No Child on the Sidelines: The Role of Play in Building Confidence and Belonging
Written by Admin β’ 2026-10-12 01:00:00
Right To Play's No Child on the Sidelines initiative aims to expand access to sport and play for children in underserved communities by supporting grassroots organisations. Through structured play, children can develop social connections, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging.
No Child on the Sidelines: The Role of Play in Building Confidence and Belonging
Exploring the transformative impact of sport and play on children's development.
Why Play Matters
For children, play transcends mere recreation; it serves as a vital context for learning, social interaction, and emotional growth. Through structured play, children learn to communicate, cooperate, and build confidence, fostering a sense of belonging within their communities. However, access to these enriching experiences is not equally distributed. Children in underserved communities often lack safe spaces, trained facilitators, and organized activities that facilitate meaningful play. Addressing this disparity is crucial to ensuring that every child can benefit from the developmental opportunities that play provides.
The No Child on the Sidelines initiative by Right To Play aims to bridge this gap by empowering community-based organizations that utilize sport and play as tools for children's development. Recognizing that local organizations understand their communities' needs, this initiative seeks to strengthen their capacity to deliver impactful programs. By investing in grassroots efforts, Right To Play is committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in play for all children.
When Access Is Unequal
Barriers to play can manifest in various forms, including limited resources, inadequate facilities, and a lack of organized activities. In underserved communities, these challenges are amplified, leaving many children without the opportunity to engage in structured play. This not only hinders their physical development but also restricts their social and emotional growth. By addressing these inequalities, initiatives like No Child on the Sidelines aim to create environments where all children can thrive through play and sport.
Right To Play's commitment to support local organizations recognizes the importance of tailored approaches to community needs. By providing funding, technical assistance, and opportunities for peer learning, the initiative seeks to empower local partners to create inclusive programs that cater to the unique circumstances of their communities. This strategy is essential for ensuring that play becomes a fundamental part of children's lives, regardless of their background or circumstances.
βPlay is not a luxury.ββ Jessie Thomson, CEO of Right To Play International
Introducing No Child on the Sidelines
Launched on June 11, 2026, in partnership with Global Citizen, the No Child on the Sidelines initiative is backed by a CA$5 million investment over four years from Global Affairs Canada. This program is designed to strengthen community-based organizations that leverage sport and play to support children's development in underserved communities. By providing grants and technical support, the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of approximately 15 grassroots organizations, enabling them to deliver impactful programs that foster inclusivity and accessibility.
The initiative's objectives include enhancing safety, inclusion, and learning outcomes for children aged 3 to 18. By focusing on these key areas, No Child on the Sidelines seeks to create a supportive environment where children can engage in meaningful play experiences, develop social connections, and build essential life skills. This holistic approach recognizes that play is not just an activity but a critical component of children's overall well-being and personal growth.
Facts & Insights
- Right To Play launched No Child on the Sidelines on 11 June 2026 in partnership with Global Citizen.
- The initiative is supported by a CA$5 million investment over four years from Global Affairs Canada.
- The programme expects to support approximately 15 grassroots and civil-society organisations through two-year grants, technical support, peer learning, and a community of practice.
CA$5M
Funding commitment over four years
4 years
Planned investment period
15
Approximate grassroots and civil-society organisations expected to be supported
3β18
Target age range in years
Every Child Deserves a Place to Play
The value of sport is not limited to competition, medals, or professional careers. For many children, a welcoming place to play can offer an opportunity to learn alongside others, develop confidence, and feel part of a community. Initiatives such as No Child on the Sidelines seek to strengthen the local organisations that make these experiences possible, while their long-term value will depend on inclusive delivery and meaningful evidence of impact. By documenting the people and programmes working at this level, we can help broaden the definition of success in children's development through sport and play.
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