Why Youth Sports & Service Matter
The Ripple Effect
- Team athletes are 18% more likely to volunteer than solo athletes
- When friends volunteer, participation jumps by 42%
- Young volunteers inspire adult participation
- Creates a generation of community-minded leaders
Benefits for Young Athletes
- Personal Growth
- Enhanced leadership skills
- Increased self-confidence
- Better academic performance
- Higher graduation rates
- More likely to vote and stay civically engaged
- Life Skills
- Learning to respect others
- Developing empathy and kindness
- Understanding diverse perspectives
- Building a strong work ethic
- Greater happiness and fulfillment
The Challenge We’re Addressing
Current Reality
- Youth have the lowest philanthropy participation rates
- Many want to help but don’t know how
- Lack of invitation is a major barrier
- Need for structured engagement opportunities
Our Solution in Action
- Peer-Powered Engagement
- Leveraging the 42% higher participation rate when friends are involved
- Creating team-based volunteer opportunities
- Building a community of young leaders
- Recognition & Support
- Awards and certificates for service
- Public acknowledgment of impact
- Tracking and celebrating achievements
- Converting one-time volunteers into lifetime community leaders
- Measurable Impact
- Real-time service hour tracking
- Community benefit documentation
- Showcase of successful projects
- Continuous impact assessment
Success Through Sports
TeamUp4Community is transforming how young athletes engage with their communities. Through our innovative platform and programs, we’re:
- Building stronger communities
- Developing future leaders
- Creating lasting positive change
- Inspiring a new generation of volunteers
RESEARCH-VALIDATED BENEFITS
Athletic Participation Impact Source: Journal of Sports Science & Medicine “Youth sports and physical activity: The relationship between athletic participation and well-being”
Psychological & Social Benefits Source: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity “A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport”
DoSomething Strategic Research “WHAT GEN Z WANTS: THE FUTURE OF VOLUNTEERISM”
Project Play Research Source: Aspen Institute Project Play
Sports programs with service components show:
- Higher participant retention
- Stronger community connections
- Better leadership development
- Enhanced social skills
Economic Value of Youth Volunteering: Teenagers contribute approximately 2.4 billion hours of volunteer service annually, equating to an economic value of $34.3 billion. PMC+2Extension | University of Nevada, Reno+2learningtogive.org+2
Positive Outcomes of Youth Leadership Programs: Participation in Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs has been linked to reduced poverty in adulthood, potentially facilitated by higher educational attainment and increased income. BioMed Central
Long-Term Benefits of Adolescent Volunteering: Engaging in volunteer activities during adolescence is associated with continued volunteering in young adulthood and positively influences school completion rates Extension | University of Nevada, Reno+3PMC+3PMC+3
Value of Volunteer Time: In 2023, the estimated value of a volunteer hour was $33.49, highlighting the substantial economic impact of volunteerism. Independent Sector+1GivePulse+1
Youth Sports Participation Trends: Regular sports participation among children aged 6-12 from households earning $100,000 or more increased by 6% over one year. Project Play
Impact of Youth Sports on Academic and Social Outcomes: Participation in sports is linked to higher grades, lower dropout rates, reduced truancy, and lower crime rates among youth. Athlete Assessments
Digital Platforms Enhancing Youth Engagement: Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become safe spaces for young people to voice opinions and initiate campaigns, facilitating online civic engagement. Global Fund for Children+1Civics Learning Center+1
Case Studies Demonstrating Youth Leadership Impact: The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s LEAP initiative showcases how empowering young leaders contributes to community and career development. The Annie E. Casey Foundation+1The Annie E. Casey Foundation+1
