Scholarships
Registration Fees / Facility Rentals / Equipment, Gear, Uniforms / Travel / Tournament Expenses
Provides funding for or directly provide, registration fees, facility rental costs, travel expenses, tournament costs, equipment, uniforms and necessary gear to teams, leagues, training programs and individuals.
We've all seen the stories about the young underdog team from the low-income community on the other side of the tracks who are the most dedicated and driven group of kids on the field. After holding multiple car washes and selling $1 candy bars, they show up in walking shoes (with holes), oversized shorts and t-shirts with hats that have fitted more heads than the entire team. Their equipment may consist of cardboard box bases, 20-year old bats, broken down safety pads and balls that have lost all their spring, bounce or ability to hold air.
We root for these young spirits who, despite their lack of funding to pay registration fees, travel expenses, travel costs and/or purchase the necessary equipment, still get out onto the field or the court to play, train, compete and have fun, not realizing that they are grossly forfeiting safety for their love of the game.
We want to see these kids play their hearts out and earn the right to feel the rush of the competition, the battle, the goal, the win. But what happens when we see these young athletes endure injury because they were not equipped properly? And what about the stress added to that athlete's plate when they have to figure out how to pay medical costs on top of registration fees and/or travel expenses?
Having access to scholarships and the right equipment, gear, attire, and uniforms are essential to access, participation, and the overall safety of our growing athletes. Playing a favorite sport with the wrong shoes can lead to lifelong foot and ankle injuries. Playing with the wrong (or no) head protection can lead to concussion or neck injuries. We want our young athletes to engage in sports and play, but we need to make sure they are afforded access to protection while doing so.