How the Movement and Sport Foundation is Leading the Future of Athletic Opportunity
Introduction
Youth sports are more than just a pastime—they shape communities, drive economic growth, and build future leaders. However, the rising cost of participation has created barriers, limiting access for many families in Salinas. Without financial support, countless young athletes are unable to access elite coaching, proper training, and competitive play.
The Movement and Sport Foundation (MAS Foundation) is working to change that. By creating a scholarship-based model for youth sports, MAS is ensuring that all athletes—regardless of income—have access to the training, coaching, and opportunities needed to excel. Investing in affordable youth sports isn’t just about sports—it’s about workforce development, community safety, economic growth, and public health.
1. Workforce Development & Career Readiness
Youth sports lay the foundation for success in the workforce. Research from the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies shows that former student-athletes develop stronger leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills—traits that make them more employable.
However, the pay-to-play model limits access to these benefits. Many young athletes in Salinas lack the resources to participate in sports programs, missing out on college recruitment, scholarships, and long-term career opportunities.
The MAS Foundation is committed to breaking this cycle by:
- Providing scholarships for skill-based coaching (e.g., pitching, quarterback, and speed training).
- Sponsoring youth athletes who cannot afford club sports, camps, or travel fees.
- Connecting athletes with mentors and career development resources, ensuring they have guidance beyond the field.
By investing in youth sports accessibility, MAS isn’t just supporting athletes—it’s creating a path for success and opportunity for young people in Salinas.
2. Economic Impact of Local Sports Programs
Sports generate millions in local revenue. The Salinas Sports Complex alone has contributed over $18.29 million in direct and indirect economic activity through events like the California Rodeo Salinas.
A thriving youth sports ecosystem can amplify this impact by:
- Increasing local business revenue for sports retailers, gyms, and trainers.
- Attracting more tournaments and scouting events, bringing in visitors who spend on lodging, dining, and entertainment.
- Creating jobs in coaching, training, and facility management.
MAS Foundation is uniquely positioned to foster this economic impact by making sports more accessible. Expanding participation means more athletes can be seen by recruiters, attracting investment and strengthening the local sports economy.
3. Reducing Crime & Keeping Youth Engaged
Salinas continues to face challenges with violent crime. In 2023, the city reported 782 violent crimes, including 8 murders, 66 sexual assaults, 241 robberies, and 467 aggravated assaults, resulting in a violent crime rate of 498 per 100,000 residents (Spolin Law, 2023).
Research from the Journal of Research on Adolescence shows that youth engaged in sports are significantly less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Programs like Ciclovía Salinas and the Salinas Youth Initiative (SYI) have demonstrated that community-led youth engagement efforts can reduce crime and foster leadership.
MAS Foundation aims to build on this progress by:
- Expanding after-school and summer sports programs to provide safe, structured environments.
- Offering mentorship and character-building workshops, ensuring young athletes develop positive habits on and off the field.
- Developing community-driven initiatives to encourage participation in sports among underrepresented groups.
By keeping kids engaged in sports, MAS Foundation isn’t just offering recreation—it’s providing a critical foundation for their future.
4. Health & Wellness Benefits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that physically active youth are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Salinas is already part of the Blue Zones Project, which promotes long-term wellness through lifestyle changes. The MAS Foundation aligns perfectly with this mission by:
- Educating parents and young athletes on nutrition, injury prevention, and recovery.
- Providing strength and conditioning programs to ensure proper movement patterns and reduce injury risk.
- Expanding access to fitness and health resources for youth of all economic backgrounds.
By promoting long-term athlete development, MAS isn’t just improving sports performance—it’s enhancing overall well-being and lifelong physical activity in Salinas.
5. Expanding Scholarship & College Opportunities: Bridging the Gap for Salinas Athletes
Opportunities for college athletics were once difficult to navigate for young athletes in Salinas. Before the rise of social media, resources to learn about the recruiting process and scholarships weren’t readily or abundantly available. Playing at the next level seemed unattainable compared to today, where access to coaches, recruiters, and informational resources is more accessible. However, despite these improvements, financial barriers continue to limit local athletes from taking full advantage of these opportunities. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) awards over $3 billion in scholarships annually, but many talented athletes never reach this level due to financial barriers.
MAS Foundation is developing initiatives to support young athletes in Salinas through:
- Hosting workshops and educational programs on the recruiting process, scholarships, and collegiate athletics to empower athletes and their families with critical knowledge.
- Building a local network of mentors—former athletes, coaches, and professionals—who can provide guidance, share experiences, and help young athletes navigate their journeys.
- Creating opportunities for direct connections between aspiring college athletes and recruiters, ensuring they receive the exposure needed to succeed at the next level.
Salinas has always been full of potential when it comes to sports. Just about everyone in Salinas knows someone who had a lot of talent and showed great promise but somehow managed to ‘slip through the cracks.’ More often than not, the lack of the right support system and mentorship has a lot to do with it. While coaches and supporters genuinely want the best for their athletes and will do anything to see them succeed, what’s missing is mentorship from those who have done it before. The ‘if I can do it, you can too’ kind of mentorship is invaluable. The MAS Foundation aims to be the bridge, providing resources, mentorship, and guidance to ensure that talented athletes in Salinas don’t just dream about playing at the next level—they get there. MAS is working to make the path to playing at the next level and continuing education without financial barriers clearer and more accessible for young athletes in Salinas.
6. Breaking the Pay-to-Play Model
The rising cost of youth sports has created a system where only families with disposable income can afford elite training. A 2020 Aspen Institute report found that parents spend $1,200 to $3,000 per child per year—with elite programs costing even more.
This is where the MAS Foundation stands out. Unlike traditional sports programs, MAS is:
✅ Funded through community sponsorships, grants, and fundraising, reducing costs for families.
✅ Focused on accessibility, ensuring financial need doesn’t determine athletic success.
✅ Committed to forming partnerships with local trainers, gyms, and businesses to provide discounted or sponsored training.
Instead of leaving young athletes behind, MAS Foundation is creating a new model where every child has a chance to play, develop, and succeed.
7. A Vision for the Future: Creating Opportunity for All
MAS Foundation isn’t just about short-term impact—it’s about creating opportunities for all young athletes in Salinas, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of their potential. By providing access to quality training, mentorship, and resources, we are building a future where every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background.
Conclusion: The Time to Invest in Youth Sports is Now
Investing in affordable, high-level youth sports is one of the smartest economic moves for Salinas. From reducing crime and healthcare costs to building a stronger local economy, the long-term benefits are undeniable.
The Movement and Sport Foundation is leading this charge, ensuring that no athlete is left behind due to financial barriers.
Join the Movement:
Let’s build the future of youth sports in Salinas—together.
Movement and Sport Foundation 