Youth sports is a business. There’s no denying that. From registration fees and travel costs to uniforms and specialized coaching, participating in youth sports today often comes with a hefty price tag. Now, I’m not here to criticize anyone for charging what they believe they’re worth. Coaches, trainers, and organizations have every right to earn a living for the value they provide. However, the way youth sports is currently funded in Salinas has created a growing challenge: it’s becoming increasingly difficult for certain demographics to afford to play.
The problem isn’t a lack of support. Take a look at any high school gym, athletic facility, or Little League park around town, and you’ll see banners from local businesses who sponsor these teams. The willingness to support youth sports is there, and that’s a positive sign. But the reality is, despite the visible sponsorships, that support often doesn’t stretch far enough to cover the real costs or make a significant impact for all young athletes.
So, how do we solve this? The answer lies in creating a funding model that taps into community-generated money — not directly from families’ pockets. Imagine a system where sponsorships, grants, and strategic partnerships fund the majority of youth sports expenses. This model wouldn’t just relieve financial pressure on families but would also build a stronger community connection to local sports programs.
This isn’t about replacing the current system but enhancing it. It’s about finding ways to channel the existing willingness to support youth sports into a more impactful and sustainable model. That means approaching local businesses, not just for banner space, but for comprehensive sponsorship packages that fund entire seasons, scholarships for low-income athletes, or equipment costs. It means applying for grants specifically designed to support youth development through sports. And it means creating partnerships with healthcare providers, gyms, and local government to build a financial ecosystem that makes youth sports accessible for every kid in Salinas.
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The Role of the Movement and Sport Foundation
The Movement and Sport Foundation aims to be the bridge that connects community support with the real needs of youth sports in Salinas. By serving as a hub for sponsorships, grants, and partnerships, the foundation will channel community-generated funding directly into programs that matter — from scholarships that cover training and equipment costs to funding for new facilities and travel expenses.
Through a strategic approach to fundraising and partnerships, the Movement and Sport Foundation will ensure that every dollar raised goes further, making youth sports accessible to all athletes, regardless of their financial situation. By eliminating financial barriers, we’re not just supporting youth sports — we’re building a stronger, more connected community in Salinas where every young athlete has the opportunity to thrive.
In the end, the goal is simple: to transform youth sports in Salinas from a financial burden into a community-driven opportunity that empowers the next generation of athletes.
Movement and Sport Foundation 