GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Five years ago, Green Bay East graduate Kyle Crosey started coaching football at Washington Middle School.
“I noticed early on that our kids were very far behind,” Cropsey said.
Problem? He says the reason is children’s lack of access to youth sports in the Green Bay East system.
“Playing sports is much more expensive now,” he said. “Just for baseball this year, it will be $175 per child.”
“There is a lot of poverty, especially in our community,” he added. “So our kids don’t have the opportunities that schools in the suburbs have.”
Youth sports have become massive business. 2022 study by The Aspen Institute estimates that American families spend a total of $30 to $40 billion annually on youth sports, with the average family paying almost $900 for one child’s primary sport.
So Cropsey took action. Founded in January last year Rise up athleticsa nonprofit organization that helps Green Bay East and West student-athletes play free of charge for their families.
“We cover everything,” he said. “We pay fees. You will receive T-shirts and equipment for free. I just bought a 12-seater bus so I can start bringing the kids to training.”
For many players, this is their first chance to play, and some of them have never played baseball before Rise Up.
“Honestly, close to zero (baseball experience),” said Xavier, an eighth-grader at Washington Middle School. “(I) didn’t play baseball before Rise Up and I’m glad I got to start playing baseball with Rise Up.”
Olivia Ponce’s son, Isaac, joined the Rise Up baseball team at Cropsey’s encouragement.
She previously said that they had never even thought about the sport.
“It’s the best thing ever,” Ponce said.
“We would never have had the opportunity (to play baseball),” she added. “I don’t even think he ever mentioned it. Or where would we register?”
Ponce said the program benefits her family and other community members.
“These kids need someone like Coach Cropsey to introduce them to sports and get them out of trouble,” Ponce said. “I think it’s huge because without a coach we wouldn’t be able to do all these sports.”
“We couldn’t afford it, we have other children,” she added.
Parents and players are buying into Cropsey’s mission.
“I believe in what the coach stands for,” said Xavier, catcher for the Rise Up baseball team. “And what he does, I think, will change the environment of the schools around us, and the more we do it.”
“The more people we recruit, the bigger the program will be,” he said.
The journey is just beginning, but Cropsey said the ultimate goal is to aid restore sports programs in downtown Green Bay schools.
And, perhaps more importantly, change lives in the process.
“It’s time to bring that energy back,” Cropsey said. “It’s time to make East and West relevant again.”
“What we are building here is more than just sports. It’s about the whole community and building up our families and children.”
Rise Up raises funds through both donations and partnerships with local businesses.
The organization currently offers football, basketball, wrestling and baseball. Cropsey said they plan to add more sports soon, with volleyball and softball on the horizon.
