In 1995, a small group of women set out to ensure that girls in Chicago had access to sports and fitness opportunities. They recognized that their participation in sports as girls helped them develop the strength, voice, and confidence they needed to succeed as adults. After surveying the services and opportunities in Chicago, they discovered that despite the passage of Title IX, girls had few opportunities to participate in athletics. In February 1995, they founded A Sporting Chance Foundation (the original name of Girls in the Game) to level the playing field for all girls. By 2000, A Sporting Chance Foundation was reaching 200 girls a year and growing fast. Girls needed sports and fitness programs, but they also asked for nutrition and health education, and leadership development workshops. In 2003, the girls helped the organization expand the mission and change the name of the organization to Girls in the Game. Girls in the Game is successful in part because of strong collaborations with the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools. In 2003, in recognition of the services Girls in the Game provides to the city, Mayor Daley provided the organization with headquarters in Union Park Fieldhouse. Girls in the Game runs programming at Union Park and many other parks and schools throughout Chicagoland.

Girls in the Game provides sports and fitness, health and nutrition education, and leadership development programs to enhance the overall health of all girls. Since inception in 1995, Girls in the Game has emerged as a leader in girls health and fitness, serving more than 2,500 girls each year. Our comprehensive, evidence-based programs address the health needs of girls ages 6 to 18, and equip girls with the skills and confidence they need to become healthy, successful young women.

Programming incorporates three components physical activity, nutrition and health education, and leadership development. By offering a continuum of programs, Girls in the Game supports girls' health year-round and for multiple years.Girls in the Game provides a multitude of programs to keep girls involved year-round and from childhood through their teen years. By exposing girls to a varied mix of health, fitness and leadership opportunities, Girls in Game ensures every girl gets in the game and finds an activity she enjoys. After School, serving 31 sites and 700 girls: enhances girls overall health through sports and fitness, nutrition and health education and leadership and life-skill development. After School operates once to three times per week for 30 weeks throughout the school year. In each session, girls ages 8 to 18 participate in age-appropriate comprehensive health activities and interactive workshops. Girls in the Game is expanding the After School program through Spring Training, a training and technical assistance program that certifies youth-service providers to run the After School program. Spring Training: offers youth-service providers one-day trainings on best practices and quarterly two-day trainings with follow-up support on professional development and implementing the After School Elementary program (in English and Spanish). The Girls Advisory Board, serving 75 girls: brings together youth leaders from all programs to help plan and participate in health-positive activities, meet female role models, and act as community leaders. Sports and Leadership Summer Camp, serving 120 girls and 15 teens: brings diverse girls together to play new sports and learn about healthy lifestyles from positive adult role models and collegiate athletes. Camp is open to girls, ages 7 through 13, and includes four weeks of day camp and one week of overnight camp as well as weekly fieldtrips. Game Days, serving 25-30 sites and 1,600 girls: are three-hour events that include rotations on sports and fitness activities, healthy lifestyles and leadership skills. Girls have fun in a safe, all-girl environment, learn to enjoy being healthy and active, and are invited to join other Girls in the Game programs. Parent and Caregiver Initiatives, serving 100 parents and caregivers: give adults the tools they need to support the healthy habits girls learn at Girls in the Game. Participants learn how to prepare affordable and culturally-sensitive recipes, read nutrition labels and navigate a grocery store, plan a healthy diet, and incorporate fun physical activities into family time.