ESPN and The National Recreation and Park Association have paired up to improve youth sports programs in underserved communities via the Access to Sports initiative.

The program will provide $150,000 grants to local park and recreation departments to make facility improvements, purchase equipment and give opportunity for children to join community-based sports.

“Strong parks and recreation are part of the solution to improving underserved urban communities and we believe all children should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of youth sports," said NRPA's President and CEO Barbara Tulipane in a release.

The ESPN Access to Sportsprogram will award the following communities grants in 2015:

Los Angeles, CA

Hartford, CT

Miami, FL

Chicago, IL

Charlotte, NC

New York, NY

Austin, TX