Delaware Youth Sports Coalition

Empowering youth through sports.

About the Coalition

Our Mission

To unite key stakeholders across Delaware to create accessible, high-quality sports and physical activity opportunities that promote the physical, social and emotional well-being of all youth.

Our Vision

A Delaware where every young person thrives through equitable access to transformative sports and physical activity programs.

The Challenge

Barriers to Access

Lack of access to quality equipment and facilities at reasonable costs leads to lower sports participation rates.

Diversity & Inclusion Gaps

Disparities in access to opportunities based on race, gender, and socioeconomic background.

Physical Health Challenges

Delaware is facing a 70% increase in youth obesity.

Mental Health Challenges

39% of students and 52% of female students report feeling sad or hopeless for more than two days in a row.

Education Obstacles

Delaware is 19th in per pupil spending but 45th in public school education outcomes. In 2024, 25% of students were chronically absent from schools and 32% of High Schools graduate less than 80% of their students.

Our Partners

Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware

Walnut Street YMCA

Anthuan Maybank / Indoor Track Delaware

Dreamchasers

First State Squash

Girls on the Run

Play With Passion

Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring

The Silk League

The Teen Warehouse

Summer Learning Collaborative

Strive: How You Lead Matters

Wilmington Youth Rowing Association

Delaware Interscholastic Cycling League

Network Connect

I Can Do 26.2 Kids

Unlock the Light Foundation

3&D Sports Performance

FLYOGI

Wilmington Department of Parks & Recreation

Delaware Affordable Housing Group

Wilmington Housing Authority

Northeast Community Development Corp

Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Coalition / PANO

Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention & Control Program

Delaware State University

Goldey-Beacom College

University of Delaware, Center for Drug and Health Studies, Athletics Dept.

The Coalition Model

1

Connecting youth with local sports organizations

2

Offering financial assistance and scholarships to overcome barriers

3

Developing a comprehensive network of resources and support

4

Advocating for equitable access to sports for all youth.

Impact

Our Coalition is currently building the infrastructure needed to drive sustainable change to the Delaware youth sports landscape. We are building the policies, practices, and collaboration models that go beyond funding individual programs to radically expand youth access to sports throughout the state.

Get Involved

Volunteer

Share your time and skills to support our mission.

Donate

Your contribution can help us provide opportunities for youth athletes.

Become a Partner

Join our network and work with us to empower young people.