ESPN, Disney Jr. team up with Every Kid Sports to get preschoolers moving

June 24, 2026 - 00:53

Families can now sign up for preschool sports grants through "Disney Jr. Let's Play!," a worldwide initiative aimed at getting young children laughing, moving, and playing. The campaign brings together ESPN, Disney Jr., and the nonprofit Every Kid Sports to help remove financial barriers for families who want to enroll their little ones in organized sports.

The program offers direct grants that cover registration fees for sports programs for children ages three to five. Every Kid Sports, which has a track record of funding youth sports participation, will handle the application process. The goal is to give more preschoolers the chance to run, jump, kick, and throw in a structured setting, all while building confidence and social skills.

Disney Jr. characters will appear in promotional materials and short videos that encourage active play. ESPN will also air spots highlighting the importance of early physical activity. The partnership taps into a growing concern among pediatricians and child development experts about sedentary screen time among toddlers.

Research shows that active play in early childhood supports motor development, coordination, and emotional regulation. Yet many families struggle with the cost of youth sports, which can run into hundreds of dollars per season. The grants aim to level the playing field, literally, for families who might otherwise sit out.

Registration is open now, and the campaign will run through the end of the year. Organizers hope to fund thousands of spots in soccer, gymnastics, dance, and other preschool-friendly activities. For many kids, this could be their first taste of team sports, and their first chance to learn that moving your body can be just as fun as watching a cartoon.