Schenectady County announced the 2024 Youth Sports Education Funding and Youth Team Sports Funding awardees. Over $140,000 Awarded to Nine Organizations.
Sports Education Funding and Youth Team Sports Funding is available to local community-based organizations and nonprofits that support youth team sports and youth sports education programs for underserved youth under the age of 18. These funds are administered by the County’s Youth Bureau through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Applications were open earlier this year.
"Youth sports play a crucial role in fostering character, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle for kids,” said County Legislator Omar McGill, Vice Chair of the Health, Housing & Human Services Committee. “These grants are vital in supporting community organizations, ensuring they can continue offering these valuable opportunities, shaping the future of our youngsters both on and off the field."
Awardees
Hamilton Hill Arts Center – Capoiera – Afro-Brazilian martial arts that includes dance, acrobatics, music and spirituality, and Hip Hop dance programs.
Lightwork Elite – Structured sports and exercise opportunities including girls’ flag football, tackle football, community events with frisbee, cornhole, tee-ball, bocce ball, ladder toss and horseshoes, kickball tournament. Funds will be used for field access, uniforms/equipment, scholarships, personnel, and consumables.
Niskayuna Youth Basketball Association – Inclusive basketball teams serving youth of all skill-levels and abilities to participate in the Capital District Youth Basketball League. Funds will go towards uniforms/equipment, gym rentals, scholarships, guest trainers, and end-of-season awards dinner.
Rotterdam United Soccer Club – Infrastructure costs to improve classroom training/concession building and/or pavilion/restrooms.
Schenectady JCC – Purchase of portable bleachers.
Schenectady Little League – Youth baseball teams and Challenger’s League for youth with cognitive disabilities. Funds will be used towards catcher’s gear, helmets, catcher’s gloves, field improvements, updated concession, and/or paving of field lots.
Schenectady Ring of Hope Boxing – Youth boxing and fitness activities. Funds will be used toward transportation costs, equipment, uniforms, and scholarships.
Scotia Glenville Softball League – Youth softball league open to Scotia, Glenville, and Schenectady athletes. Funds will be used toward fences, bleachers, dugouts, uniforms, and scholarships.
YMCA – Basketball 101 program. Funds will be used toward uniforms, equipment, Basketball Hall of Fame admission, and YMCA scholarships.