SPARK
Innovation
A catalyst for healing & innovation
About
An integral arm of The Starling Institute, The SPARK Clinic's mission goes beyond mere physical exercise; we believe in harnessing the intrinsic healing potential of sports to empower individuals and communities alike. By leveraging the universal language of play, we provide platforms for individuals to connect, heal, and thrive.
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The SPARK Clinic pioneers a holistic approach to community support, public healing, and innovation through sports. Designed with the guidance of mental health care professionals, our activities draw upon a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Gestalt psychology and conflict-resolution techniques. The clinic offers a comprehensive range of programming aimed at nurturing individuals' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through innovative programming, we foster a supportive environment where participants can explore and address their unique needs while harnessing the transformative power of sports.
About
The SPARK Clinic’s flagship program, Sad Boy Fanatics, continues to reimagine social and cultural rituals, combat the mental health and violence issues around sports fandom, and offer nuance to sports’ cult-like atmosphere. Hosted in community spaces, this relational practice manipulates context and invites a healing discourse into the sports world. Click here to see our upcoming schedule or bring a Sad Boys Group to your community!
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“To actually use real mental health strategies and relate it to sports is a good window for other aspects of my life.”
- Charles P.; Philadelphia Eagles fan
About
Within The Clinic, The SPARK Lab stands as a beacon of innovation in sports technology. The Lab provides opportunities for collaboration among scientists, artists, athletes, fans, engineers, and coaches to work alongside our research and collection teams to redefine the future of sports. The Lab specializes in creating state-of-the-art biomechanical tools and harnessing the symbiotic powers of technology, nature, and the imagination to optimize all aspects of the sports experience.
The Starling Institute and SPARK Lab extend invitations for collaborations and partnerships with other institutions, researchers, athletes, coaches, artists, and thought leaders across a multitude of disciplines. This includes work with community, science, art, and/or sports organizations aiming to advance conceptual design and research pertinent to 21st and 22nd century sports culture. If you or your team would like to work with The Lab, please fill out the form below.
Get in Touch
Please fill out this form to contact the SPARK Lab. Please note your field of interest or expertise and share pertinent links to your previous work, experience, or projects.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for a response.
Upcoming Events
Sun, May 05MJT
Thu, May 02Ulana's