News
Unmatched featured in: Project Play's State of Play 2024
How Baltimore is improving sports access for children, by Jon Solomon: “Sports opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth and allies created”:
Olanrele Oni grew up loving to play soccer, but never felt he could truly be himself in sports because he is gay. In 2020, as the Black Trans Lives Matter movement grew across the nation, Oni created Unmatched Athlete and started with clinics in climbing, obstacle courses, flag football, Ultimate frisbee, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The goal is to eventually create leagues and tournaments and hire a coach to teach sports fundamentals.
The events are nongendered, meaning every child plays together. To date, 177 children ages 5-18 have registered or participated in Unmatched Athlete’s events in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Montgomery, Howard and Prince George’s counties. More than half of the children (51%) identify as female, with 35% identifying as male and 14% as transgender or nonbinary. Nationally, research shows LGBTQ+ youth play sports at far lower rates than their peers.
“Regardless of how you identify, sports are for everyone,” Oni said.
Celebrate the 3rd Annual Union Collective Pride and Support Unmatched Athlete
Press Release: Unmatched Athlete, in partnership with Movement Hampden and supporting businesses at Union Collective, invites the public to celebrate the 3rd Annual Union Collective Pride event on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 1:30pm to 9pm. This all-day fundraiser aims to support Unmatched Athlete's mission of promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports and assisting the organization's staff and coaches. View full release here.
Spring 2024 Season
Unmatched Athlete's spring season schedule is here! The spring season offers climbing days, ultimate frisbee clinics, an obstacle course field day, and don’t forget to grab the flyer for our Union Collective Pride fundraiser trifecta on June 1st. Plus, save the date—our Pride Olympics event will be July 20th at the Stadium at Under Armour House. Most events are free, with climbing days costing $10. Plus, we offer FREE Rideshare Available over Lyft! To sign up, registration sheets will be posted for each event on our website at unmatchedathlete.org. Follow us @unmatchedathl. and if you have any questions, give us a call at 410 989-1586 or e-mail info@unmatchedathlete.org.
Union Collective Pride 6/1/24
Grab Print-Friendly PDF. Join us to celebrate our third annual Union Collective Pride on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 1:30pm-9pm. In partnership with Movement Hampden and supporting businesses at Union Collective, we will be holding a day of fun activities and performances for LGBTQ+ and ally youths, adults, and all families to celebrate Pride month. Activities for the day…(read more)
Join the Unmatched Athlete Team!
Do you share our dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in sports; enjoy working with youth & parents; and are a team player? We're looking for four volunteers to join our team:
*Events Coordinators*
will help in running events + working with volunteers
1 opening for Baltimore area+ Howard County
2 openings for Prince George’s + Montgomery County
*Communications Manager*
Prepare and manage all communication materials
Manage digital, video, audio and print content
Please email your résumé and complete the survey below.
https://bit.ly/3weJlRX
info@unmatchedathlete.org
2023 Year-In-Review + Annual Report
Unmatched Athlete proudly presents its 2023 Year-In-Review + Annual Report. Join us for insights into our upcoming winter season, program updates, partnerships, and more. Whether you prefer scrolling online or flipping through a PDF, we've got you covered!
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