Sports4Kids is a nonprofit that provides critical aid and opportunities to vulnerable youth. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Arden Pala to learn more about the nonprofit.
Arden Pala’s Background
What is Arden Pala’s background? Pala said:
“My name is Arden Pala, and I’m a 16-year-old sophomore at Francis Parker School. I’m the founder of Sports4Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a brighter future for youth experiencing homelessness in our community. Sports4Kids provides accessible sports opportunities, back-to-school supplies, care packages, and more. I’ve always believed in the power of community and the role young people can play in bringing about meaningful change.”
“My passion for this work started at the age of four, when I began volunteering at soup kitchens, and it has grown into a lifelong mission to address inequities in our community. My experiences taught me that sports are not just a form of play but a vehicle for building leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence, qualities every child deserves to develop regardless of their circumstances.”
Formation Of The Nonprofit
How did the idea for the nonprofit come together? Pala shared:
“The seeds of Sports4Kids were planted when I was very young, volunteering alongside my family at community service events. However, a pivotal moment came in seventh grade when I visited Perkins Elementary and learned their PE program was cut due to budget constraints. This struck a personal chord because sports had always been an outlet for me, a place where I found confidence, discipline, and joy. Realizing these students lacked the same opportunity was the spark for creating Sports4Kids.”
Favorite Memory
What is your favorite memory of working for the nonprofit so far? Pala reflected:
“One memory that stands out is working with a student named Abraham during one of our sports clinics. Abraham, born with a leg deformity, had never participated in sports before. Watching him gain confidence, develop skills, and genuinely enjoy playing was transformative for both of us. His story reaffirmed why Sports4Kids exists: to open doors and create moments where kids realize their potential.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of your nonprofit’s most significant milestones? Pala cited:
“We’ve accomplished so much in just a few years. Sports4Kids has raised over $300,000, reached more than 7,500 individuals, and introduced over 750 homeless children to team sports. Our youth volunteers have contributed over 8,500 service hours. Initiatives like distributing 25,000 pounds of non-perishable food and providing hundreds of care packages showcase the breadth of our impact.”
Specific Success Stories
When asking Pala about specific success stories, he highlighted:
“Beyond Abraham’s story, we’ve had moments where families have expressed how much these programs mean to them. For example, during a backpack drive, one mother shared that without our assistance, her children wouldn’t have had the supplies to start the school year. It’s these personal connections and stories that highlight the tangible impact of what we do.”
Notable Metrics
When asking Pala about notable metrics, he revealed:
“We’ve been fortunate to receive grants and donations from organizations like Starbucks, Target, Sodexo, Albertsons, The Lucky Duck Foundation, Hershey, and Barnes & Noble. These partnerships allow us to scale our programs, whether it’s organizing sports clinics or distributing essential supplies. Through these efforts, we’ve been able to provide 750 youth with sports experiences and distribute resources to thousands in need.”
Differentiation From Other Nonprofits
What differentiates the nonprofit from others? Pala affirmed:
“Sports4Kids is uniquely youth-led, creating a peer-to-peer model where kids help kids. This approach fosters empathy and leadership among our volunteers while directly addressing the needs of homeless and low-income youth in ways that resonate with them. We don’t just provide resources; we create connections and a sense of community.”
Challenges Faced
When asking Pala about challenges faced, he acknowledged:
“One of the biggest challenges has been raising awareness about the intersection of homelessness and youth sports. Many don’t realize how much budget cuts have affected extracurricular opportunities, especially in low-income areas. To overcome this, we’ve leaned into storytelling, using social media, newsletters, and events to highlight the real stories of the kids we serve. Additionally, balancing school and nonprofit leadership has taught me time management and the importance of building a strong team.”
Future Goals
What are some of Pala’s nonprofit’s future goals? Pala emphasized:
“Our vision is to expand beyond San Diego, bringing Sports4Kids to other cities and states. We aim to partner with more schools, establish permanent sports programs, and increase our volunteer network. Ultimately, we want every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, to have access to sports and the opportunities they provide.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Pala concluded:
“I’d like to emphasize the role empathy plays in my work. Building Sports4Kids has shown me the power of understanding others’ perspectives and needs. I hope to inspire other young people to get involved in causes they’re passionate about. Together, we can create a future where no child is limited by their circumstances.”
