coaches have broad and diverse backgrounds in the field of physical education and athletics. Our staff consists of current and former college coaches and athletes, as well as graduates with strong backgrounds in health and fitness education. Our goal is to teach all kids the importance of health and fitness as a way of life, and incorporate programs designed for general studies, special needs, and sport-specific groups.
KinG has run a variety of customized programs in all boroughs of New York City. We look forward to fulfilling our mission—developing our city's youth—for years to come.
I can say with confidence that all the kids that are participating in the KinG programs are doing better academically. From having looked at their report cards, and checking in with their teachers, it's not just helping them "in the game", but it's helping them in the classroom as well.
Principal
Ascension School
Since we've partnered with Kids in the Game, we've had a really significant decrease in the number of disciplinary referrals to my office and to the guidance office, as well as fewer referrals to our nurse's office. I can't thank Kids in the Game enough for the great job they've done.
Principal
P.S. 39
Michael has dedicated his life to teaching sports and physical education to the youth of New York City. A former college basketball coach at Columbia University and SUNY Geneseo, Michael has over 15 years of experience in the field of physical education, athletics and recreation. In 2003, Michael founded Kids in the Game to help improve the quality of athletic and recreational opportunities for children in the greater New York City metropolitan area. Michael is dedicated to providing all Kids in the Game participants with an exceptional experience; one where students will learn essential health, fitness and life skills through sports in a safe and fun environment. Michael holds a BA in Philosophy from Hamilton College as well as a Masters of Sports Leadership from Northeastern University.
- Favorite Sport: Basketball
- Favorite Athlete: Muhammad Ali
- Favorite Team: Syracuse Orange
- Favorite Sports Movie: Hoosiers
Email Michael at michael@kidsinthegame.com.
Matt brings a diverse background of athletics and entrepreneurship to the Kids in the Game team. Prior to joining KinG in 2012, Matt played college basketball for the University of Rochester, leading the Yellowjackets to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2008 as well as being named to the UAA 1st team All-Academic squad three years in a row. While at Rochester, Matt also founded the university's first investment club and completed a dual degree in political science and financial economics. After graduation Matt spent time working in a corporate and investment bank, developing a strong background in corporate strategy and finance. In 2010, Matt founded Global Citizens Travel, a travel provider focused on students studying abroad. Matt is a member of the invite-only Young Entrepreneurs Council, which Forbes recently called "America's Most Elite Entrepreneur Organization" and was named as one of the "Top 48 Entrepreneurs to Watch in NYC" by under30ceo.com. Matt brings his energy and experience to Kids in the Game looking to build the program into the highest quality sports, music, and dance offering for NYC's youth.
- Favorite Sport: Basketball
- Favorite Athlete: Michael Phelps
- Favorite Team: Detroit Tigers
- Favorite Sports Movie: Happy Gilmore
Email Matt at matt@kidsinthegame.com.
A recent graduate of Central College in Pella, IA, Ben brings a youthful energy and passion to Kids in the Game. With a background in athletics, youth programming, and community development, Ben is excited to bring fun, athletic activity to kids across New York City.
Ben earned a B.A. in Psychology from Central College where he ran track and cross-country. During his time at Central, Ben was a nine-time all-conference performer and four-time individual conference champion. As a captain, Ben led the track team to five top-10 finishes at the Division III national meet, including a national runner-up finish in 2011. Ben spent the Fall of 2011 in the UK studying Psychology and Religion at the Bangor University, where he played on the football and basketball teams. Ben's experiences with children stem from his work as a Wilderness Director at Camp Warwick in Warwick, NY, and his work at Children and Family Urban Movement in Des Moines, IA, where he was an AmeriCorps VISTA. Ben joined Kids in the Game in 2013 and is excited to begin his new role as Program Manager and continue to expand the program throughout the city.
- Favorite Sport: Track & Field
- Favorite Athlete: Brian Scalebrine
- Favorite Team: NY Knicks, KC Chiefs
- Favorite Sports Movie: Rudy
Email Ben at ben@kidsinthegame.com.
A New York City native and an avid volleyball player, Katherine joined Kids in the Game in 2013. She brings an extensive background in coaching and playing volleyball at various age levels, as well as instructing middle school basketball. Katherine holds a M.A. in Public Communications from Fordham University, and a B.A. in Justice Studies from John Jay College where she was a standout defensive specialist and team captain of the women's volleyball team.
Before joining Kids in the Game, Katherine was a publicist for several years focusing on education and philanthropy. Her experience includes working on one of the world's largest K-12 science and technology competitions. Katherine brings a results-oriented attitude, hard work ethic, and outgoing personality to the newest role as a Program Coordinator.
When she's not instructing or playing volleyball around NYC, Katherine enjoys snowboarding. You can find her shredding the double-blacks or catching air in the terrain park!
- Favorite Sport: Volleyball
- Favorite Athlete: Kerri Walsh
- Favorite Team: New York Yankees
- Favorite Sports Movie: The Sandlot
Email Katherine at katherine@kidsinthegame.com.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Frances developed a passion for dance, music, and recreation at a young age. Her early passions led her to become a certified teacher in physical education, health and music. In addition to her duties as Kids in the Game's Program Manager, Frances has been instrumental in the expansion of the company's dance and fitness offerings. A professionally certified Zumba instructor, Frances teaches step and hip-hop dance classes as part of KinG's after-school program. Always quick with a song to brighten the days of her students, Frances has mastered the art of fusing music with movement. A lover of all things musical, Frances enjoys attending concerts, recitals and operas in New York City. When she's not singing and dancing, Frances enjoys cheering for her beloved Boston Red Sox baseball club and hunting down the best BBQ joints in the city. Last summer, Frances earned her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Collaborative Piano from the University of Memphis.
- Favorite Sport: Volleyball
- Favorite Athlete: Serena Williams
- Favorite Team: Boston Red Sox
- Favorite Sports Movie: Rudy
Email Frances at frances@kidsinthegame.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kids in the Game?
Kids in the Game (KinG) is a provider of youth sports programs in the New York City area, including physical education, recess, afterschool and specialized camps and clinics. KinG was founded on the principle that organized programs and activities outside of the classroom are an integral part of a child's learning development.
What types of programs do you offer?
During the school year, we run three main types of programs: Afterschool, Recess and Physical Education. Afterschool programs can be anything from sports specific to dance, music or karate—whatever fits the schools' needs. Our SPORT® recess program take the stress out of the school's hands and lets our professionally trained staff run an organized and safe program during a normally hectic time during the day. Finally, our physical education programs allows schools to bring our coaches into the school to run PE class for designated hours throughout the week.
Outside of school, KinG runs a variety of camps, clinics, leagues, private lessons and events (birthday parties, field days, etc). Check out our camps/clinics page for what we have coming up. If there is something you think would be of interest in your neighborhood, shoot us an email!
Who coaches your programs and what background do they have?
All of our coaches are current and former college athletes or have strong backgrounds in health and fitness education. Along with being great athletes, our coaches are committed to teaching NYC's youth and stressing fundamentals such as cooperation, sportsmanship, safety and teamwork.
How do I sign up for a KinG program?
If you're interested in signing your school up for one of our programs, contact mmurphy@kidsinthegame.com to set up a meeting. If you're looking to sign up for one of our camps or clinics, head to the Sign Up page on our website and complete the booking form!
My school isn't right in NYC—where do you run programs?
We've run programs all over the surrounding NYC area and are looking to expand outside of the city. We'd love to add your school to our list of locations, no matter where you are in the surrounding NYC area!
How much does it cost to get my school involved in one of your programs?
All of our programs are very cost-effective for schools and vary depending on the number of coaches needed and the amount of hours each program runs.
This sounds great! How do I get in touch with you?
You can give us a call at (917) 536 7233 or email us at info@kidsinthegame.com (or use the contact form) to get started!
Is Kids in the Game fully insured?
Yes!
Do you work with students with special needs?
Yes. Kids in the Game has tailored programs several times in the past for schools with special needs students. We work closely with school administration and parents to ensure we are fitting the needs of the students and schools in each of our programs.
Are your coaches available for private events like birthday parties?
Funny you should ask—we are! Our trained coaches have put on a variety of private events such as birthday parties, track and field days, and so on.
Do you provide private lessons?
We do! A majority of our coaches have played or coached collegiate sports and we do work with students of all ages that are ready to take their game to the next level. We can organize individual or small group lessons for a variety of sports.
We're Hiring!
If you're interested in working with NYC's youth and being a part of a young and motivated team of professionals, send your resume to careers@kidsinthegame.com along with 3 professional references. This is what an ideal candidate looks like to us:
- Experience teaching or coaching youths 6-14 years old
- Current/former athlete or background in fitness and health education
- An undergraduate degree or working towards one
- Flexible schedule to work a variety of days and times
- Self-motivated and autonomous worker
This is a part-time position paying a competitive hourly wage with potential to become full-time for the right candidate. We'd love to hear from you!
Talk to us!
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions, feedback, or comments.