Protecting kids. Powering possibilities.

The Players Health Foundation is a catalyst for safer, more accessible youth sports — so every child has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.

Since day one, Players Health has been driven by a simple belief: youth sports should be a force for good in every community. In 2022, we made that commitment official by launching the Players Health Foundation to support the coaches, volunteers, and community organizations who show up every day to give kids the chance to play.

Our vision is clear: every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and lifelong benefits that come from being part of a team. Not just some kids. Not just the ones who can afford it. Every child, in every community, playing every sport.

We Support Community Sports Organizations That:

• Put safety first – Creating environments where young athletes are protected, valued, and setup to succeed
• Remove financial barriers – Ensuring cost never keeps a kid off the field, court, or track
• Welcome everyone – Expand participation for boys, girls, and youth, gain access to play sports

Across the country, there are everyday heroes waking up early to set up fields, organizing weekend tournaments, and creating safe spaces where kids can just be kids. If your organization is out there coaching, coordinating, and delivering sports opportunities for young people, we want to partner with you.

Because when kids play, communities thrive. And when communities thrive, we all win.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Application time: approximately 45 - 60 minutes
• Save your progress and return anytime before June 15, 2026

BEFORE YOU BEGIN, GATHER:

• Organization's EIN and basic information
• Data on number of youth served and demographics
• Sports program details, type(s) and enrollment numbers
• Current financial assistance data (ex. Title 1 schools, free reduced priced lunch, FRPL %)
• Description of athlete safety practices
• Name of designated athlete safety lead (if you have one)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  June 15, 2026, 11:59 PM CT

AWARDS ANNOUNCED:    Late Summer 2026

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organization
• Serve youth ages 6–18 through organized sports programming
• Demonstrate that 50%+ of participants come from low-income families (FRPL-qualified or Title I schools)
• Willing to participate in PHF-provided safety training
• Capacity to track and report program, community and family impact
• Willing to share stories of participant impact
• Delivering youth sports programming for a minimum of 3 years

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

By clicking the Apply button below you will be directed to the secure Submittable application page.

Players Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to youth sports access and athlete safety nationwide.