Families at the Mel Korum Family YMCA came together to Play It Forward to donate youth sports equipment to help more kids take part in YMCA sports leagues with the gear they need.
Many families have cleats, gloves, shin guards, bats, helmets, cheer items and other sports equipment at home that their kids have outgrown or no longer use. Through Play It Forward, those items can now help another child step onto the field, join a team, and feel ready to play.
The event was made possible thanks to support from the Tacoma Athletic Commission, the Mel Korum Y advisory council, and Y staff. Together, they helped launch an effort that turns gently used and new equipment into a resource for families participating in future YMCA sports seasons.
Each donation will support kids who may need additional assistance in accessing the proper equipment for YMCA leagues.
For Manny Garcia, Youth Program Director at the Mel Korum Family YMCA, the event reflects what YMCA sports are all about.
“Every kid deserves the chance to play,” Manny said. “Sometimes, all it takes is the right gear to make that possible.”
YMCA youth sports programs are designed to help kids build confidence, learn teamwork, and stay active in a supportive environment. Having the right equipment can make a big difference. It helps kids feel prepared, included, and able to participate alongside their teammates.
The event comes during a strong year for youth sports at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. Across Y centers interest in sports leagues continues to grow, with enrollment up across the association
As future seasons begin, the donated equipment will be available to help kids who need extra support getting started.
For families, coaches, volunteers and staff, Play It Forward was a reminder of what happens when a community looks for simple ways to help one another. A glove, a pair of cleats or a helmet may seem small, but for a young athlete, it can be the thing that helps them have their first sports experience.