PlayLA launches winter season of afordable sports programs for LA youth

Indoor and outdoor sports through the PlayLA program began Monday after the winter season was delayed due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County.

“Team sports offer more than just fun and exercise — they are an opportunity to learn and grow. This is why it’s so important that we offer sports to all young Angelenos, no matter their zip code or physical ability,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “I am excited to once again launch PlayLA and offer young people in our city a safe place to participate in sports.”

The PlayLA program was created through a $160 million investment from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the International Olympic Committee. The donation aims to make sports in Los Angeles more accessible and affordable to kids throughout the city. Garcetti’s office said it is the single largest commitment to youth sports development in the state.

The following guidelines, set by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, will be in place:

• fans will be strategically placed to improve ventilation in areas hosting moderate to high risk activities;
• employees and volunteers will wear surgical-style disposable masks or N95 masks;
• participants 12 and older must be fully vaccinated. People under 12 who are not fully vaccinated must provide weekly negative test results; and
• masks and distancing are required for participants in indoor activities.

“The department understands that sports are critical to the health and well being of our youth and families and we are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe and enjoyable environment,” said Mike Shull, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

“I am proud and fortunate to be a part of a dedicated team of recreation professionals including our park rangers, maintenance and construction team, who are working courageously and relentlessly so that families feel safe when partaking in our recreational programs.”

The program costs $10 per registration and is open for children and teenagers between 5 and 17. People can sign up at laparks.org/play-la.

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