11 Best Youth Sports Charities: Empower Champions

Is your heart stirred by the power of sport to transform young lives? Are you eager to champion a cause that fuels dreams, builds character, and nurtures healthy bodies and minds? Have you been looking for the best youth sports charities that are passionately empowering young sports players? Your search ends here.

In this article, we highlight extraordinary youth charities for sports pushing the boundaries in creating opportunities for youth across the globe. Their missions are as ambitious as they are impactful, and their ceaseless efforts have fostered champions, both on the field and in life. So, let’s dive into the world of the best sports charities that empower children to leap beyond life’s obstacles and reach for their highest potential.

11 Best Youth Sports Charities To Support

1. Laureus Sport for Good

With the mantra “Sport has the power to change the world,” Laureus Sport for Good uses sports as a tool to combat violence, discrimination, and disadvantage faced by young people.

The organization supports over 200 programs in more than 40 countries, enhancing the lives of millions of children and young adults. Their innovative approach leverages sport to promote social change, recognizing its potential to provide individuals with the skills needed for a prosperous future.

The Laureus World Sports Academy, made up of 68 sporting legends, is a unique feature that sets this charity apart. You can support Laureus Sport for Good through a donation, partnership, or even by just spreading the word about their incredible work.

2. PeacePlayers

PeacePlayers is a game-changer in the world of youth sports charities. They utilize the universal language of sport, specifically basketball, to unite, educate, and inspire young people in divided communities worldwide. PeacePlayers operates year-round programs in South Africa, Northern Ireland, Israel and the West Bank, Cyprus, and the United States.

A key achievement has been their ability to bridge divides between communities, forging relationships that promote peace and understanding.

PeacePlayers is set apart by their commitment to fostering leadership skills and resilience in young people, helping them to become ambassadors of peace within their communities. There are multiple ways to support PeacePlayers – one of the best basketball charities and youth sports organization. You could make a donation or join their Leadership Development Program, or advocate for their mission.

3. Good Sports

Passionate about leveling the playing field, Good Sports charity is a distinctive organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of youth through sports.

They do this by providing brand-new sports equipment, apparel, and footwear to youth organizations and schools in need across the United States. Their unique model of providing material resources directly to community organizations sets them apart.

Since its inception, Good Sports has provided over $57 million worth of equipment to more than seven million kids nationwide from more than 4,200 youth programs.

This organization’s contributions have significantly increased youth sports participation and physical activity, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Good Sports is one ofthe best sports charities to donate to. Support it by making a financial donation, sponsoring equipment, or hosting a sporting goods drive in your community.

4. Playworks

Committed to harnessing the power of play, Playworks is an innovative non-profit that strives to improve children’s social and emotional health. They work with schools and youth organizations to promote physical activity, conflict resolution, and cooperation through safe, healthy, and inclusive play and physical activity.

What sets Playworks apart is its comprehensive, on-site service, including providing full-time coaches to schools in need with over 92% educators and administrators agreeing that Playworks improves the overall school climate.

They have successfully served hundreds of thousands of students across the U.S, creating a positive and inclusive school environment that helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills. You can support Playworks by making donations for youth sports, volunteering your time, or becoming a corporate partner.

5. The First Tee

Rooted in the game of golf, The First Tee is a remarkable youth development organization. They introduce the game of golf and its inherent values to young people, offering programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Since its establishment, First Tee has grown to establish 150 chapters with programs delivered at 1,400 golf courses, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers in all 50 states and select international locations as well.

What makes The First Tee unique is its curriculum that seamlessly integrates life skills lessons and core values into golf instruction. You can support The First Tee through donations, volunteering, or by attending one of their events.

6. Positive Coaching Alliance

The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is an exceptional entity in the realm of youth sports charities. PCA is dedicated to developing “Better Athletes, Better People” by working to provide youth and high school athletes with a positive, character-building youth sports experience.

They deliver top-notch workshops to coaches, parents, athletes, and leaders, ensuring a constructive sports environment. What sets PCA apart is their comprehensive approach to fostering a positive sports culture, their research-backed workshops, and resources to ensure that every young athlete has a positive, character-building experience.

Since its inception in 1998, its programs have reached more than 20 million youth. The organization has also fostered partnerships with over 3,500 schools and youth organizations. You can support PCA by making a donation, volunteering, or becoming a partner.

7. StreetGames

StreetGames is a groundbreaking charity that uses sport to empower young people living in disadvantaged communities in the UK. They deliver doorstep sports programs that bring positive change to the lives of young people, and their communities.

StreetGames is unique for its focus on “doorstep sports,” which are sports activities organized in the heart of disadvantaged communities. They’ve reached half a million young people so far, bringing sport to their doorstep, and changing lives in the process. You can support StreetGames by donating, volunteering your time, or fundraising on their behalf.

8. Soccer Without Borders

Soccer Without Borders is a trailblazing organization that uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change. They provide underserved youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success. Their programming centers around three main areas: soccer play and instruction, educational support, and team-building activities.

Soccer Without Borders is unique for its focus on serving newcomers to the U.S., including refugees, asylees, and immigrants. They’ve had a profound impact, reaching youth across the globe, from the United States to Uganda. You can support Soccer Without Borders through donations, volunteering, or by starting a fundraiser.

9. Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America stands as a powerhouse in youth development, offering programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls. The organization provides a safe place for children to learn, grow and develop ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals. They offer life-enhancing programs and character development experiences that foster health, education, and leadership.

One key achievement of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is its broad reach, serving 4.6 million youth annually at over 4,700 clubs throughout the country. Their ability to provide a supportive community to children in need sets them apart. Support can be provided through donations, advocacy, partnerships, and volunteering.

10. DREAM

DREAM, formerly known as Harlem RBI, is an exemplary youth development organization that uses baseball, softball, and a unique enrichment program to inspire youth to recognize their potential and realize their dreams.

They provide youth with opportunities to Play, Learn, and Grow, using the power of teams to coach, teach, and inspire youth both on and off the field. One of their significant achievements is their state-of-the-art DREAM Charter School.

DREAM’s unique approach of incorporating sports with academic and character-building programming makes it one of the best sports non-profit organizations. You can support DREAM by donating, volunteering, or joining their team.

11. Women Win

Women Win is a leading global organization leveraging the power of sport to equip adolescent girls and young women to exercise their rights. Their programs build leadership skills and improve the health and well-being of girls and young women, focusing specifically on areas like gender-based violence and economic empowerment.

One key achievement of Women Win is its global reach – they’ve impacted over 4 million girls in over 100 countries. Their specific focus on empowering girls and women through sport is what sets them apart. To support Women Win, you can donate, become a partner, or advocate for their cause.

For more women-related charities, read our full article on the best women’s charities.

Importance of Sports in Youth Lives

According to Children First America, sports are important for youth because they provide physical exercise, improve bone health, weight status, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and can encourage teenagers to take a more active role in their communities.

Inclusive behaviors in youth sports provide opportunities and options to kids of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities, which can help reduce the 38% higher obesity rates in children with disabilities

The work done by youth sports charities is significant because it can help provide access to sports for children who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.

Studies have shown that adults involved in youth sports have an important role in influencing extrinsic factors, which can lead to injury reduction or exacerbation. Additionally, youth sports charities can help promote positive values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and learning how to cope with failure.

Final Thoughts on Supporting Youth Charities for Sports

As we have journeyed through the world of youth sports charities, it’s clear these organizations are playing an invaluable role in nurturing the next generation. Their tireless efforts are not only creating healthier, stronger, and more resilient youths, but are also shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Through sports, they are rewriting narratives and transforming lives, one child at a time and any support lent to such non-profit organizations for sports would be an invaluable contribution towards a better tomorrow.

11 Best Youth Sports Charities: Empower Champions