by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Catholic Youth Organization of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (CYO) is flourishing.
Participation reached its highest last year, with 8,437 children registered for CYO sports.
An analysis of 2022-23 enrollment reported that in Johnson County Catholic schools, 90% of students were participating in CYO.
In Douglas, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties, it’s typical for participation rates to fluctuate.
But in Wyandotte County, particularly low numbers prompted action.
“Newer families may not be familiar with CYO and the volunteer community that it is,” said CYO executive director John McGoldrick.
To increase awareness and bolster participation, CYO teamed up with Jill Gonzalez, the director of sports ministry (DSM) for CYO at Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral, and Angela Rodriguez of Our Lady of Unity Parish — both in Kansas City, Kansas.
The group created the Wyandotte County Catholic Association (WCCA) about three years ago.
“I think it’s great for the kids to have another outlet to showcase their talents,” said Gonzalez, who also teaches physical education at Resurrection. “And I think the mixture of kids is what is amazing.”
The WCCA takes athletes from nine Wyandotte County parishes and three Kansas City, Kansas, schools — Holy Name, Our Lady of Unity and Resurrection — and combines them into one entity.
WCCA teams compete in the regular CYO league but give athletes from parishes that don’t have enough participants to make up a team on their own the chance to compete together.
“We want [these families] to be a part of the community,” said McGoldrick. “We’re seeing a difference.”
“In its third year, we’re pleased to show an upward trend in participation of kids in CYO sports,” he said, especially in basketball and volleyball.
The increase is thanks in part to the work of Gonzalez and Rodriguez.
The women organize WCCA coaches, rosters and practice spaces.
CYO supports the association financially to help with miscellaneous costs and fundraising efforts, and Gonzalez and Rodriguez have also hosted fundraising events to pay for jerseys and equipment.
“I’m trying to make sure these kids have the opportunity to play the sport that they want instead of having to worry about a money factor,” said Rodriguez, who coaches basketball and volleyball.
If transportation is an issue, “all my kids know if they need a ride, call Coach,” she continued. “I’ll pick you up.
“I’m trying to make it [so it’s] not an issue where any kid is left behind.”
Gonzalez said a Catholic-based sports league is uniquely beneficial.
“We pray before every game,” she said. “We pray before every practice.”
WCCA participants are also expected to keep up their grades in school, she added.
With a league like CYO, some of the kids are well-versed in the sports while others are beginners, said Gonzalez. Seeing how the players come together despite the difference in abilities is inspiring.
“The talk between the girls — the uplifting talk, the cheering, congratulating each other — just seeing that is the best,” she said.
CYO leaders hope the WCCA will continue to grow.
“We want everybody to understand that this is available to their families,” said McGoldrick. “We believe CYO’s great for kids.”
CYO consultant Maureen Goetz agreed.
“We know there’s a lot of growth and there’s a lot of improvement that we have planned,” she said. “It’s been really successful so far.
“And we look forward to much more success in that initiative.”
How to help
The WCCA is seeking donations for jerseys, equipment and financial aid for families. Those interested in supporting the association or becoming a volunteer can send an email to: cyowcca@gmail.com.
More about CYO
The Catholic Youth Organization mission is: “Leading youth to Christ through sport.”
Its fall sports — cross-country, flag and tackle football and volleyball — are currently underway.
To learn more, visit: cyojwa.org.
