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Tim Caputo
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The Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports Reaches 8 Year Milestone

Lewes, DE., October 29, 2024 – In a March 12, 2024 content article from Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, Dr. Bianca Edison stated “Sports keep kids active which can set the stage for healthy long-term habits”, she adds that “Kids are learning how to respond to successes and setbacks; they’re learning how to help other children on their team when they fail”. At The Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports, we share this belief. As one of the only 501 (c)3 non-profit organizations in Delaware focused on paying youth sports registration fees for those that are in financial need, our goal is to ensure all kids get an opportunity to play. However, as the cost of living continues to rise, many families will struggle with the decision on whether or not they can continue paying for their children’s participation in sports activities. Since 2016 we have been providing the financial support needed to ease this family decision by offering grants and scholarships to youth sports organizations and families. Our foundation is committed to ensuring that kids in need are not left off the playing field due to financial constraints. Foundation board member Kathy Newcomb stated; “Since 2017, I have been a proud member of The Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports. I have seen first-hand athletes that may have been at risk of being left behind, instead succeed and advance to earn sports related college scholarships.These same children may not have had the opportunity to attend college without their continued participation in sports. Being a part of a team not only advances your physical skills but it is proven to sharpen mental focus, increase selfesteem and provides a much-needed alliance of adult role models in the coaches that provide support when needed on and off the field.”

Since its inception in 2016 the foundation has awarded over $72,000 in grants and scholarships back into local Delaware communities. Recent grant recipients included a $2,500 award to the Delaware Youth Soccer Association to enable the start of the Girls Soccer Initiative in New Castle County. Terry Reed, Community Outreach Director for DYSF said, "The Jason Anderson Foundation plays a vital role in youth sports in the First State. Delaware Youth Soccer Association recently received grant funding to provide scholarships for young girls who otherwise would not have been afforded the opportunity to play soccer at the grass roots level. These girls are ages 9 to 13 and love this opportunity to form friendships, understand what being part of a team means and are grateful to have a soccer ball all their own. This was made possible through the Jason Anderson Foundation."

Girls Soccer Initiative (photo courtesy of DYSA)

Additionally, the foundation continues to provide scholarships for youth participation in basketball, flag football, swimming, baseball, and gymnastics. Over the past two years we have provided individual scholarships in excess of $13,000 and have worked closely with organizations such the Delaware Destroyers Baseball, Delmarva Rush Soccer, Sussex YMCA, Olympiad Gymnastics, Kid Strong of Middletown, and Factory Sports to ensure all kids have an opportunity to participate. Pat Woods, of Factory Sports, recently commented: “The Jason Anderson Foundation has allowed many young players and athletes to participate in our sports programs over the years. From basketball to summer camp to travel teams, those families who want to experience the benefits of youth sports but have trouble finding the money to pay the fees, have found support and encouragement from the foundation. We believe, and have found like mindedness with the Jason Anderson Foundation, that all kids should have an opportunity to participate in sports. Our partnership with the foundation has enabled us to provide the service of coaching, while also covering the costs associated with the purchase of equipment, uniforms, tournament fees, and rental costs. We only wish that more families took advantage of the good work that they are doing.”

Factory Sports youth basketball practice
(photos courtesy of Factory Sports)

Our recent coordination with the Delaware Office of the Child Advocate’s Court Appointed Child Advocate (CASA) volunteers has been especially rewarding. Under this program we are providing support to foster families and their foster children who we know will benefit from participating in structured youth sports activities. Working with these families and program volunteers reflects the cornerstone of our efforts to serve a community of those truly in need.

If you are a coach, team manager, sports facility administrator, school counselor, or parent and know of a local sports team or child that is in need of financial assistance please contact our foundation. Our Board of Directors will consider all applications based on need and make grant and scholarship awards accordingly. We want all kids to have the opportunity to play and learn the valuable life lessons of teamwork, leadership, and friendship.

About Jason Anderson Foundation:

The Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to provide children in need the opportunity to participate in a community organized youth sports activity. We are an all-volunteer foundation so 100% of the donations we receive go back into the community. Visit us at www.jasonandersonfoundation.org.