Play It Forward: A Nickelodeon Series Powering Access, Community, and Opportunity
At Every Kid Sports, we believe every kid deserves the chance to play™. That belief is at the heart of everything we do and it’s why we’re proud to celebrate and align with partners like the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, whose work continues to strengthen and improve the youth sports system nationwide.
Their latest initiative, Play It Forward: Game On, a Nickelodeon television series, is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations invest in youth sports access, community, and opportunity. The series highlights the joy, confidence, and connection that emerge when barriers to play are removed, a mission deeply aligned with our own.
Play It Forward: Game On first premiered November 19 on Nickelodeon, with additional episodes airing every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT. The final episode of the season will air February 11 at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT. Play It Forward: Game On is more than uplifting television. It’s a celebration of generosity, teamwork, and what happens when kids are given the opportunity to play sports, regardless of income or circumstance. Each episode delivers surprise makeovers and life-changing upgrades to under-resourced youth sports teams and organizations across the country, creating an impact that lasts far beyond the final reveal.
What The Series Is All About
Play It Forward: Game On follows an inspiring team of hosts and sports advocates, including CBS Sports analyst and two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery, two-time Emmy-nominated actor and Nickelodeon favorite Kel Mitchell, YouTube creator Jesser, and Kristen “Garmey” Garmey, Director of Sports Matter and Community Relations at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation.
Together, they go undercover with coaches, families, and local communities to uncover the challenges youth sports programs face, from lack of equipment to unsafe or outdated facilities. Then, they step in with meaningful, community-driven support.
While kids are entertained with fun and lighthearted moments, the makeover team works behind the scenes to deliver new uniforms, essential gear, upgraded training equipment, and refurbished fields and spaces, ensuring kids can play safely, confidently, and with pride.
The result is emotional reveals that don’t just change how teams look, they transform how kids feel. Confidence grows. Belonging deepens. And access to youth sports becomes a reality for kids who may have otherwise gone without.
“At The DICK’S Foundation, we believe in the power of sports to transform lives; and we know that not every young athlete has the same opportunity to play. That’s why we created the Sports Matter Program to support under-resourced organizations, schools and teams nationwide. Play It Forward: Game On is a natural extension of our mission. I am honored to have been a part of this project and see first-hand the kids’ reactions to their upgraded facilities, new equipment and gear. It is truly moving. One of my favorite moments was when I overheard a young athlete from Henry County boys’ lacrosse program tell his friend, ‘This is the best day of my life’. That’s the reason we do the work we do – to create memories that extend beyond the playing field and will have a lasting impact.”
– Kristen Garmey, Director Sports Matter and Community Relations
Why Tune In?
Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or simply love meaningful, feel-good stories, Play It Forward: Game On is a powerful reminder of why sports matter.
The series highlights how something as simple as proper equipment, a safe place to play, or community support can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Beyond competition, youth sports build confidence, friendships, resilience, and dreams that extend far beyond the field.
Tune in with your family and experience the power of sport, generosity, and community in action.
Nickelodeon: The last episode airs February 11 at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT On-Demand & Streaming: Spectrum On Demand, YouTube TV, DIRECTV and HULU