POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino today announced $121,198 in grant awards has been awarded to five 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. These grants will support opportunities for underprivileged young people to participate in sports activities that enhance their physical, mental, emotional and social well-being; reduce stress, anxiety and depression; strengthen social skills and teamwork; and lower the likelihood of substance abuse and other risky behaviors.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Every child deserves the chance to fully develop themselves – physically, mentally and emotionally. These grants will offer young people throughout Dutchess County access to programs that will help them strengthen their bodies and minds, setting them on a course toward future success. We’re proud to partner with the awarded organizations and look forward to seeing the successes that will come from these grants.”
Projects funded through the 2025 Youth Team Sports Program include:
Boys and Girls Club, City of Poughkeepsie – $38,364 to offer the “Triple Play” basketball program, which will allow young people to participate in a competitive team sports program that includes instruction and training, physical fitness, nutrition education and tournament play. Funds will be used for salaries, authorized travel, supplies and tournament fees.
Dover Little League, Dover Plains – $33,000 to provide “Everyone Swinging for the Fences,” a competitive baseball and softball program dedicated to creating enriching learning opportunities for all players, regardless of their background. Funds will be used for contractual services, sports equipment purchases, supplies, staff training and uniforms.
Mid-Hudson Aquatics, Town of Poughkeepsie – $5,016 for selected graduates of Community Matters 2’s “Swim with a Friend program” and children from the community to participate with Mid-Hudson Heatwaves competitive swim team. Funds will be used for swim meet fees and sports supplies/equipment.
Northern Dutchess Aquatics Club, Red Hook – $12,731 to provide two free six-week, new swimmers programs for young swimmers aged 5-9, allowing these young swimmers to experience the joy of swimming while learning the four competitive strokes. Funds will be used for coaches’ salaries, sports supplies/equipment and pool rental.
YMCA of Kingston and Ulster, Kingston – $32,087 to allow 96 Dutchess County young people, ages 7 to 15, to participate in a free 6-week basketball league at Red Oaks Mill Park in Poughkeepsie, consisting of both practices and competitive games against other teams in the league. Funds will be used for coaches’ salaries, contractual fees, sports equipment purchase, supplies and court/park rental.
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.
Applications for the 2026 YTS program are expected to be available in September, subject to New York State funding availability. More information about DCFS grant funding opportunities is available at dutchessny.gov/Departments/Youth-Services/NYS-Office-of-Children-and-Family-Services-Grant-Funding.htm.
