Addressing Access and Equity for Latine Youth through Sport-Based Positive Youth Development.

This article focuses on the Los Angeles Football Club Youth Leadership Program (LAFC YLP), a sport-based positive youth development (PYD) initiative designed to address access and equity barriers faced by Latine youth during out-of-school time (OST) activities. The program engages Latine youth in South and Central Los Angeles through football (soccer) to promote leadership, social-emotional skills, and college and career readiness, employing a "ladder to leadership" model that supports youth progression from participants to mentors. Findings indicate that LAFC YLP alumni graduate high school and enroll in higher education at rates exceeding national averages for Latine youth, while youth leaders demonstrate significant growth in social, emotional, teamwork, leadership, and college readiness skills over time. The program’s culturally responsive design removes structural barriers such as citizenship requirements and provides family support services, contributing to sustained youth engagement and community impact. Although the study’s design limits causal conclusions and is influenced by COVID-19 disruptions, it highlights the potential of sport-based PYD programs to enhance equity and developmental outcomes for Latine youth during OST.