PLAY Sports Coalition Distributes $450,000 for Youth Development

The PLAY Sports Coalition has announced that the organization has successfully distributed $450,000 to more than 30 organizations to support their programs and activities between the states of Maryland and Massachusetts.

Working with the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development, PLAYS created and facilitated grant programs for non-profit youth sports organizations to cover program costs, sports gear and the refurbishment or renovations of sports facilities. This funding provided one-year grants to programs using sports as a tool for youth development in historically disadvantaged communities.

“Advocating for youth sports organizations has been the primary goal of the PLAY Sports Coalition since our inception,” said Jeremy Goldberg, LeagueApps president and PLAYS board co-chair. “We know the youth sports sector is under-resourced, particularly given the magnitude of the impact of sports on children and communities.”

The PLAY Sports Coalition advocates for the support of youth development programs, young athletes, working families, coaches and volunteers.

“While it is recognized that sports greatly benefit youth personal development, access to participate is increasingly challenging in underserved communities,” said Peter Frintzilas, member of the Board of Directors of PLAYS and chief executive officer of TeamSnap. “It has been a privilege to work with the Maryland and Massachusetts State Governments to provide these organizations with much needed funding to continue supporting their communities and fostering our youth.”

In Maryland, for 2023, the amount of funding in the grant program was $200,000 and was distributed to 14 organizations with one-time awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.

“Participating in sports is a valuable tool for the development of interpersonal skills, confidence, perseverance, and teamwork in our state’s youth,” said Maryland State Senator Guy Guzzone. “This grant program will give these nonprofit organizations the funding they need to further support their programs, giving deserving children the opportunity to play, learn and have fun on the field.”

In Massachusetts, for 2023, the amount of funding in the grant program was $250,000 and was distributed to 17 organizations with one-time awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.

“I was proud to advocate for this funding in the Legislature’s FY23 Budget and am thrilled that these youth organizations will be receiving these grants to support their important missions throughout Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts State Senator John Velis. “I can’t wait to see all these groups, including the Play Ball Foundation in my own district, put this funding to use to expand these opportunities to even more kids.”