Naperville Park District Highlights Sportsmanship for Fall Athletic Programs

Monday, September 8, 2025

With the fall season of Naperville Youth Soccer underway and registration for Fall Naperville Youth Basketball forthcoming, the Naperville Park District continues to emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship in its programs by reminding everyone to demonstrate and encourage fair play, good etiquette and sound character.

“Recreational athletic programs give participants on all levels the opportunity to learn new skills, experience teamwork, and have fun” said Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates. “Good sportsmanship is the foundation of our programs and it is vital to an athlete’s development. It takes all of us to help set the standard for the current and future generation of athletes.”

At its February 27, 2020 meeting, the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners first approved a resolution to promote the importance of good sportsmanship District-wide through the following actions:

• Observe National Sportsmanship Day annually on the first Tuesday of March.
• Remind participants, coaches, parents and spectators of the District’s expectations related to conduct and good sportsmanship through training, program materials and a variety of media.
• Create awareness in the community of the District’s emphasis on good sportsmanship and its benefits for everyone.

For more information on the Naperville Park District’s sportsmanship initiative, please visit www.napervilleparks.org/sportsmanship.