The Problem
I have seen firsthand how financial barriers limit opportunity in youth sports. Some players on my team are only able to attend tournaments if they receive financial aid, and others have had to miss tournaments entirely because the cost is too high. Teammates have skipped practices to work extra hours just to afford tournament fees. A few players on my team have already graduated from high school and live independently, meaning they must cover all club expenses on their own. I have also seen friends earn spots on higher-level teams, but be unable to accept those opportunities because the clubs were unaffordable. In some cases, the financial pressure placed on families has led parents to put intense performance pressure on their children, simply because the cost of participation is so high. These experiences have shown me that talent and commitment are not enough when money determines who gets to play — which is why this project matters.
