Kansas City Athletics has announced a new partnership with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J), aimed at enhancing local youth programs, increasing fan engagement, and providing special events through the Roo Athletic Fund.
Dr. Brandon Martin, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, emphasized the importance of building relationships with community organizations that embody excellence. He noted that The J has been a cornerstone of the Kansas City community for many years, and this collaboration will strengthen both organizations’ presence in the city.
The J, one of the largest community centers in Kansas City, offers a wide variety of programs focused heavily on youth sports. The partnership will enhance The J’s offerings by integrating resources and expertise from Kansas City Athletics.
Bob Hennecke, Director of Sports and Recreation at The J, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the importance of the Roos within the Kansas City community. He mentioned that they look forward to hosting events with various teams and increasing participant engagement with the local Division One institution.
This partnership marks a pivotal move for both organizations, providing valuable resources and experiences for the local community. Co-marketing opportunities and special events are expected to play a crucial role in advancing their missions.
Jason Sautter, Manager of Sports and Recreation at The J, echoed the sentiment that the partnership is mutually beneficial. He pointed out that with over 13,000 members at The J, it creates an excellent opportunity for young kids to connect with Division One athletes while allowing Kansas City Athletics to tap into this extensive network.
The partnership officially commenced in August with Kansas City Volleyball hosting a mini-clinic led by Head Coach Christi Posey and student-athletes. Kansas City Soccer plans to offer a series of mini-clinics in the spring to support young athletes and provide resources to The J’s youth coaches. Additionally, Kansas City Athletics will extend group ticketing rates for The J’s members to facilitate attendance at local sports events.
Throughout the year, youth teams from The J will be featured during Kansas City Athletics games, providing opportunities for these teams to interact with student-athletes from Kansas City. A special event involving the Kansas City Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams is set to launch the new partnership as the basketball season approaches.