Team sports events organized by neighbors can play a significant role in strengthening a community by fostering connection, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.  The ultimate example might be SGF Kickball, which  gained attention beyond Springfield. It was recently selected for the “Best Neighborhood Program” award by Neighborhoods USA. NUSA is a national group that has been celebrating great community programs for over 50 years. Just being named one of the top nominees in the country is a big deal for a volunteer-led program that started as a simple challenge between friends. Other cities with finalist programs in 2025 included Pasadena, California, Waco, Texas, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, St. Louis, Missouri, Monrovia, California, Anna, Texas, El Paso, Texas, Chandler, Arizona, Muncie, Indiana and St. Petersburg, Florida. A Fun Idea That Took Off The idea for SGF Kickball began with two friends—Bobbi Ream and Kevin Evans—talking about how to help their neighborhoods...

  Photo description: SGF Kickball representatives receive their national award from four members of the Neighborhoods USA Board of Directors. Pictured left to right are  Reba Taylor-Hill of Indianapolis, Indiana, Precious McKesson of Omaha, Nebraska; Michael Brittan, Ed Goeke, Keno Wong of Nassau, Bahamas, and Dwight Pridgeon of Little Rock, Arkansas. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Michael Brittian and Ed Goeke returned to Springfield from the 50th annual conference of Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) in Jacksonville, Florida, May 20-23, 2025, with the coveted Best Neighborhood Program award in the Social Revitalization category. This year's conference had registered 525 attendees from 36 states and featured educational workshops, speakers, tours, networking, and an awards program. The NUSA awards process began with submitting applications in March. Applications were then scored, and those selected as national finalists were alerted and asked to make a 15-minute presentation at the national...