Leveling the Playing Field to Keep Baltimore's Young Athletes in the Game.

For many young athletes across Baltimore, the biggest obstacle to playing sports is not making the team—it is getting a required sports physical before they can play.

Without that clearance, students cannot step onto the field, regardless of passion or talent.  For many families in Baltimore City and County, the cost of a physical—which can typically range from $50 to $100 with insurance—can keep kids on the sidelines.

"When the cost of a physical keeps a kid from playing, they don’t have the chance to experience everything sports have to offer—the physical activity, team building, sense of belonging, and life skills,” explains Sean Huffman, vice president of Sports Medicine at MedStar Health. “Project Rampart removes that barrier completely.”

Launched in 2023, Project Rampart began when Under Armour approached MedStar Health with a vision: to ensure every student athlete in Baltimore has access to the care they need.

What started as a simple idea evolved into a citywide collaboration. Under Armour, MedStar Health, and other community partners are dedicated to making sports participation accessible and equitable for all. Each summer before the school year begins, the team hosts a large-scale event offering free sports physicals and health resources for Baltimore City and County students.

Project Rampart goes beyond providing physicals—it connects families to care. At each event, MedStar Health providers and associates offer exams and screenings. They also share health education and connect families with information on nutrition, injury prevention, and local resources to support their ongoing wellness. It brings care closer to home whenever possible, eliminating transportation barriers that might otherwise prevent young athletes from getting the follow-up care they need.

The impact has been substantial. At the most recent event at the Under Armour Global Headquarters, Project Rampart served more than 800 students.  Sometimes, these visits lead to lifesaving discoveries.

“These events always save a few lives,” says Huffman. “You find a heart murmur, a lump, a tumor. You find something that may have never been found.”

By eliminating the cost of sports physicals and offering comprehensive health support, Project Rampart ensures that talent, hard work, and determination—not family income—determine who gets to play. The partnership between MedStar Health and Under Armour exemplifies what’s possible when healthcare organizations and local partners collaborate and invest in their communities.

Now entering its third year, Project Rampart is laying the groundwork for expansion in 2026. For hundreds of young athletes across Baltimore, that access means more than a cleared form—it means the chance to stay healthy, connected, and in the game.