Image courtesy of Leveling the Playing Field.

Wed, August 14, 2024, 7:35 p.m.

Coaches, physical education teachers and community leaders across WNY can now request equipment for their youth programs

Press release

After expanding to Western New York in 2023, Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is pleased to announce today that it will begin distributing used sports equipment collected over the past year to organizations serving children across Western New York.

LPF aims to close the gap in youth sports participation by providing free equipment to schools, community programs and nonprofits. Last year, LPF, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills and Benderson Development, worked with local partners including Project Play Western New York to collect sports equipment from generous donors across the region. The response exceeded all expectations, with donations coming in from individuals, schools and local sports organizations. The equipment collected includes everything from baseball gloves and soccer balls to basketballs and tennis rackets.

“This is an exciting next step in our mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sports, regardless of their financial situation,” said Max Levitt, founder and executive director of LPF. “Our team has worked hard over the past year to collect thousands of pieces of equipment, and now we are ready to give them a permanent home with the children and organizations that need them most in Western New York State.”

LPF Western New York’s warehouse opened last year at 79 Benbro Drive in Cheektowaga and serves as a central hub for these distribution efforts. Coaches, physical education teachers and community leaders can now request equipment for their programs, ensuring that children have access to the necessary equipment to participate in various sports without the financial burden of purchasing equipment. Research shows that participation in youth sports leagues has declined over time, largely due to rising costs. This initiative aims to change that.

LPF WNY plans to hold regular distribution events and partner with schools, community centers and sports programs to reach as many children as possible.

Since 2013, LPF has provided equipment valued at $14 million to over 2,000 programs in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Greater Washington and Columbus.

To learn how to apply for or donate equipment or to volunteer, visit www.levelingtheplayingfield.org or contact:

Taylor Cicoria

Program Director, Leveling the Playing Field WNY

Phone: 716-217-1875

(email protected)

More about equal opportunities

Leveling the Playing Field was founded in 2013 in response to the growing inequality between those who can afford sports and those who cannot, and the important role that the cost of sporting goods plays in this gap. LPF’s core mission is to redistribute equipment to increase access and equity within youth sports and recreation programs in underserved communities. With locations in Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Columbus, and Western New York, LPF has collected and distributed over $14 million worth of sports equipment to over 2,000 unique schools, sports leagues, and other programs serving children in need.

About Project Play Western NY

Project Play grew out of State of Play, a comprehensive regional research initiative of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. From the State of Play report, we gained insight into our kids and their activity levels—and how we can make a difference for them. Every child, regardless of zip code, should benefit from an active, healthy, and fun lifestyle. That’s why Project Play WNY works collaboratively in our communities to give kids that opportunity through sports.