Youth sports provide immense physical, mental, and emotional benefits, and Washington, D.C. already boasts remarkable programs in this space. Still, not all children have equal access to these opportunities. At Monumental Sports & Entertainment, we are committed to bridging this gap. Through District of Play, we’re focused on improving and expanding access to existing youth sports infrastructure across the District, while also introducing new programs specifically designed to reach those most often left on the sidelines.
Our Commitment: A multi-million-dollar, multi-year investment on top of MSE’s existing youth sports programs focused on expanding access to youth sports across Washington, D.C.
Our Goal: Impact as many children and families in Washington, D.C., as possible by creating and expanding opportunities for kids to have fun while playing sports.
Strategy: We’re partnering with the people who know D.C. best—community leaders, coaches, and local organizations already making a difference in the lives of our kids and we’ll adjust and evolve the program based on feedback ensuring its effective over time.
About District of Play
Expand Access to Safe Play Spaces
Empower Every Player
Monumental Sports Network is proud to support Flag Star Football through District of Play, one of the most popular organized leagues in the D.C. area. With over 1,000 kids currently enrolled in the league, Flag Star plays a crucial role in fostering community and athletic development across the region.
Our funding will provide critical scholarships, helping to ensure that more children have access to the league. Additionally, we are committed to growing opportunities for girls in sports by expanding the girl’s league, empowering the next generation of athletes.
Click the link below for more information on Flag Star!
Flag Star Football
Flag Star Football
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is committed to inspiring and empowering girls through sports. Our girls empowerment programming focuses on engaging females of all ages through various programs:
Hockey & Basketball Camps and Clinics: All-female opportunities specially curated to address the unique needs of girl athletes to compete and build confidence on and off the court.
School Speaker Series: Women executives, coaches, and players from MSE, as well as local and national partners, will engage with girls at the grass roots level on topics such as leadership, sports business, mental health, finances.
Coaching Education: Providing coaches of young female athletes with the resources and support needed to best equip and grow the next generation of female leaders.
Equipment Donations: Our annual contribution to Leveling the Playing Field through our MSE Foundation will be focused on equipment specific to girl-athletes.
Flag Star Football: New partnership with Flag Star to develop their girls program to expand offerings to girls in the District
Support of existing girls empowerment programming throughout the District
All Caps All Her: The Washington Capitals ALL CAPS ALL HER platform is an initiative aiming to provide access to hockey and elevate the game for women and girls in the Washington D.C. area, while recognizing and supporting female players, coaches, parents, advocates, and leaders in the community
Girls Who Lead: Launching this summer, Girls Who Lead is a leadership development program embedded within Jr. Wizards Summer Camps that empowers high school girls to gain hands-on coaching, mentorship, and experience while building confidence and leadership skills through the game of basketball."
MSE Girls
Empowerment Program
Last year we committed $500,000 to the Fort Dupont Ice Arena for a five year-period (2023-2027) through our Foundation to help fund their Kids on Ice programming. So far, we’ve donated $200,000 donated which has been used specifically to fund the salaries of two full-time Kids on Ice program directors, whose duties are devoted exclusively to the Kids on Ice program. Each D.C. Ward was impacted by this grant - in 2023-24, 1,145 total skaters were impacted, of those 901 were unique skaters that resulted in 10,983 direct programming ice touches.
We’re expanding our commitment even further:
Introducing a free Learn to Play program at Fort Dupont Ice Arena
Supporting the Fort Dupont Cannons Ice Hockey Club by covering costs of coaching, staffing, equipment, and ice time
Click the link below for more on our partnership!
Fort Dupont Ice Arena & Fort Dupont Cannons
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Equipment
Subsidize Jr. NBA League affiliations for DPR rec leagues.
Provide jerseys for all players
Free player clinics at the start of the season
Coaches Clinic for DPR youth basketball coaches
Support DPR Youth Basketball Leagues
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As part of Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s District of Play initiative, we are proud to offer special single-session clinics for kids from Wards 7 and 8. These clinics will be led by Jr. Wizards staff in collaboration with DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).
Participants will have the unique opportunity to sharpen their skills with appearances by Go-Go players, Wizards alumni, and occasionally current Wizards and Mystics players. With both co-ed and girls-only programs, District of Play is committed to creating accessible opportunities for young athletes and supporting the future of sports in our community.
Click the link below to learn more about Jr. Wizards basketball! More information on free clinics coming soon.
Free Community Clinics
DCFamily.com
As part of the District of Play initiative, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is proud to offer a range of youth development programs. Current programming includes the Jr. Wizards Summer Camp, featuring multiple sessions of comprehensive basketball training, and the Jr. Wizards Holiday Camp, held during school breaks. We also offer the Jr. Mystics Summer Camp, focused on young female athletes and staffed entirely by women.
Through District of Play we’re expanding to include a Scholarship Fund to support low-income families, with a goal of assisting 200 D.C. students annually. Additionally, we are excited to grow our girls-only programming by adding a second session of the Jr. Mystics Summer Camp in 2025, with plans for continued expansion in the years to come.
Click the link below to learn more about Jr. Wizards basketball!
Basketball Camps
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As part of the District of Play initiative, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is proud to highlight the Capitals Hockey School Program, which began in 2016 in partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS). Through this program, every public school in D.C. received full sets of street hockey equipment, along with a custom hockey curriculum and teacher training led by Capitals staff.
The program is now expanding to include an after school ball hockey initiative, broadening access to the sport for local youth. With additional funding, we aim to support the growth of off-ice programs such as "Street Caps Learn to Play" and "Inline Caps Learn to Skate", helping more kids in D.C. get involved in hockey and physical activity.
Click the link below to learn more!
Caps Off-Ice
Programming
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The Capitals Youth Hockey Developoment Department is dedicated to growing the game of hockey by providing access to the sport on the ice. Funding will provide the following expanded programming in D.C.
Learn to skate classes
Learn to play classes
Field trips to rinks providing DCPS students an opportunity to ice skate
Caps On-Ice
Programming
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Monumental Sports & Entertainment currently offers Wizards Gameday Clinics, with 7 to 10 sessions each season, giving young athletes the unique opportunity to play on the court meet NBA players, and attend a Wizards game. Additionally, Mystics Clinics provide 4 to 5 sessions per season where participants can play on the court interact with WNBA players, and attend a Mystics game.
In our commitment to expanding access to sports, we are planning to add two clinics each season exclusively for students from Wards 7 and 8, providing these sessions at no cost to ensure all kids have the opportunity to participate.
Gameday Clinics
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FAQ
Contact us at districtofplay@monumentalsports.com
Engaging the Community
As part of the District of Play initiative, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is delivering a variety of content on Monumental+ that highlights the benefits of youth sports and promotes opportunities to get involved. This programming is designed to increase awareness, encourage participation, and showcase the positive impact that sports can have on young athletes.
More information coming soon!
Programming on Monumental+
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We are partnering with DC Public Schools (DCPS) to create a program that uses tickets as rewards and incentives for student and athlete success. This initiative ensures that more tickets are placed directly in the hands of D.C. kids, encouraging academic achievement and athletic excellence while providing memorable experiences at games.
DCPS Ticket Program
2025-26 Wizards Tickets Here
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is proud to spread holiday cheer by adopting several dozen families in need each holiday season. With the support of the entire MSE community, we provide gifts and fulfill wish lists to ensure that these families experience a joyous and memorable celebration.
Click the link below to learn more!
Annual Holiday Support
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Monumental Sports & Entertainment is committed to giving back to the community each Thanksgiving through our annual Thanksgiving event. In partnership with organizations like Bread for the City, we provide hot meals, warm clothing, and other essential items to families in need, ensuring they feel supported and cared for during the holiday season.
Click the link below to learn more!
Annual Thanksgiving Event
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Monumental Sports & Entertainment proudly hosts annual Back to School events, providing essential school supplies to students in need. Each year, we distribute backpacks filled with necessary items to help students start the academic year prepared and confident, ensuring they have the tools to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
Click the link below to learn more!
Annual Back to School Events
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As part of the District of Play initiative, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is excited to enhance the local pickup basketball scene with surprise appearances at community games. These events will feature swag giveaways, ticket distributions, and appearances from mascots, alumni, and players to create unforgettable moments for participants.
In addition, we are launching a dedicated Pickup Basketball Hub on DCFamily.com, providing a comprehensive resource for finding and participating in pickup basketball games across D.C., making it the go-to destination for players of all skill levels.
More info coming soon.
Pickup Basketball
Monumental Sports & Entertainment has partnered with DCPS to fund USA Basketball Licensing for every coach. This initiative ensures that all DCPS coaches have access to essential training, resources, and certification to elevate their coaching skills and provide high-quality guidance to young athletes across the city. By investing in their development, we aim to foster a stronger sports community and empower coaches to make a lasting impact on the next generation of players.
Fund USA Basketball Licensing for Every Coach in DCPS
As part of the District of Play initiative, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is dedicated to supporting local basketball coaches through free or low-cost annual clinics at the Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA). These clinics focus on providing high school, middle school, and AAU coaches with valuable training and development opportunities.
Wizards Coaches Workshops
Learn More / Sign up
As part of the District of Play initiative, we are partnering with DC Public Schools (DCPS) to sponsor Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) workshops for coaches, athletes, and parents. These seasonal workshops focus on developing positive coaching techniques, fostering a competitor's mindset in athletes, and providing supportive parenting strategies, all aimed at enhancing the overall sports experience for D.C. youth and their families.
Click the link below to learn more!
Positive Coaching Alliance
Positive Coaching Alliance Partnership
Q: How can parents register their children for the programs under the "District of Play" initiative? A: Parents can register their children through the program links on the "District of Play" website, where they will find a comprehensive list of available programs, schedules, and registration forms. Reach out using the form on our website with specific questions, feedback, or ideas.
Q: Are there any costs associated with participating in the "District of Play" programs? A: Many of the "District of Play" programs are free or subsidized to ensure accessibility for all children. Where there are costs, scholarships and financial assistance are available to eligible families. We encourage parents to reach out through our website or customer service to inquire about available financial support options.
Q: What age groups are eligible to participate in the "District of Play" programs? A: "District of Play" offers programs from pre-K through adulthood. Each program is designed to cater to specific age groups and skill levels, ensuring appropriate development and engagement for all participants.
Q: What resources will District of Play offer to coaches? A: District of Play will provide access to professional development workshops, sports equipment, and scholarship for licensing. We’ll also offer networking opportunities to help you connect with other coaches and local leaders.
Q: Where will the "District of Play" activities and programs take place? A: Activities and programs will be hosted at various newly refurbished play spaces, community centers, schools, and MSE venues such as Capital One Arena and the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Specific locations and addresses for each program will be provided on the "District of Play" website and on the program pages during the registration process.
Q: What types of sports and activities are included in the "District of Play" initiative? A: The "District of Play" initiative is primarily basketball and hockey, but also includes flag football and specialized programs focusing on skills development, girls’ empowerment, and adaptive sports for children with disabilities. The initiative also offers clinics, camps, and after-school programs to cater to different interests and skill levels.
Q: Will transportation be provided for participants to and from the programs? A: For certain programs MSE is providing transportation, especially on-ice hockey programming. Details about transportation options, schedules, and pick-up/drop-off points will be communicated to registered participants and their families.
Q: Will this only benefit kids in DC? If not, how many kids in DC vs. other locations? A: While all our teams have youth sports programming throughout the DMV, District of Play is currently exclusive to Washington, D.C., as an expression of our gratitude to the city for their help in ensuring our downtown home thrives for another generation. Once we have more data to demonstrate the effectiveness of each initiative, we can fine-tune our approach and expand District of Play to reach even more communities across the region.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities available for parents or community members? A: Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about upcoming opportunities to get involved, or reach out using the form on our website with specific questions, feedback, or ideas.
Q: How can local businesses or organizations get involved in supporting "District of Play"? A: Local businesses and organizations can support "District of Play" through sponsorships, partnerships, and donations. They can also participate in events and provide resources or services. Interested parties can contact our partnership team via the website to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Q: How does "District of Play" address the issue of inclusivity, particularly for girls and children with disabilities? A: Inclusivity is a core principle of "District of Play." We are launching specific programs, such as the MSE Girls Empowerment Program, which focuses on providing tailored opportunities for young girls in sports. For children with disabilities, all our new and refurbished playspaces are designed with accessibility in mind, with the goal that every child can participate. We are also partnering with organizations that specialize in adaptive sports to provide appropriate training and equipment.
Q: How can community organizations collaborate with District of Play? A: We’re actively seeking partnerships with local community organizations that focus on youth development, sports, and education. Together, we can create tailored programs that address the specific needs of the children and families you serve.
Q: How will MSE measure the success of the "District of Play" initiative? A: We will measure success through various metrics, including the number of children participating in our programs and feedback from parents, community leaders, and participants. Regular assessments and community feedback will guide adjustments to ensure the initiative meets its goals.
Q: How much will this program cost? A: MSE has made a multi-million-dollar per year commitment to "District of Play," reflecting our dedication to the community. This initiative is part of our long-term strategy to invest in youth sports and community development. We have a roadmap for the next four years, and our goal is to maintain and expand these programs adapting to the community's evolving needs.
Q: Is MSE prepared to District of Play beyond the initial 4 years of programming? A: Yes, we have a roadmap for the next four years, and our hope is to maintain and expand these programs adapting to the community's evolving needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Positive Coaching Alliance Workshop
Wizards Coaches Workshops
Fund USA Basketball Licensing for every Coach in DCPS
Pickup Basketball
Annual Back to School Events
Annual Thanksgiving Event
Annual Holiday Support
DCPS Ticket Program
programming on Monumental+
Flag Star Football
MSE Girls Empowerment Program
Fort Dupont Ice Arena & Fort Dupont Cannons
Equipment
Support DPR Youth Basketball Leagues
Free Community Clinics
Basketball Camps
Caps On-Ice Programming
Caps OfF-Ice Programming
Gameday Clinics
Monumental Sports & Entertainment proudly supports the Building Bridges Across the River Midnight Basketball League in Ward 8. Hosted at THEARC, this late-night, weekend initiative provides a safe and positive environment for the community to gather and play basketball.
Midnight Basketball Partnership
All Caps All Her
Late Night League
One Year of Play
Inspired by the vision of our Founder and CEO Ted Leonsis, Monumental Sports & Entertainment launched District of Play last September as a multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitment to expanding access to youth sports for every child growing up in Washington, D.C.
In just one year, our collective efforts have:
Impacted over 217,000 D.C. kids, coaches, and family members
Distributed basketballs to 29,934 DCPS students
Transported 2,378 children to rinks for skating and hockey, many experiencing ice sports for the first time
Created eight new play spaces across the District, including one playground, one indoor basketball court, five outdoor basketball courts, and one street hockey rink
Broadcast 30 high school games on Monumental Sports Network, celebrating our young athletes on the same platform as our professional teams
Monumental SPorts & Entertainment
Check out the 2024-2025 Impact Report
Coaches Suite Night: Bringing together youth basketball coaches, program leaders, and contributors from across the DMV as a way to grow connection, put faces to names from the MSE family, and begin building a stronger, more collaborative youth basketball landscape.
Learn more here
Girls Empowerment Clinic & Workshop: Giving young girls the chance to grow their confidence on and off the court through fun, skill-building basketball drills and a bracelet-making workshop featuring positive and powerful words.
Learn more here
Learn more here
Rush Rink Unveiling: Showcasing re-opened rink at Watkins Elementary School with DC Department of Parks & Recreation, DC Public Schools, and Caps Youth Hockey -- featuring a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and street hockey clinic.
Learn more here
Late Night League Finals: A program that provides a safe and engaging environment for local youth and young adults to come together through basketball -- Championship teams received trophies, and championship t-shirts.
About Us
Impact & Stats
Safe Play Spaces
Empower Every Player
Engage the Community
Contact Us
Create safe and engaging environments for children throughout D.C. to play and grow.
Strengthen the social fabric of youth sports by supporting and engaging the broader community.
Provide opportunities for children of all backgrounds and abilities to participate and benefit from the positive impacts of sports.
watkins rec center rush rink
national building museum
Washington Harbour pop-up rink
national gallery sculpture garden pop-up rink
union market glice rink
Canal park pop-up rink
Barry farm recreation center
Marvin Gaye Recreation center
Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC)
Huntwood courts apartments playground
Huntwood courts apartments playground
