Over the past few decades, the privatization of youth sports has led to a decline in public recreation and interscholastic athletics, and a rapid increase in registration fees across the board. This phenomenon is known as the “pay to play” model. This reality has led to a growing inequity divide as illustrated in a recent Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) survey that reported only 38 percent of kids from families with a household income of $25,000 or less are playing team sports, contrasted with a 67 percent of kids from homes with annual incomes of $100,000 or more.
Leveling the Playing Field collects new and gently-used sports and playground equipment from local youth sports communities. Volunteers then sort the donations in our warehouse so we can distribute the gear to schools and organizations working to provide an affordable and accessible option to under-resourced youth groups, community programs and schools throughout several markets.
In evaluating our success, a primary benefit LPF brings to youth sports organizations is the ability to reallocate equipment funds towards other aspects of their program that increases affordability and accessibility. 90% of our beneficiaries report that they have additional financial flexibility for their program as a result of our donations.
Our beneficiaries maximize the impact of LPF’s support in a myriad of ways. Some offer additional after-school transportation for kids without a way to an afternoon activity. Others can purchase snacks and beverages for their participants. Several use their additional flexibility to hire and train more staff in order to run additional programs and provide more personalized coaching and supervision.