St. Louis City League

Our Story

City League began in 2020 by Allison Cousins, a former educator who saw firsthand the gap in access to school-based sports for middle school students across St. Louis City. While working closely with students and families, she recognized that many young people—particularly in under-resourced communities—were missing out on the opportunity to participate in athletics as part of their school experience.

What began as a response to that need quickly grew into something much larger. In 2022, City League officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing it to expand its reach and better serve schools across the region.

At its core, City League exists to ensure that every student athlete—regardless of background or resources—has access to meaningful, team-based athletic experiences through their school. Our mission is simple: to develop youth through school sports and extracurricular activities. 

Our Programs

Today, City League partners with 11 middle schools across St. Louis, providing structured, school-based athletic programming.

We currently offer five sports in both boys and girls divisions:

• Cross Country
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Soccer

From the very beginning, City League has focused not just on competition, but on access. In our inaugural season, 87% of participating student-athletes were trying a sport for the first time—a powerful reflection of both the need and the opportunity.

Who We Serve

City League is proud to serve a diverse and vibrant community of students:

• 84% of participants are students of color
• 82% qualify for free and reduced lunch

These numbers underscore the importance of ensuring equitable access to extracurricular opportunities that are often out of reach for many families.

Our Impact

City League’s impact extends far beyond the field or court—it shows up in the classroom, in relationships, and in how students see themselves.

In a survey of 260 families we identified the following impact:

• 77% reported increased academic motivation
  “My son had a failing grade in social studies and worked all weekend to bring it up so he could play.”
• 95% reported stronger relationships with peers
  “My child had been bullied by a peer before the season. After becoming teammates, the bullying stopped.”
• 95% reported improved confidence and self-esteem
  “This was his first year playing volleyball. His confidence—and his friendships—grew throughout the season.”
• 90% reported improved behavior and leadership at school
  “Our team holds each other accountable. It’s a pack mentality—once they’re moving in the right direction together, they lead each other.”

City League is more than a sports league—it is a platform for connection, growth, and opportunity. Through athletics, we are helping young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and experience a sense of belonging that carries into every aspect of their lives.