Barriers to Play
We believe sports have the power to change lives. But not all kids have the same access to play. Here are the barriers we focus on breaking down for kids to have more access:
EQUIPMENT
The disparity between quality and quantity of equipment continues to increase between low- and high-income families. Low-income families spend an average of $111/kid on equipment while high-income families spend $197.**
INFRASTRUCTURE
Studies conducted nationwide found that low-income and predominantly racial/ethnic minority neighborhoods are more likely to have access to smaller parks and green spaces, compared to higher income and predominantly white neighborhoods.*
LEAGUE COSTS
Most youth sports are run at the local level by volunteers with minimal budgets. Funding these local programs helps thousands of kids play sports each year.
REGISTRATION FEES
The average family pays $140 per child in registration fees to play sports.***
2023 Stats: Combating Barriers to Play
13.5M+ grant dollars have been given to support local community youth sports and public school athletic programs through the Sports Matter Community Grant Program.
$13.5M+
Grant dollars given to support local community youth sports and public school athletic programs through the Sports Matter Community Grant Program.
60K+
Pieces of equipment in 20 under-resourced communities across the country
6,000+
Registration fees covered for under-resourced youth.
1,500+
Leagues supported across the country to keep kids playing sports.
“Upon the news of this grant from DICK’S, I was able to call a few families that couldn't afford to register their children for sports this Fall season and offer a free season including uniform. They all were super excited and I could hear the kids screaming in excitement in the background. Their gratitude was through the roof.” – Chris Belcher, CB 4 Sports (Texas)
“This grant helped my girls in so many ways. My girls are unable to purchase the proper equipment they need to play the sport they love. So to see the smiles on their faces when the equipment started to arrive was the best feeling ever. Thank you so much.” – Ashlee Joseph, Waltrip High School (Texas)
“It has been many years since our students have had new uniforms/equipment, and I know for a fact that we have never been able to purchase new shoes for the team. I feel like this grant is going to give our athletics department a whole new attitude and a sense of pride.” – Debra Calvillo, Jubilee Highland Park (Texas)
“With your help we have been able to maintain a reasonable registration for our parents who otherwise would not be able to afford their children to participate. By receiving your assistance, we are not limited in the number of youth within the league.” – Paul Buchanan, WNY Pop Warner Bills (New York)
“Basically, if it weren’t for this grant, our Spring season would be in grave danger. Receiving this grant during these very turbulent economic times is essential to our survival. Keeping these young athletes on the playing field and out of trouble is paramount.” – Coral Springs High School (Florida)
“This grant has reminded them that the program matters and we can do anything we set our mind to. This grant has started a movement within our program and community, a movement of rejuvenation and positivity.” – Sarah Bowyer, Lakeland High School (Virginia)
“This grant helps us continue our mission that sports should not be available to only those in an elite financial class, they should be available to any child who wishes to compete at either a recreational or highly competitive level.” – Morgan Berling, Fresno Youth Golf Association (California)
“The value of a glove that a child can keep is priceless! We have heard countless stories of youth cherishing their own glove and even sleeping with it under their pillow because they love it so much.” – Bailey Rodriguez, Giants Community Fund (California)
“Just to see the smile on the players faces that we could make it to events that we could not afford normally as a team was a great accomplishment. They are forever grateful and thankful.” – Hal Simpson, Georgia Blind Sports Association (Georgia)
“We were able to offer a free softball clinic to our members. We had several young ladies come to the clinic and it was their first time ever being exposed to the sport.” – Molly Groebe, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City (Missouri)