Community Partner Highlight: 18th Ward Sports Club

This month, we're spotlighting one of the incredible organizations we've connected with here in New Orleans: 18th Ward Sports Club.

Who They Are

18th Ward builds community through high-quality, affordable sports and workforce development programming for youth and families — welcoming kids from every neighborhood in New Orleans. Their mission is rooted in the same belief we hold at COPE: that young people deserve safe spaces to grow, build confidence, and thrive, both on and off the field.

How We Connected

We met the 18th Ward team at Loyola University's Serve Fair, where their Executive Director, Janeicia Bernard, connected with us. What started as a conversation at a table has turned into the beginning of a relationship, we're excited to keep building.

Why This Partnership Matters

Mentorship and community-building take a lot of forms — sometimes it's a one-on-one match, sometimes it's a classroom, and sometimes it's a basketball court. Organizations like 18th Ward remind us that our mission and theirs are really the same one: give young people spaces where they can grow, feel supported, and see what's possible for themselves.

Looking Ahead

We're proud to be building a relationship with the 18th Ward Sports Club and can't wait to find ways to collaborate — whether that's cross-promoting programs, sharing resources, or finding new ways for our mentees and their youth athletes to connect.

Thank you to Janeicia Bernard and the entire 18th Ward team for the work you do in our community. We're glad our paths crossed.

Want to learn more about 18th Ward Sports Club? Visit their website here.