Initiatives
Revitalize in-Town Leagues
The Why
Youth sports have grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry thanks largely to growth at the upper end — elite travel programs and tournaments working to create college and pro prospects.
But this comes with high costs for travel, training, equipment, dues and fees that price out many families. Plus, many late bloomers and casual athletes are pushed out as the pyramid narrows. One solution: a return to local, intermural, recreational and house leagues that cater to all athletes and competition levels. Children need a better pathway in sports than “up or out.”
Income impacts of sport participation
Families that can afford more, play more
Football
Baseball
Basketball
Outdoor Soccer
Team Swimming
Lacrosse
(Data: SFIA)
What We Are Doing
Project Play Ball! marks our first initiative toward revitalizing in-town leagues. Project Play WNY works with inner-city youth sports organizations to support FREE house softball and baseball leagues and clinics for kids ages 4-13.
Our goal is to provide access and opportunity for youth in the city of Buffalo to learn and play softball and baseball at no cost. Bats, gloves hats and uniforms are also provided.
The inaugural season of Project Play Ball! drew nearly 600 youth athletes to neighborhood softball and baseball fields.
Project Play Ball! is made possible through partnerships with the MLB Nike RBI program, the DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation and the Buffalo Bisons.
Contact us
If you are a youth sports organization interested in collaborative work to revitalize in-town leagues, please email inquiries to ProjectPlayWNY@CFGB.org.