Fundraising That Matters: How Your Support Fuels Youth Sports Programs

At Cross & Field, we believe every child deserves a chance to play, grow, and belong. And more often than not, it starts with something many of us might take for granted: a glove, a jersey, a pair of cleats. But what truly empowers these children to take the field isn’t just the gear — it’s you. Your support, your generosity, your belief in the power of youth sports programs changes lives.

Why Fundraising for Youth Sports Programs Is More Than Money

Fundraising isn't just about raising dollars; it's about opening doors.

When you donate to Cross & Field, you're not just giving to a nonprofit — you're giving a child in Searcy or Jinotega the confidence to step onto a baseball diamond, the joy of being part of a team, and the skills to navigate life with resilience and integrity.

As Coach Miller, a longtime Cross & Field volunteer, puts it:

"I've seen kids come in quiet, shy, and unsure. But after a few weeks in our youth sports programs, they're leading warmups, encouraging teammates, and standing taller. That transformation? It happens because someone gave."

The True Impact of Your Support: Real Stories from the Field

Take Mateo, for instance. A 12-year-old from Jinotega, Nicaragua, Mateo had never worn a real baseball glove before joining one of our international youth sports programs. Thanks to funds raised during last year’s equipment drive, he now plays shortstop with confidence and pride. His coach says he not only improved his game but his school attendance and grades, too.

Or meet Ava from Searcy, Arkansas. Her family faced a tough year financially, but Cross & Field scholarships allowed her to join the summer league. Today, Ava's not just an athlete — she’s a mentor to younger players and an advocate for inclusivity in sports.

These aren't isolated stories. They're echoes of the same truth: youth sports programs have a ripple effect that stretches far beyond the field.

What Exactly Does Your Donation Support?

Our fundraising efforts at Cross & Field are strategic, transparent, and deeply mission-driven. Here’s how your support is applied:

1. Equipment and Gear

• Providing baseball gloves, cleats, soccer balls, and uniforms to children who would otherwise go without.

2. Scholarships for Participation

• Covering registration and travel costs for families facing financial hardship in Searcy and Nicaragua.

3. Facilities and Safe Play Spaces

• Maintaining and improving local fields and facilities to ensure a safe and inclusive environment.

4. Volunteer Training and Program Development

• Equipping our volunteers with training, tools, and resources to deliver positive, character-building experiences.

  
  

The Economics of Access: A Look at the Numbers

Youth sports can be expensive. According to the Aspen Institute, families in the U.S. spend an average of $700 per child annually on youth sports. In underserved communities, that cost becomes a barrier.

Cross & Field bridges this gap. Our programs operate on a lean budget, where every dollar is maximized. With as little as $50, we can fully outfit one child with gear. $150 can cover a full season of participation. And $500 can fund an entire week-long summer clinic.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Post-pandemic, youth sports programs have seen sharp declines in participation — not from lack of interest, but from lack of resources. Mental health challenges among youth are rising. Community connection is fraying.

That’s why Cross & Field is doubling down on its commitment to offer not just games, but hope. Sports, at their best, provide structure, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. Your fundraising support helps rebuild what so many kids have lost.

A Broader Perspective: Beyond Cross & Field

Cross & Field isn’t alone in this mission. From grassroots soccer in Kenya to urban baseball leagues in Chicago, organizations worldwide echo this same principle: youth sports change lives.

What sets Cross & Field apart, however, is its personal scale and deep community roots. Unlike national nonprofits, we operate at eye-level, building relationships with every family we serve in Searcy and every community partner in Nicaragua.

Addressing the Skeptics: Does It Really Work?

Some might ask: "Aren’t there bigger issues than sports?"

Absolutely. But youth sports programs aren't just about sports. They're about:

• Keeping kids off the streets

• Teaching goal-setting and discipline

• Creating supportive peer and adult networks

Sports are the tool. The mission is transformation.

As Dr. Linda Baxter, a child psychologist who collaborates with our Arkansas programs, explains:

"Sports serve as a low-pressure laboratory for kids to test out who they are. They learn how to fail, how to lead, and how to keep going. These are foundational life lessons."

How You Can Help Today

Whether you're able to give $10 or $10,000, every contribution fuels the future of a child.

Here are a few ways you can support Cross & Field:

• Sponsor a season for a child or team here

• Organize a local fundraiser in your community

• Purchase gear from our online store

• Volunteer your time or expertise

Each action, no matter how small, contributes to a much bigger picture. One where every child has a place to play, grow, and dream.

In Closing: Fundraising That Fuels Real Change

The work we do at Cross & Field is about more than sports. It's about equity. It's about dignity. It's about giving children from Searcy to Nicaragua the chance to be part of something greater than themselves.

Your fundraising support keeps the heart of our youth sports programs beating. And for that, we’re not just grateful. We’re inspired.

Ready to make a difference? Join us today.