Our Mission

Athlete’s Bridge was established to create and provide athletic and educational opportunities for underserved youth who lack the resources and opportunities needed to reach their goals.  Our mission is to enable all populations to reach their full potential in sports and life.

 

Youth sports participation is in decline.  Costs to participate and receive high level training are on the rise.  Access to elite level training and services is out of reach for underserved populations.  This is why we created Athlete’s Bridge.

We strive to make high level, expert sports training accessible to all.  We believe a child’s circumstances should not prohibit them from being part of a sports community, having fun improving their skills, and chasing their dreams.  We want to provide the opportunity to be more inclusive - less about about affordability, and bridge the gap between those with access and those without.

The Challenges in Youth Sports.

  • Equity

    Sport participation rates for White children exceed that of Black, Hispanic and Asian kids.

  • Cost

    24% of kids ages 6 to 12 from homes with $25,000 or less played sports on a regular basis, compared to 43% of kids from $100,000+ homes.

  • Access

    IIn "low socio-economic schools," only 24.6% of eighth graders play sports. For "high socio-economic schools," it's 36.1%.

  • Enjoyment

    There's a lack of mainstream options for the moderately interested athlete. Parents from lower-income households are nearly twice as likely to say they hope their child will become a professional athlete as those from the higher-income homes (39% vs. 20%). 

  • Availability

    Thirteen percent of youth sports parents indicated their community-based sports provider closed due to COVID-19. In total, more than four of 10 families said their community-based sports provider has either closed, merged or returned with limited capacity.

  • Disability

    Youth athletes with disabilities still struggle for access. Children who have disabilities are 4.5 times less active and have obesity rates that are 38% higher than other youth.

Who Do We Serve?

 

  • Opportunities provided for all athletes, from beginners to collegiate level.

  • Athletes from low income communities, single parent homes, homeless, all races and religions.

  • Basketball is the initial primary opportunity, with plans to branch out to other team and individual sports and services.

  • Athletes with wide ranging physical, cognitive or learning disabilities, or recovering from long term illness.

  • Male, Female, Trans, LGBTQ+

  • Any athlete struggling with mental health issues, who does not have access to the help they need.

 

Our Solution.

 

Access.

 

Athlete’s Bridge creates the pathway to opening doors to athletic training opportunities that have otherwise been previously closed, including but not limited to, elite training facilities.

 

Funding.

 

Athlete’s Bridge raises the money needed to supplement youth athletes and their families who come from underserved populations. Money raised goes towards scholarship training opportunities.

 

Targeted Partnerships.

 

Athlete’s Bridge works with targeted partners and nonprofits who share our same vision and dedication to providing athletic opportunities to everyone.