How Recreational Sports are making Pittsburgh a home for Newcomers!
By Isabel Volpe
Last Saturday, PUMP (Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project) held its annual Kickball for a Cause day in Mellon Park. All proceeds from the event went to Rent PGH, an organization that supports Allegheny County residents experiencing housing instability. The event was a huge success; there must have been upwards of 30 teams at the event, including corporate groups, nonprofit organizations, and regular-season kickball teams, all coming together for a great cause.
I volunteered at the event early in the morning and got to watch teams dive into some seriously competitive pool play before the tournament officially kicked off. The energy was electric, people were cheering loud and proud for a game most of us grew up playing at recess. The whole day was an absolute blast. Teams had tents set up, many brought their furry friends, and the park was buzzing with yard games. I had no idea Kickball for a Cause was such a big deal and such a fun time.
As I took in the scene on the field, with huge dust plumes sailing and settling across the batting cage, I listened to the teams’ camaraderie and conversations, and I observed that people on either team knew each other, a common theme I came to find out. In fact, it seemed that everyone somehow knew each other. Making these games more fun, personal, and competitive.
But I wondered: how did they all know each other?
The answer lies in Pittsburgh’s summer kickball leagues, organized by PUMP’s Pittsburgh Sports League (PSL). These leagues have become a vibrant hub for young adults, fostering connections that extend beyond the field. At the heart of it all is PUMP, an organization that champions newcomers and emerging leaders by creating inclusive, confidence-building spaces to socialize, network, and spark meaningful change across the city.
Many of the people I spoke with who joined the summer kickball league said they were new to Pittsburgh and looking for something fun to do, a way to meet people, and feel connected. They took a chance by signing up as free agents, showed up for games, and ended up forming incredible friendships through kickball. Some even played two to three times a week, often on different teams in various neighborhoods across the city.
So if you’re looking for more than just a way to get active, Pittsburgh Sports League (PSL) offers something deeper: a chance to build community. And that’s where Pittsburgh Tomorrow comes in. Our mission is to envision and support a city where everyone, regardless of background or zip code, has access to connection, opportunity, and joy. We proudly support the work of PUMP in amplifying awareness of inclusive opportunities for newcomers to engage, connect, and thrive. Building a stronger Pittsburgh starts with making sure everyone has a place to play and to belong.
