My name is Otis Hatfield and I am originally from New York City. I have spent the last four years traveling the US while in the Army. I have met so many amazing people from all walks of live nationwide. Now that I am finished with my military service I have settled down in the Seattle Area. While I was in the Army, no matter where I was stationed I always went to local grass roots organized sporting events. These events were valuable community organizing spaces and often cultural reflections of the residents of the areas I lived in. Racetracks, fourth tier hockey, independent baseball, all had their own charms and local flavors. Myself and a few of my friends have an idea to start a magazine featuring these local sports and highlighting the value of in-person social spaces.

The precipitous decline in civic engagement and participation in community events has a devastating effect on our culture. Fraternal organizations, religious institutions, and other third spaces are at unprecedentedly low levels of participation. Young people have fewer and fewer options for in-person community events. All too easily in America people are pigeonholed into monocultural displays that forgets how diverse this country is. Finding a way to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity through sports is a primary goal of our magazine.

We are looking for a small amount of seed money to get this idea off the ground. Our magazine will be available free online as well as a print copy in the future.