GOLDIE’S YOUTH SPORTS
“Goldie’s (Basketball) League isn’t just some normal league that is all-girls, it is a community. Every team that competes is a group full of friends, and girls know each other even outside of these groups. I think that I play a better game when I am surrounded by my friends and feel the girl empowerment all around the community. Being together as an all-girls community really encourages us to all be leaders and care for each other in a way that we will cherish. It makes me proud to be a girl. I am so grateful to be a part of this community of young women, and I cannot wait for the next season.” Sienna, 6th Grade participant in Goldie’s Youth Sports All-Girls Basketball programs.
Seven years ago, I created Goldie’s Youth Sports. Our nonprofit organization brings community driven programs to schools that enrich and enhance each child’s individual sports experiences. We have provided after school basketball enrichment programs for The Oakwood School, The Oaks School, and the St James Episcopal School (presently). In addition, I have advised several private schools on how to create gender fairness in elementary school PE classes and athletics. These programs are designed to create a schoolyard where girls are equal to the boys, where girls have their voice, and where girls can say proudly “…I belong on the court, too…”
Girls’ sports are a wonderful way for young girls to build confidence and raise self-esteem. So, four years ago, I created Goldie’s Youth Sports Girls Basketball programs in Los Angeles. We have provided an empowering, nurturing, and competitive arena for girls 1st grade to 10th grade in the form of recreational all girls basketball leagues, all girls volleyball and basketball clinics, and private instruction.
We believe it is paramount for girls to have sports leagues and athletics classes with a strong mission that will empower and encourage them to continue in team sports. For girls to have coaches and instructors who hear them, support them in having their respective voices; and to challenge and treat all girls, no matter their age or skill level, respectfully. For this to happen, we must invest in parity and inclusivity in athletics for girls. As coaches, parents, instructors, and as a community, we need to create empowering narratives and equality on the playground for all students, especially girls.
A Little About Goldie (Karen Goldberg)
I hail from the strong sports nation of New England, being born in Boston and raised in Brockton, MA. My childhood is filled with wonderful memories of my involvement in sports beginning at a very young age: I loved playing sports. Although I played little league and participated in several co-ed teams, it was my participation in all-girls’ leagues like basketball, tennis, softball, and track that had the most profound effects on me. Along with attending an all-girls summer sleep away camp, where athletics was very much about empowerment, leadership building, confidence enhancing, and self-worth. In these settings, there was so much camaraderie, teamwork and inclusion. Those experiences truly helped shape the woman I am today. I feel so blessed to have been able to participate in competitive, encouraging, and community based all girls’ sports and camp.
In 1994, I moved to Los Angeles and worked as a Talent Agent for 15 years. Twelve years ago, I left the agency business to begin my career in the non-profit sector at the Hollywood YMCA. For almost a decade, I created and implemented youth and family programs for the YMCA. One of those programs was the hugely popular and successful Jr. Lakers Youth Basketball League. Although a co-ed league, it saddened me to see so many girls stop playing after eight or nine years old. They did not feel encouraged due to the lack of inclusivity amongst their teammates and coaches. So, I created a Jr. Sparks, an all girls’ basketball league at the YMCA for ages six to thirteen years old. It was wonderful to see so many young girls feeling excited and engaged in basketball. Watching them thrive and flourish was extremely rewarding for me, which motivated me to create Goldie’s Youth Sports.
In addition to Goldie’s Youth Sports, I have served for over five years on the Board of Directors of the Wilshire Warriors Baseball Pony League. Presently, I am the Varsity Girls Basketball Coach for Larchmont Charter High School. Previously, I coached the Larchmont Charter Middle School Girls Basketball Varsity team as well as the Varsity Girls Basketball Team for The St. Brendan’s School.
I currently reside in Santa Monica with my wife, Liz, and our rescue dog, Jackson.