Skip to main content

About Us

Play. Learn. Grow.

Sports for everyone

fulfilling the mission

Welcome to Kids, Inc., where we believe in the transformative power of sports to shape the lives of children and youth in Amarillo and surrounding communities. Founded in 1945 with a passion for youth development, Kids, Inc. is dedicated to providing quality sports experiences that go beyond the game. We believe in the power of sports to instill valuable life lessons and create positive, lasting impacts on young lives.

We achieve our mission by offering barrier-free access to sports programs for all children. We are committed to inclusivity, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to participate and thrive in our programs.

Through our dedicated coaches, supportive parents, and enthusiastic young athletes, we strive to inspire, support, and effect positive change through sports.
Contact UsMeet The TeamFAQ

Job Opportunities

We are Hiring!

Position opening: Part-Time Office Position – Front Counter Programs Assistant

This position will begin Monday, January 6, 2025.

Kids, Incorporated seeks an energetic multitasker to serve as Program Assistant. The right candidate will possess the integrity, trustworthiness, flexibility, and compassion necessary to address the practicalities of an established nonprofit.

View Job Description and Apply here

MISSION

To develop skills, character, and confidence for children in the Amarillo/Canyon region through quality sports experiences.

History of Kids, Inc.

since 1945

Kids, Inc. Amarillo’s Premier Youth Sports Program celebrating over 79 years of working with youth in Amarillo, Texas.

Since 1945, we’ve grown from humble beginnings with 11 boys from Glenwood Elementary to become one of the nation’s largest comprehensive youth sports programs. With over 18,000 players and 4,000 volunteer coaches annually, we’ve positively impacted over 1 million individuals across the Amarillo area and the Texas Panhandle.

Join us in shaping young athletes through sports, teamwork, building community and leadership skills in our community’s youth.
Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame

Why Kids, Inc.?

What sets Kids, Inc. apart is our intentional focus on delivering sports experiences that extend beyond the field or court. We recognize the immense potential of sports to foster social-emotional learning, pro-social relationship skills such as fair play and respect for opponents, and better academic performance. Our programs are designed to nurture these essential skills, equipping children with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field.

Register Now

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest endeavor

The Fieldhouse Podcast
Produced by the Kids, Inc. Sports Network!

Join Lance Lahnert and Jimmy Lackey as they venture into the captivating realm of sports, bringing you exclusive insights, inspiring stories, and lively discussions. Whether you’re a die-hard sports enthusiast or simply love a good story, this podcast is for you!

Listen Now

How the programs work

benefits of play

The benefits of participation in regular physical activity and sports are undeniable. From long-term health benefits to life skill development, academic achievement, and improved well-being, the impact of sports reaches far beyond physical fitness. Physically active youth not only enjoy greater physical and mental health but also demonstrate improved cognitive functions and academic performance compared to their less active peers. Moreover, playing sports supports youth in developing higher levels of psychological well-being and essential life skills such as goal setting, time management, and interpersonal skills.

At Kids, Inc., we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment where children can thrive, grow, and discover their full potential through the power of sports. Join us in building a brighter future, one game at a time.

meet our team

Teresa Arrieta

Teresa Arrieta

Teresa Arrieta holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc since 2023. She has been with Kids, Inc. for one year and helps assist and assure everything runs smoothly. Teresa chose Kids, Inc. because of the great culture it provides. She loves that her role in supporting Kids, Inc. is one of value. She has coached with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Soccer. Teresa believes that Kids, Inc. is a great place and experience for all kids.
Teresa Arrieta
Program Assistant

Haley Bell

Haley Bell is the Vice President of Development. Haley officially joined the Kids, Inc. team in 2024, bringing with her over 30 years of experience as a player, coach, donor, and volunteer within the organization. In her role, Haley oversees the strategic planning and execution of fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and activities to support the mission of Kids, Inc. Haley is passionate about the impact youth sports have on children, extending far beyond the game itself. She finds joy in the people and rich history of Kids, Inc., as well as the strong connections it fosters within the community. With soccer being her favorite sport, Haley believes that Kids, Inc. offers a wide range of sports programs designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and character development in a supportive and inclusive community environment.
Haley Bell
Vice President for Development
Keva Bell

Keva Bell

Keva Bell holds the position of Assistant to the President & CEO at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2006 and helps the president in his office, and takes a role in managing the financial responsibilities of the organization. Keva chose to work at Kids, Inc. because she loves that the organization serves all children in the Amarillo area and gives every child an opportunity to try different sports at a recreational level. She enjoys serving the children and families in this community. Keva has both played and coached for Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Volleyball. She believes that Kids, Inc. works very hard at finding a place for every child to play a sport and is also a good way to try all desired sports to find a good fit.
Keva Bell
Assistant to the President & CEO
Jerry Branch

Jerry Branch

Jerry Branch holds the position of Director of Programs at Kids, Inc. He has been with Kids, Inc. since 2021, facilitating the sports programs to make sure that the best experience is provided for everyone involved. Jerry chose Kids, Inc. because it is a dream for him to be able to serve his community by supporting youth sports. He enjoys the community with his colleagues and everyone participating in the programs. He has both coached and played with Kids, Inc. and his favorite sport offered is Tackle Football. Jerry believes that Kids, Inc. offers an inclusive and diverse opportunity for all kids to participate in sports.
Jerry Branch
Director of Programs
Leslie Carrasco

Leslie Carrasco

Leslie Carrasco holds the position of Program Assistant for Facilities & Inventory at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2022 and helps in programming, keeping up with equipment, making shirts, and inventory responsibilities. Leslie chose Kids, Inc. because she wanted to make a change in the community and she believes Kids, Inc. is the best way to do that. She loves the staff and her role in the team to make sports possible and enjoyable for all kids. She has played a sport with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Soccer. Leslie believes that Kids, Inc. has a huge impact on kids' lives by creating the opportunity for kids to find the sport they enjoy and want to pursue as they grow up.
Leslie Carrasco
Program Assistant for Facilities & Inventory
Angelica Darnell

Angelica Darnell

Angelica Darnell holds the position of Dugger Sportsplex Office Assistant at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2023 and helps with customer service at the Sportsplex. Angelica chose to work at Kids, Inc. because she loves what the organization stands for and enjoys the community around her. She has participated as a player with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Soccer. Angelica believes that Kids, Inc. supports the community of Amarillo.
Angelica Darnell
Bus & Freda Dugger Sportsplex Office Assistant
Madilyn Immel

Madilyn Immel

Madilyn Immel holds the position Director of Marketing & Communications at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2023 and runs the marketing department by creating multimedia content to support and promote Kids, Inc. and is also the producer of The Fieldhouse Podcast. Madi chose to work at Kids, Inc. because it allows her to do what she loves while supporting the community and making a difference in kids’ lives. Her favorite sport offered is Coach Pitch. Madi believes Kids, Inc. offers something special for everyone who wants to participate in the programs.
Madilyn Immel
Director of Marketing & Communications
Stacy Knight

Stacy Knight

Stacy Knight holds the position of Vice President Operations at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2014 and assists the management team in overseeing the many day-to-day operations and processes for all four of the locations that Kids, Inc. operates. Stacy chose Kids, Inc. because the mission of the organization is dear to her heart. There are not many communities that can say they offer quality programs for all children that are centered on participation rather than based solely on performance. Serving others is always at the top of her to do list. She believes it is a blessing to be able to have a career with an organization that continues to widen its vision and scope to fulfill the needs of so many and is amazed everyday by the staff's servant hearts, dedication, and integrity to do what is right for all children. She has coached for Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Track. Stacy believes that Kids, Inc. gives kids the opportunity to find the sports they are good at while boosting their self-confidence and allowing them to form lasting friendships. The benefits of a child playing goes far beyond just playing the sport!
Stacy Knight
Vice President for Operations
Jimmy R. Lackey

Jimmy R. Lackey

It’s all about the team!

 

I grew up a coach’s kid. Sports have always been part of my life. In sports, or life in general, the most successful people I know surrounded themselves with great teammates. The team roster at Kids, Incorporated consists of dedicated individuals with varying skills, roles, and responsibilities.

First and foremost are parents who allow their children to participate in our sports programs. They are our primary customer.

Our team continues with one of the largest volunteer networks anywhere. We are fortunate to have thousands of individuals who serve as coaches, assistant coaches, scorekeepers, and team parents each year. Rounding out the volunteer lineup includes our Board of Directors.

Officiating sports is a dying art. We must find a way to encourage and support game officials. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Parents, coaches, and fans have made it rough on officials. We must do better!

Officials work in concert with our coaches and staff to create a safe environment on the field or court. Collectively, we must turn the corner and suppress the rhetoric towards game officials. It’s simply a matter of putting things in perspective.

Youth sports is a tough business. Our professional staff is here to guide the ship on a daily basis. I can’t say enough about the job they do. We serve a very diverse audience. Recruiting and retaining quality coaches and officials are the most important roles for our staff.

I have seen firsthand the ups and downs of team success. The Kids, Incorporated team described above achieves its greatest success when all members of the team work together. I think we can all agree that our primary focus should always be “doing what’s best for kids”. Not my kid, or your kid, but ALL kids!

Thank you for making Kids, Incorporated one of the premiere home-grown youth sports organizations anywhere.

Gratefully,

 

Jimmy R. Lackey
President & CEO

Jimmy Lackey has served as the President & CEO for Kids, Incorporated since 1995.

Jimmy R. Lackey
President & Chief Executive Officer
Jana McCarley

Jana McCarley

Jana McCarley holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2022 and oversees the organization and distribution of team shirts. Jana chose to work at Kids, Inc. because she wanted to be part of an organization that was all about helping kids and making a difference. She enjoys getting to watch the excitement of players as they get their shirt color and number. Jana’s favorite sport offered is Basketball. She believes that Kids, Inc. will make a lasting impact because being involved in sports will shape and grow kids in many beneficial ways.
Jana McCarley
Program Assistant
Elizabeth Ragon

Elizabeth Ragon

Elizabeth Ragon holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2022 and helps to assist every parent and coach who wants to participate. She assists in forming teams in the communities outside of Amarillo and Canyon. Elizabeth chose Kids, Inc. because after working with the school district for 31 years, she took the opportunity to work towards helping kids. She enjoys helping get children signed up and put on a team and also enjoys seeing their faces light up when they get their shirts. Her favorite sport offered is Volleyball. Elizabeth believes that with Kids, Inc. it is not just about winning, it's about having fun and learning.
Elizabeth Ragon
Program Assistant
Becky Riley

Becky Riley

Becky Riley holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2020 and helps parents to enroll their children and understand the programs that are offered to them. She also helps form teams for the Canyon ISD District. Becky chose Kids, Inc. because of the dedication of all employees to the community and enjoys knowing that the goal is to bring a great experience to each child that may be interested. She has played with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Tackle Football. Becky believes that Kids, Inc. strives to give a great experience to the kids who participate in the programs.
Becky Riley
Program Assistant
Jeanette Ruvalcaba

Jeanette Ruvalcaba

Jeanette Ruvalcba holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc. and speaks both English and Spanish. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2022 and helps to make sure every child gets placed on a team and gets the chance to play sports no matter the circumstance. She forms teams for Caprock High School Cluster, Bowie, Sanborn, Humphrey's Highland, Sunrise, Oakdale, Lawndale, Glenwood, Tradewind, Fannin, Landergin, Southlawn, and Lamar. Jeanette chose Kids, Inc. because she loves that Kids, Inc. takes care of the kids in the community and enjoys being a part in making a difference one child at a time. She believes it is truly rewarding to see every kid’s excitement as they join and play sports. She has coached a sport with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Soccer. Jeanette believes that with Kids, Inc. every child gets a chance to be great and that no matter where a child comes from they will make lifelong friends and have a blast.
Jeanette Ruvalcaba
Program Assistant
Maddie Sanchez

Maddie Sanchez

Maddie Sanchez holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2022 and helps in placing kids on teams and gathering up coaches for sports. She forms teams for Amarillo High cluster, Bushland, Vega, Private Schools, and Daycares. Maddie chose Kids, Inc. because she loves their vision and the willingness to go all out for these kids to get to play sports. She loves the community of coaches, players and staff. She has both played and coached with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Track. Maddie believes that with Kids, Inc. the goal isn't to win the game; the goal is for kids to get to learn and play the sports they love.
Maddie Sanchez
Program Assistant
Tasha Sims

Tasha Sims

Tasha Sims holds the position of Director of Operations at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2003 and oversees the operational side of the programming department and team formation. She forms teams for Palo Duro HS Cluster, Tascosa HS Cluster, River Road HS Cluster, and Highland Park HS Cluster. Tasha chose to work at Kids, Inc. because of her involvement in different stages of her life, such as being a participant during her youth, a coach, and a volunteer, which led her to now being part of the professional staff. She enjoys her colleagues, the family-oriented work environment, and having a part in making sure kids are able to participate in sports. She has both coached and played for Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Track. Tasha believes that Kids, Inc. provides a fun and safe opportunity for your child to participate in sports.
Tasha Sims
Director of Operations
Craig Wilfong

Craig Wilfong

Craig Wilfong holds the position of Executive Vice President at Kids, Incorporated He has been with Kids, Incorporated since 1998, giving direction and insight to Kids, Incorporated staff and the operations of all the facilities operated by Kids, Incorporated. Craig started working as a part-time employee in 1998 and has been with Kids, Incorporated ever since, working his way into the position he now holds. He enjoys knowing that what the organization does is making an impact on the communities served. He has coached with Kids, Incorporated and his favorite sports are Tackle Football & Track. Craig believes that Kids, Incorporated is important to the communities we serve because kids need to be active, learn to work as a team, be responsible, and it gives the chance to build community.
Craig Wilfong
Executive Vice President

Bus & Freda Dugger Sportsplex

indoor soccer complex

Youth Recreational Leagues | Adult Competitive Leagues

SPORTSPLEX PHONE
MAIN OFFICE PHONE
SPORTSPLEX PHYSICAL ADDRESS

Amarillo, TX 79103

MAILING ADDRESS

2201 E 27th

Amarillo, TX 79103

Other organizations we manage