Our Programs & Services

City League offers programmatic support for school sports and extracurriculars in St. Louis City

In St. Louis City, school sports transform kids’ lives. When kids play a sport at school, they grow strong friendships with classmates. They get to take part in something bigger than themselves. The camaraderie developed on the court or in the field carries over into classrooms—and school culture grows stronger because of it.

So why did we create City League? Over the last two decades, participation in youth club sports has increased, but participation in youth school sports has declined. We want to reverse that trend by helping schools get the support they need to keep sports alive.

City League’s program model encourages multi-sport participation instead of specializing in only one sport. Significant research supports the advantages to participating in multiple sports, including a reduced risk of injury, the psychological benefits of learning from multiple coaches, the physical benefits of participating in cross-training, stronger mental development, better teamwork skills and reduced chance of burnout.

At City League, we know what schools need to develop and sustain school sports and extracurriculars in St. Louis City. Our approach is tailored to our vision, to empower youth to realize their interests and talents for both personal and greater good.

Today, we support four school sports programs: cross-country, volleyball, basketball and soccer. On this page, you can review eligibility requirements, read our FAQs, and dive into the particulars of the program support services we offer.

How City League Works

Role of City League Commissioner

The City League Commissioner manages the following:

  • Facilitating the management of the City League, overall
  • Communication with individual school Athletic Directors
    • League policies
    • League expectations
    • Each sport’s rules
    • Contest schedules
    • Officiating assignments
    • Field/Gym locations for contests
    • League standings
    • News & announcements via Teamsnap and website
  • Establishing relationships with and scheduling officials for all contests and tournaments
  • Establishing league schedules for all contests and tournaments
  • Developing (with input from the Advisory Council) and monitoring adherence to league policies
  • Establishing and leading the Advisory Council

Role of Participating Schools Athletic Directors

Participating school Athletic Directors are responsible for the following:

  • Maintaining communication with their individual school’s administration, determining which sports and teams in which they will participate
  • Identifying, training, and managing eligible coaches for each participating team
  • Scheduling facilities for practices and home contests; if no facility is available, developing an MOU with an appropriate facility to meet obligations for participation in the City League
  • Maintaining and submitting to the City League Commissioner records of contests (scores)
  • Developing a process for and maintaining records of student eligibility to be provided to the City League Commissioner, upon request
  • Maintaining their teams’ information in TeamSnap; engaging their teams in TeamSnap updates

Want to partner with us?

Contact City League

Eligibility Requirements

All middle schools serving grades 5-8 in the St. Louis City are eligible to partner with City League. Participating schools collaborate to establish governing policies and processes for violation of policies.

City League Handbook

Program FAQs for Schools & Athletic Directors

Who can participate in City League?

At this time, City League is partnering with middle schools in St. Louis City to offer school sports. Schools who are interested in launching athletic programs should contact the City League Commissioner, Allison Cousins to learn more about getting involved. City League teams are composed of 6th-8th graders attending participating schools.

Schools pay a fee for each team that participates in the programming. The school fee covers the season schedule, game facilities, officials, a city championship tournament and awards. Fees are determined at the beginning of each school year and are different for each sport. Each school has the autonomy to decide how much the player fees cost and those are paid directly to the schools.

Currently City League offers boys and girls cross country (fall), boys and girls volleyball (fall), boys and girls basketball (winter) and boys and girls soccer (spring). City League plans to add additional sports and extracurricular programs as the organization grows. Want to suggest a sport or program? Fill out this feedback form!

Code of Conduct Violations are managed by the City League Advisory Council. The purpose of the Advisory Council is to support the Commissioner to make decisions that reflect the values and mission of the league. Please fill out this form to report an infraction and a City League staff member will follow up with you within 5 business days

City League provides a roadmap to support schools as they launch school sport programs. Participating schools must appoint an Athletic Director or Program Director to serve as the point of contact for the Commissioner. Schools are responsible for finding and background screening coaches and volunteers, hosting team tryouts and organizing team rosters, providing uniforms and equipment. City League strives to provide support and resources to navigate any barriers that schools face.

City League’s fall programs (Volleyball and Cross Country) begin the second week of September. We recommend hosting tryouts the second week of school to gauge interest levels and ensure the season starts well enough before the first competitions. 

The winter programs (Basketball and Cheerleading) begin the last week of November. We recommend hosting tryouts during the first week of November. 

The spring program (Soccer) begins the last week of March. We recommend hosting tryouts the first week of March.

Equity

Making school sports and extracurriculars more equitable by increasing access and following sustainable practices.

Connection

Encouraging friendship and camaraderie to strengthen social capital beyond game day.

Movement

Introducing the joy of movement to help youth grow into attentive, empathetic and confident young adults with positive momentum to carry them forward.

Health

Helping youth build healthy habits to foster lifelong mental and physical wellbeing.

Sports Programs Designed for Schools

Currently City League offers boys and girls cross country, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
City League plans to add additional sports and extracurricular programs as the organization grows.

Volleyball

City League is offering boys and girls volleyball during the Fall 2022 season.

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Cross Country

City League is offering boys and girls cross country during the Fall 2022 season.

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Basketball

City League is offering boys and girls basketball during the Winter 2022 season.

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Soccer

City League is offering boys and girls soccer during the Spring 2023 season.

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Want us to add another sport or extracurricular to our list?

As City League grows, we’ll be able to support more sports and extracurricular programs outside of our core four. It all starts with understanding what students want—and what’s operationally feasible. Get in touch with our team to discuss your ideas, or donate to support City League program expansion.