Iowa Youth Sports Foundation
PO Box 21099 – Des Moines, IA 50321
The Iowa Youth Sports Foundation is accepting private and corporate contributions. Checks payable to Iowa Youth Sports Foundation: Iowa Youth Sports Foundation PO Box 21099 Des Moines, IA 50321 Credit Card Contributions accepted at Champions Sports Center - contact Champions @ 515-282-2768 or info@Champions-SportsCenter.com
Organization: Iowa Youth Sports Development, Inc.
PO Box 21099
Des Moines, IA 50321
Federal Tax Identification Number: 26-2265135
Internal Revenue Service Designation: 501(c)(3)
Contact: Champions Sports Center - 515-282-0768 info@Champions-SportsCenter.com
Mission Statement:
Recognizing the tremendous benefits of participation in competitive athletics, Iowa Youth Sports Foundation was created to provide opportunities for Iowa youth who desire to participate in higher level sports and fitness opportunities available absent financial constraints. Iowa Youth Sports Development, Inc. and the Iowa Youth Sports Foundation (IYSF) was incorporated in 2008 and received its 501(c)(3) designation in January 2009 to raise money through community donations, business, civic and governmental grants and other means. The participants aided by IYSF would typically not have the financial means to participate in these programs and thus would not have the same opportunities as other Iowa or United States youth who have a more favorable economic situation.
Young people need a variety of opportunities and positive adult support for social, physical, psychological and spiritual development.” (Polk County Youth Development and School Success Business Case, 2006)
Competitive youth sport programs have exploded in popularity over the past 15 years. More opportunities are available for Iowa youth to experience specialized training, participate on competitive level teams and develop athletic skills to a higher level then ever before. Unfortunately, the costs of training and team participation are very high and prohibitive for many young members of our community. Consequently, we are seeing Iowa youth with the financial means benefiting greatly while those without the financial means are left behind.
IYSF was created to assist as many young athletes as possible the opportunity to get the training necessary to develop skills for a sport or sports.
Beyond athletics, IYSF intends to partner with program providers that include academic and peer counseling as part of its programs. For example during the summer of 2009 IYSF supported the Cross Over Basketball program at the Champions Sports Center. This program included 15 -16 year old boys that were required to participate in nine hours of math and language arts study each week prior to participation on the summer basketball team. This program was so successful that plans are underway for additional teams in 2010.
In addition to sports teams, IYSF will assist young athletes with their financial needs relative to conditioning and physical development. Similar to the academic classroom, the rigors of training to compete at a high level take effort, time and financial resources. IYSF will work with area training centers that provide speed, functional strength, vision and mental sports training.
Furthermore, IYSF will be able to assist special needs athletes with participation in leagues, fitness programs and training. Specifically IYSF and Champions Sports Center has been asked by LINK & Associates to assist with its winter basketball program on Wednesday evenings. IYSF will use funds to provide court space at Champions Sports Center for the league. A daytime fitness program is also being developed for physically and mentally challenged persons.
The goals of the program and target beneficiaries:
The program goals:
- Provide advanced level athletic opportunities for Iowa youth that may be denied such opportunities because of financial constraints.
- Utilize the athletic arena to assist young boys and girls / men and women with character development and life skill development.
- Assist physically and mentally challenged members of the community with facilities, coaches, fitness instructors and other assistance.
