Montgomery County Recreation and Cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park Endorse Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 24, 2025

Montgomery County Recreation, in collaboration with the Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee and the cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park, endorsed Project Play's Children's Bill of Rights in Sports during a special event recently at Northwest Branch Recreational Park in Aspen Hill.

Developed by the Aspen Institute through its Project Play initiative, the Children's Bill of Rights in Youth Sports affirms that youth sports participation is a fundamental right and encourages providers to use the framework to develop inclusive, kid-focused, empowering programming. It has been endorsed by more than 500 municipalities, government agencies, and youth sports organizations nationwide.

Leaders from each municipality gathered for a ceremonial signing of a poster featuring the Children's Bill of Rights in Sports, underscoring their shared commitment to this important initiative.

The Children's Bill of Rights in Sports identifies eight rights:

1. To play sports.
2. To safe and healthy environments.
3. To qualified program leaders.
4. To developmentally appropriate play.
5. To share in the planning and delivery of their activities.
6. To an equal opportunity for personal growth.
7. To be treated with dignity.
8. To enjoy themselves.

"Sports have the power to bring young people together and build confidence, discipline, and friendships that last a lifetime," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "Every child should be able to play in an environment that is safe, supportive, and focused on their well-being. The Children's Bill of Rights in Sports reminds us that access, inclusion, and respect must guide every youth program we offer in Montgomery County."

"Montgomery County Recreation is proud to endorse the Children's Bill of Rights in Sports," said Recreation Department Acting Director Adriane Clutter. "This initiative aligns with our long-standing commitment to creating inclusive, supportive, and enriching sports experiences for all children. By formally endorsing these principles, we will have the opportunity to further strengthen the great work we do."

"We believe that play is more than a recreation - it's a right," said City of Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman. "We see every day how sports build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging through our Parks, Recreation, and Culture programs and partnerships. The Children's Bill of Rights in Sports reminds us that youth sports should always center on the child and not the scoreboard. It calls on all of us - city leaders, coaches, parents, and program supervisors - to ensure that kids are safe, supported, and valued as individuals."

"Every child deserves the chance to experience the joy, growth, and connection that comes from playing sports in a safe and supportive environment," said Tara Stewart, director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Rockville. "The Children's Bill of Rights in Sports reminds us that youth sports are not just about competition; they're about protecting children's rights, nurturing their well-being, and ensuring every young person has an equal opportunity to thrive. Within the City of Rockville, we acknowledge our shared responsibility to make these rights a reality in every sports program we offer."

"The City of Takoma Park is proud to join Montgomery County Recreation, City of Gaithersburg Recreation, and City of Rockville Recreation in endorsing the Project Play Children's Bill of Rights in Sports," said Gregory Clark, director of Recreation for the City of Takoma Park. "This important initiative reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every child has the right to a safe, inclusive, and positive sports experience - one that promotes fun, fair play, and personal growth. Together, we are empowering our youth to thrive on and off the field and building stronger communities through the power of sport."

"The endorsement of the Children's Bill of Rights by Montgomery County and the cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park reinforces our community's commitment to providing every child access and opportunity to a high-quality, safe youth sport experience," said Tom Cove, chair of the Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee. "It shines a light on fundamental and common-sense understandings of what our children deserve and should expect."

The signing event took place at Montgomery County Recreation's Soccer4Change program, a year-round initiative designed to eliminate the barriers to participation for middle and high school students and connect them to vital developmental opportunities through soccer.

To commemorate the occasion, County Executive Elrich, City of Gaithersburg Mayor Ashman and City of Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton each issued proclamations declaring Oct. 6-11 as National Youth Sports Week.

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