Mission Statement
The Maine Recreation and Park Association philosophy on youth sports is to maintain an enriched quality of life for Maine youth through creative and meaningful sports and leisure experiences and to form a harmonious relationship between sports, people, and their environment.
MRPA promotes the benefits of youth sports to provide fun, active, and educational experiences, intended to support the healthy development for children and to serve as a positive outlet for parents to connect with their young athlete.
Youth sports provide opportunities for children to create lifelong positive physical activity habits, improve social skills and have confidence in their abilities to succeed. MRPA measures success by the positive development of youth through sport.
Looking for resources? MRPA can help. Check back often as we continue to update resources in the following focus areas:
Sportsmanship & Ethics – Resources on fostering a positive playing environment, conflict resolution, dealing with competition, and understanding the role of officials and coaches.
Youth Sports Research & Best Practices – A collection of articles, case studies, and reports on the benefits of youth sports, long-term athletic development, and the latest trends in coaching and player development.
Program Development Tools – Guides on starting or improving a youth sports program, including sample league structures, policies, and best practices for creating an inclusive environment.
Mental Health & Wellness in Youth Sports – Resources on stress management, avoiding burnout, encouraging positive self-esteem, and understanding the role of mental health in sports performance.
Inclusive & Adaptive Sports – Information on programs and coaching strategies for children with disabilities or special needs to ensure all youth can participate in sports.
Grant Writing & Fundraising Toolkit – A comprehensive guide on securing funding, including sample grant applications, sponsorship ideas, and community fundraising strategies.
Volunteer & Coach Recruitment – Strategies for recruiting and retaining quality volunteers and coaches, including background check processes, training resources, and leadership development opportunities.