North Lawndale Athletic & Recreation Association

Providing youth nurturing environments for safe and supervised play.

NLARA by the numbers

Annual Report
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260%

Increase in girl participants over the past year

77

Coaches provided trauma-informed, SEL-focused training
basketball coach teaching playersgirls showing off sneakers

Our Mission

To create a dynamic, community-focused athletic environment for children and adolescents that fosters their personal growth through sports opportunities provided by informed and compassionate coaches, parents and mentors.

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Our youth need and deserve your time, talent, and treasure!

“NLARA creates the environment to collaborate and partner with existing organizations to make it a win-win for all. We all bring different ideas to the table.”
Ana Sierra

Founder, Ana Sierra Women's Basketball League

Get Involved

Volunteers, partners, and in-kind services are key to helping our youth.

Find meaningful ways to build with youth, families and community leaders

Through our coalition of partners, we offer a wide variety of opportunities for engagement.

Become a volunteer
woman volunteering at NLARA event

We love building partnerships!

Coaches, parents, guardians and community members are invited to partner with us to uplift our youth. Engage with the NLARA.

Partner with us
female athlete speaking at NLARA event

Interested in joining a team or program?

Check out what’s happening now!

See Upcoming Events
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“Through open communication with each other, being transparent with our participants and our resources, we are able to change lives.”
Debra Brown
Debra Brown
Co-Founder, The Investment Basketball Program

Latest from our blog

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“Through the NLARA, I was able to legitimize Endless Energy, a non-profit focused on evolving and enhancing a total athlete equipped with physical skill and mental stamina.”
Mike Matthews

CEO & Founder, Endless Energy

Learn more
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Trusted by our partners
UCAN logoKinship logoNLCCC logoPlay Like a Champion logo

Every dollar supports quality sports programs for our youth.

I loved my experience with the NLARA because it allowed me the opportunity to do what I love, and that’s give back to my community.
Jamal Coleman
Jamal Coleman
Resident, 19