Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino today announced $119,355 in grant awards has been awarded to 10 non-profit youth team sports programs for underserved children under the age of 18 through New York State’s Youth Team Sports (YTS) grant program. An additional grant of $19,969 was awarded to one project through the 2023-2024 Youth Sports and Education Opportunity funding which was made possible through a one-time allocation for the improvement of sporting infrastructure.
These grants, ranging from $6,015 to $20,000, will help provide opportunities for young people in need to engage in sports activities that promote improved physical, mental, emotional or social outcomes; decreased stress, anxiety and depression; improved social skills and ability to work well with others; and reduced risk of engaging in substance abuse and similar risky behaviors.
County Executive Serino said, “Dutchess County is committed to ensuring every child of every background has access to enriching opportunities that promote their physical, mental and emotional well-being. These Youth Sports Teams grants empower young people, offering not only athletic opportunities, but building blocks for success in various aspects of their life as they grow.”
Projects funded through the 2024 Youth Team Sports Program include:
Arlington Lacrosse Developmental Club, Inc. - $10,000 to provide opportunity for all local children ages 5-14 (kindergarten through 8th grade) to participate in a comprehensive, year-round athletic program teaching the fundamentals of lacrosse while promoting positive moral values such as compassion, respect and teamwork. The funds will be used to purchase loaner equipment to continue the success of their “no gear, no problem” initiative, which began last season.
Dolphins Swim Club of the Hudson Valley - $9,250 to offer a competitive USA Swimming program for swimmers of all levels, creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere conducive to learning swimming and good sportsmanship/dedication. The funds will be used for scholarships, which will reduce the financial barriers to participate in swim club programming.
Family Services, Inc. - $10,000 to continue access to basketball activities offered at the Teen Resource Activity Center during the summer, helping local youth keep physically fit in a safe environment; funds will be used for clinics and tournament; equipment and supplies; and incentives for participation.
Girls on the Run Hudson Valley - $13,070 to inspire girls using fun, activity- and experience-based, positive youth development programs that creatively integrate running and are designed to enhance the physical, social and emotional skills/behaviors of girls ages 8-13 to successfully navigate life experiences. The funds will be used for adaptive equipment, supplies/uniforms, healthy snacks and scholarships.
Lagrange Soccer League - $20,000 to fund the league’s current Special Needs program, a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes, which encourages inclusive participation in the sport of soccer. In addition to the Special Needs program, funds will be used to complete field infrastructure repairs which will increase accessibility and safe surfacing for players of all abilities.
Northern Dutchess Aquatics Club - $12,000 to provide robust training and swimming opportunities for young swimmers while keeping costs affordable. The funds will be used for scholarships that provide full programming opportunities including swim meet fees, basic swim gear and competition travel fees in order to serve youth facing financial barriers.
Poughkeepsie Crew Parents - $15,000 to increase participation and diversity in the sport, giving every young person the opportunity to row and benefit from the life lessons rowing teaches as part of the only dues-free program in Dutchess County. The funds will be used for new a new boat and crew equipment.
Rhinebeck Crew - $7,000 to lower the costs and give all local students access to the sport of rowing. The funds will be used for scholarships to pay for the fees, gear and uniforms that participants would likely not be able to afford without this opportunity.
The Black & Latino Coalition - $17,000 to provide underserved children, ages 4 to 12, with an opportunity to engage in competitive majorette baton twirling activities, focusing on dance, teamwork, discipline, and self-expression through the art of majorette performance. The funds will be used for equipment, uniforms and competition expenses.
Wappingers Crew Club - $6,015 to offer additional scholarship opportunities, allowing the club to include more participants who are financially burdened, increasing participation and targeting youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity to compete. The funds will be used for student scholarships and their cost of equipment, uniforms and supplies associated with participating in club competitions.
Applications for the Youth Team Sports grant program were reviewed by the Dutchess County Youth Board and Coordinating Council, as well as the Department of Community and Family Services Commissioner, with recommendations made to the County Executive for final approval.
Project funded through the 2023-2024 Youth Sports and Education Opportunity Infrastructure allocation:
Hyde Park United Soccer League – $19,969 to improve on their sports complex by providing a safe and accessible space all year for underserved youth and families. The funds will be used to install a concrete floor under the existing pavilion.
