Built in Chicago. Built for the kids who get overlooked.
Meyer Sports NFP is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago, delivering year-round multi-sport programming, mentorship, and leadership pathways to youth ages 6 through 19.
Tyhesha Meyer
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Tyhesha Meyer was raised in Rockwell Gardens on Chicago's West Side, where she witnessed the difference a strong community and steady resources can make in a young person's life. Seeing peers fall into circumstances that opportunity might have prevented, she came to understand that the gap between promise and potential is rarely a question of talent — it is too often a question of access.
That conviction led her to create Meyer Sports NFP: a space where young people who are too often overlooked are met with mentorship, structure, and a real chance to grow. Under her leadership, the organization is building more than teams — it is building a pipeline of confidence, character, and leadership, guided by adults who show up for athletes from the first practice to the next chapter of their lives.
“Sports bring families together, and sports bring love to the community.”
— Tyhesha Meyer, Founder & CEO
Sport is the door. Everything else is what's on the other side.
Chicago is full of young talent, but too many families still face barriers that keep quality after-school athletic programming out of reach. Registration, equipment, and limited access can turn play into a privilege, leaving promising athletes on the sidelines.
We exist to change that. By meeting young people where they are — in schools, parks, and neighborhood spaces — we remove the obstacles that stand between them and the opportunity to grow through sport.
More than competition, we are creating a space where youth build confidence, character, and lasting relationships. Through mentorship, skill development, and meaningful leadership opportunities, we help every participant see what is possible on the field and far beyond it.
Six commitments that guide every season.
- Serve youth across every age tier, from first fundamentals to lasting leadership
- Active programming in the neighborhoods that need it most
- Deep partnerships with local schools and community organizations
- More movement, more confidence, and healthier habits for every participant
- Train young adults as coaches, officials, and mentors
- Academic support and character development alongside athletic growth
Deep roots in the communities we serve.
Schools & Communities
We work alongside local schools and community organizations to offer programming on school property and in neighborhood spaces, opening access for every family. Our calendar aligns with the academic year, and we collaborate with educators and counselors to reach the students who need us most.
Built to last
Diversified support from foundations, corporate sponsors, community partners, and earned revenue helps us grow responsibly and remain accountable to the families we serve.
Transparent by design
We lead with integrity, open communication, and a clear commitment to showing how every contribution translates into real outcomes for the young people we serve.