Play With Purpose

‘Play With Purpose’ Connects Local Teens to Careers Across Pittsburgh’s Sports Industry

SportsPITTSBURGH and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania brought Pittsburgh's sports community together on November 7 for the launch of Play With Purpose, a new partnership connecting local teens to career opportunities across the sports industry.

Held at the Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse in Lawrenceville, the free event welcomed local teens ages 13–17 for a day of hands-on learning, networking and career exploration. From coaching and broadcasting to marketing, event management and beyond, participants got an inside look at the many opportunities that make up the sports industry.

Representatives from all our professional teams, several universities, community partners, and other sports industry professionals were on site to share their experiences, introduce different career paths and help teens see how their passion for sports can translate into a future career.

The day kicked off with remarks from Chris Watts, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, who emphasized the importance of investing in youth and creating opportunities for them to pursue their interests.

"We're here because we believe in the potential of youth, the potential of our region and the potential of our community," Watts shared. "That's what makes today so special, seeing so many incredible people here that care about that, that care about your future and want to help you pursue what you want to go on and do in life."

Jim Britt, Vice President, Sports Events at VisitPITTSBURGH, encouraged participants to look beyond playing careers and recognize the many ways they can build a future in sports. Drawing from his own experience in professional sports and sports tourism, Britt shared how a career in the industry opened doors to opportunities and experiences he never imagined.

"Sports doesn't have to be about, 'Are you a pitcher? Are you a quarterback?' There are countless opportunities that you're going to hear about here today," Britt said. "Sports became a real vehicle for me to make an impact and do better in life. I was lucky to turn that into a career."

Play With Purpose represents a strategic partnership between SportsPITTSBURGH and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, built around the shared belief that sports can create opportunities far beyond competition.

By connecting teens with sports industry professionals, the initiative aims to expand career awareness, encourage professional development, and help build the next generation of Pittsburgh's sports industry workforce.

The partnership also highlights what makes Pittsburgh's sports community special: organizations across the region working together to create meaningful experiences and make a lasting impact.

"For us, that job is made so much easier because every time we ask, our partners like the folks you see around the room right now show up, they show out and they make every experience an incredible one for people coming into Pittsburgh," Britt said.

Watts echoed that appreciation, recognizing the importance of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for teens.

"Our mission at the Boys & Girls Clubs is to wake up every day and think about how we can make a difference in the lives of young people, but we can't do that without our partners," Watts said.

Each year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania provides safe places, caring mentors and life-enhancing programs for more than 12,000 youth across the region. Through academic support, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities, the organization helps young people build bright futures.

Play With Purpose builds on that mission by showing teens how their interests in sports can open doors to new experiences, professional connections and career possibilities.

This day marked the beginning of a partnership focused on creating more of those opportunities throughout the region. Together, SportsPITTSBURGH and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania are working to demonstrate that sports can do more than bring people together. They can help shape futures, strengthen communities, and create opportunities that extend well beyond the game.

As Watts shared, "We're proud to announce our partnership with SportsPITTSBURGH and proud that we're going to be working together with them to bring more opportunities like this to the region, to help bring opportunities to you in sports and in life."

Credit |
Boys and Girls Club of Pittsburgh
Credit |
Boys and Girls Club of Pittsburgh