Nestled at the center of the First Interstate SportsPlex in Valley, Nebraska, lies a field of dreams, an adaptive sports field built on the conviction that sports should be for everyone. The Elkhorn Athletic Association (EAA), a leading nonprofit in the Omaha metro area, is turning this vision into reality through the Two Rivers Miracle League, a groundbreaking program designed for athletes with physical, sensory or intellectual challenges. Leading this effort is Josh Todd, EAA’s director of development, whose passion for inclusivity drives the organization’s mission to ensure no child or adult is sidelined from the joy of sports.
EAA’s Legacy of Community and Growth
Founded in 2015 through the merger of four local sports organizations, EAA has grown over the past decade, now serving 8,300 kids across 10 sports, including baseball, soccer, football, volleyball, basketball and track and field. Participants come from 76 ZIP codes across the Omaha metro, reflecting the organization’s broad reach.
“What makes EAA special is that it’s community-based,” Todd says. “From our home office in Elkhorn, we offer recreational programs, camps and select teams.”
EAA’s commitment to inclusion goes beyond its diverse offerings. The organization provides financial aid to ensure cost is never a barrier to any child.
“Over the last three years, we’ve given six-figure aid packages,” Todd notes. “We want every kid to have the chance to play, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”
This dedication is evident in the development of the First Interstate SportsPlex, a 90-acre complex that serves as a hub for community sports. At its heart is the Boystown Pediatrics Adaptive Sports Field, a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for athletes with challenges.
The adaptive field features a hard surface for gameplay, accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility aids, along with spacious dugouts and wide entryways for easy access.
“These features make our field truly adaptive,” Todd explains. “It’s designed to remove barriers and create an environment where everyone can play.”
The field represents EAA’s broader mission to foster inclusivity and ensure sports are a unifying force for all.
The Two Rivers Miracle League
Launched on Father’s Day 2025, the Two Rivers Miracle League is Nebraska’s second Miracle League, inspired by Bruce Froendt’s All Play Miracle League in central Omaha. Froendt’s program, which serves about 400 athletes weekly at Seymour Smith Park, highlighted the demand for accessible sports in the region.
Recognizing families from western Douglas County were traveling long distances to participate, Todd saw the need for a local option. The Two Rivers Miracle League debuted with four teams playing modified three-inning softball games where every athlete bats and scores.
“It’s all about having fun,” Todd says. “There are no wins or losses.”
The league’s impact is deeply personal. Todd shared the story of a 22-year-old woman with severe autism, the daughter of an Elkhorn Athletic Association founding board member, who never had the chance to play as a child.
“Seeing her smile when she told her dad she’s finally getting to play, that moment will always stick with me,” he says.
For many athletes, the league offers not just a game but a sense of belonging and community they’ve never experienced before.
The Man Behind the Mission
Josh Todd, who joined EAA two years ago, brings 20 years of experience in sports management and a lifelong passion for inclusion. Growing up in Tempe, Arizona, he attended a unified school “before that was even a thing,” he recalls. There, he formed friendships with peers facing different challenges. Reflecting on that time, Todd says, “Those kids made my life richer and more fun.”
“I do this because it’s fun and incredibly meaningful,” he says. “The impact EAA has on kids and families is an honor to witness.”
Todd prefers to work behind the scenes, focusing on community engagement and fundraising to support EAA’s initiatives. His vision for the Two Rivers Miracle League includes doubling the number of teams next year and enhancing the adaptive field with amenities like increased shade, ensuring a more comfortable experience for families.
Looking Ahead
EAA’s commitment to “sports for all” is more than a slogan; it’s a mission lived out daily by its dedicated team. The Two Rivers Miracle League embodies this ethos, offering athletes with challenges the opportunity to experience the thrill of hitting a ball, rounding the bases and celebrating with teammates.
“It’s about parents seeing their kids’ eyes light up for the first time, feeling seen and heard,” Todd says. “That’s what this is all about.”
As EAA looks to the future, the focus remains on expanding the league and enhancing its facilities to serve even more athletes. The organization’s work is a testament to the power of community, inclusion and the belief that sports can transform lives.
To learn more about the Two Rivers Miracle League, visit elkhornathletics.org.
“It’s about parents seeing their kids’ eyes light up for the first time, feeling seen and heard. That’s what this is all about.”