The Power of Play

“Play is the expression of our creativity, and creativity, I believe, is at the very root of our ability to learn, to cope, and to become whatever we may be.” —Fred "Mister" Rogers

Can play change the world?

It can certainly change us—and the science backs it.

Ball Project didn’t begin with a white paper or a lab study. It wasn’t inspired by the grandeur of the Olympics or the World Cup. It started with something smaller and truer: noticing how two or three kids sharing a ball becomes more than a game. Play isn’t just fun or leisure; it’s a force that helps make us whole.

What helps us thrive

Food, water, and shelter help us survive. To thrive, we need belonging, wonder, and joy—often sparked through play. When children play, they practice empathy, learn to read a room, and discover how to lose, try again, and include others. Give more kids the chance to play, and the whole community benefits.

The science says it matters

Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute of Play, has studied thousands of “play histories.” His conclusion: play strengthens brains, relationships, and creativity. As he puts it, “Play leads to brain plasticity, adaptability, and creativity…nothing fires the brain like play.” Research points to clear benefits:

Cognitive

• Better memory and focus

• Stronger language learning

• Creative problem-solving

• Improved math skills

• Greater self-regulation—the engine of motivation and goal achievement

Social

• Cooperation and teamwork

• Conflict resolution

• Emerging leadership

• Healthier impulse control and reduced aggression

Play isn’t rehearsal—it’s essential to a healthy life at any age.

Why Ball Project

This is the heartbeat of Ball Project: put a ball in the hands of a coach or community leader, make space for games, and watch what grows—confidence, connection, and peace. One ball. One field. One neighborhood at a time.

Join us. Help the world play its way to peace.