Mickey and Friends Are Helping More Kids Get in the Game

Whether it’s kicking a soccer ball, making a catch, or learning the value of teamwork, sports can create memories that last a lifetime.

Now, Disney Jr. and ESPN are once again working together to help make those first experiences possible for even more families.

As part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to encouraging healthy and active play, the companies have renewed their partnership with Every Kid Sports to help expand access to youth sports for preschool-aged children across the United States.

The initiative aims to help income-restricted families overcome one of the biggest barriers to youth sports participation: registration costs. Through grants available to qualifying families with children ages 3-7, more young athletes will have the opportunity to step onto the field, court, or playground and discover the fun of staying active.

The impact has already been significant.

Last year, more than 1,200 families received assistance that helped children participate in 22 different sports. For half of those families, it marked the very first time their child had ever played an organized sport.

Building on that success, the program is expanding in 2026 with additional sports clinics in communities across the country. These events introduce children to multiple sports in a welcoming and playful environment while helping connect families with local youth sports resources.

But the effort doesn’t stop off the field.

Beginning June 29, Disney Jr. and ESPN are also bringing the excitement of sports directly to young viewers through Me & Mickey: Let’s Play Sports.

The new collection of shorts features Mickey, Minnie and their friends learning, playing and working together through a variety of sports-themed activities. Designed specifically for preschool audiences, the episodes introduce basic skills such as kicking a soccer ball, throwing and catching, while also highlighting teamwork, encouragement and having fun while staying active.

At a time when screens often compete for children’s attention, initiatives like this help remind families that play, movement and sports can be powerful tools for building confidence, friendships and healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

After all, every great athlete starts somewhere—and sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement from Mickey Mouse.