About ODS

Open Door Sports Inc. (ODS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in September 2016 in Washington, DC.

The idea for Open Door Sports (ODS) grew from a desire to provide high-quality sports programming to ALL kids—regardless of physical ability, financial need or location. As of Winter 2024, in response to some of our players transitioning out of high school at the age of 21, we have now expanded to include ALL young adults as well.

Our desire is personal. Co-founder and Executive Director, Sarah Albus, is the mother of four teenage daughters, one of whom has cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. She has worked throughout Hannah’s life to fulfill her simple wish to “be on a team like my sisters” and, in navigating this dilemma, saw a vacancy that needed to be filled—both in the special needs community as well as in communities that struggle with a lack of financial resources.

For us it's simple, work hard to give ALL kids and young adults a chance to play sports.

Our fellow co-founder, The Player Progression Academy (PPA) has built its reputation on having an excellent coaching staff and a holistic approach to sports, where the whole child benefits from participating. PPA helped ODS navigate the paperwork, operations and planning as it grew into a fully functioning (and fundraising) nonprofit.

Today, ODS is expanding into new schools, adding additional programs at existing schools, and serving a new population - young adults with disabilities - all in order to touch more people with lasting positive impact. Our goal is to bridge the gap in access by coming to the kids in a known, safe environment (local schools), and for both populations, we strive to provide excellent sports’ programming that fosters healthy living, confidence, friendship, AND fun.