The current youth sports ecosystem is fragmented and inequitable — 70% of kids drop out by the age of 13, and only 20% of 6.5 million youth coaches receive training. The MOVE Fund was created to build a connected, resilient ecosystem for youth sports that honors local voices and expertise to change this reality. To make youth sports work for all communities, the MOVE Fund invests in innovative, regional approaches to systems change. With a five-year pooled funding initiative aiming to raise a target of $30 million, it is a bold movement that reimagines youth sport in the U.S. for all kids.
SYSA is a MOVE Fund Grantee
The Salem Youth Sports Alliance is proud to be selected as one of 12 organizations nationwide to join the first-ever MOVE Fund cohort. This opportunity recognizes the collaboration already happening across our community and strengthens our shared commitment to making youth sports more accessible for every child. Through the MOVE Fund, SYSA will continue bringing together local sports leaders who believe all kids—regardless of background or financial barriers—deserve the opportunity to play, grow, and belong.
As part of this funding, SYSA and its partners will work together to expand access to youth sports across Salem. Key areas of collaboration include:
Expanding grassroots sports programming within schools
Developing and maintaining a local State of Play report for youth sports
Creating a shared funding pool that organizations can apply to for financial support
Launching sport sampling opportunities to help kids try multiple activities
This work represents a long-term investment in the future of youth sports in our community. By working together and aligning resources, SYSA and its partners are helping more kids get active, stay connected, and experience the physical, mental, and social benefits that come from being involved in sport.