Youth Sports Access Initiative

Every kid deserves a chance to play.

Play Forward is a youth-led charity that collects donated sports equipment and helps families overcome the financial barriers that keep kids on the sidelines.

Pass It On. Play It Forward.

3
Core Programs
100%
Gear Goes to Kids
$0
Cost to Families

Helping every kid get in the game.

When one athlete outgrows their equipment, another athlete gets their chance to play.

Who We Are

A community built around access

Play Forward exists to ensure every child can participate in sports regardless of financial circumstances. We collect gently used equipment, raise funds for registration fees, and create community-driven programs that help kids stay active, confident, and connected.

Play & Grow

Sports build confidence, discipline, and friendships. We make sure cost is never the reason a kid misses out.

Community-Powered

Families, schools, teams, and local businesses come together so equipment and opportunity keep moving forward.

Youth-Led

Built and run by young people who believe every teammate deserves a place on the field.

What We Do

Three programs, one mission

Play Forward delivers its mission through three connected programs that turn donated gear and community support into real chances to play.

Gear Forward

Collecting gently used sports equipment from families, schools, and teams — so it finds a new athlete instead of sitting in a garage.

  • Cleats
  • Gloves
  • Bats
  • Helmets
  • Shin guards
  • Golf clubs
  • Lacrosse gear

Scholarship Forward

Raising funds to remove the financial barriers that keep kids out of the game — covering the costs families struggle to meet.

  • Registration fees
  • Travel assistance
  • Uniforms
  • Camp costs

Team Forward Days

Community volunteer events where donated gear becomes game-ready equipment — and athletes can "shop" the collection for free.

  • Clean & sort gear
  • Sized by sport
  • Free for families

Who's Behind It

Meet the founders

Play Forward was started by two middle schoolers — best friends since pre-school — who believe every kid deserves the same shot at sports they've been lucky to have.

J

Jack

Co-Founder

A middle schooler with a love for sports for as long as he can remember. Jack knows how much being on a team has shaped him — the friendships, the confidence, the fun — and he wants to make sure no kid gets left on the sidelines because of cost.

C

Charlotte

Co-Founder

Also in middle school, Charlotte has been Jack's friend since their pre-school days. She grew up playing sports and saw firsthand what a difference the right gear and a spot on a team can make — and she wants every kid to have that same chance.

"We've both been lucky to grow up playing the sports we love. Play Forward is our way of passing that same opportunity on to every kid in our community."

Want to partner or volunteer?

Schools, sporting goods stores, gyms, and youth leagues — let's get more kids in the game together.

Get in Touch