Support Local Youth Baseball and Softball Programs

As the MLB players head to spring training this week, we are reminded that youth leagues around the country are also gearing up for the start of the new season.  Most programs have begun player registration and fundraising efforts.

According to our surveys of organizations regarding the challenges facing youth leagues, the need for additional volunteers, coaches and parental involvement as well as on-going funding are key concerns.  Please consider supporting the growth of youth baseball and softball locally in the following ways:

• Donate cash.  Most organizations offering youth baseball and softball are registered 501(c)(3) or tax-exempt organizations.  Your charitable donation may be tax-deductible.
• Donate in-kind materials, labor or supplies such as gently used bats, balls, gloves, silent auction items, raffle prizes, fencing materials, netting, soil, sod, mowers, garden rakes, shovels, etc.
• Are you a licensed electrician, lawn care company, accountant, attorney, grant writer, construction company, architect?  Lend your expertise to a local program.
• Do you have meeting space available at your place of business?  Offer its use to the local league for Board and parent meetings.
• Volunteer as a coach or concession stand worker.  Most organizations are run only by volunteers — the more, the merrier!  Coaches training is also common, so don’t worry if you’ve never coached before.

Private support of youth sports and recreation programs is more needed now than ever.  Please join BTF by helping your local programs this year! 

Let us know what you do to help your local league…