Frequently
Asked
What families, youth programs, college students and funders ask about Fundamental Sports Labs and its sessions.
The basics
A Los Angeles nonprofit, a 501(c)(3) founded in 2025. FSL doesn't run its own leagues or events. It will bring sessions on money skills, AI and handling pressure into the programs people already attend, starting with youth programs such as after-school programs, rec centers, clubs and adaptive programs in South LA and Inglewood. A pilot is planned for 2027. Programs that serve adults with disabilities are the next step after the pilot, once our board approves it.
Money skills, such as planning a game day on a budget, a first paycheck and how credit works; AI skills, such as checking an AI's answer and keeping their information private, and how AI and virtual reality are changing sports; handling pressure: nerves, pressure from coaches, parents and the crowd, what stays online when they post or film, and how to spot a scam; and the jobs around the game, from analyst and athletic trainer to sports media and tech. Every session starts with the sport they already play.
The tournaments and clinics we had listed won't take place. FSL no longer plans events of its own. Instead, it will bring sessions into the programs people already attend, starting with a pilot in 2027.
We're choosing a first partner program in South LA or Inglewood for a pilot in 2027. Join the family list and we'll let you know as soon as a site is confirmed.
For families
No. Families never pay: no fees and no tryouts. Grants, donors, partner programs and public programs will pay for the sessions.
Through a program they already attend. FSL will bring its sessions into partner programs, so it can't sign a child up directly. Join the family list and we'll let you know when a pilot site is confirmed.
No. There are no tryouts, and every skill level is welcome. Kids who would rather not play can be the team's analyst.
No. We teach skills every kid can use. Later, teens 14–17 can join a session on NIL basics with a parent: how a contract works, red flags, who signs and how to say no when people ask you for money. No company will be promoted.
Yes. Permission slips, forms, materials and updates will come in Spanish and English.
Safety
Kids will never open AI accounts or type personal information into AI tools. Kids under 13 will use offline tools on FSL laptops or watch demos an adult runs. We'll teach kids to question AI, not to lean on it.
Trained college coaches, two at every session, with the program's own staff in the room. Before working with kids, every FSL coach and volunteer will pass a California DOJ background check and child-abuse reporting training.
Only with your written permission, given separately from the permission to take part.
No. Coaches will teach skills for handling nerves and pressure, not counsel. If a child needs more help, they'll bring in the program's own staff. Anyone can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Programs, coaches and funders
We're looking for a first partner program in South LA or Inglewood: one room or court, one weekly time slot, 10–15 players and your staff in the room. Families never pay, and we'll talk through funding for your site with you. Tell us about your program on our For Programs page.
If you're a college student, join the coach list. Coaches will be paid as FSL staff or through campus Work-Study, never as independent contractors, and will be trained and background-checked before working with kids.
Grants, donors, partner programs and public programs will pay for them. Families never pay. FSL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 39-4190687), so donations are tax-deductible as the law allows.
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501(c)(3) nonprofit — families never pay