First Play Forward Foundation is a community-powered effort to move sports equipment forward, from neighborhoods that have it to kids who don't, in partnership with local churches that lead youth programs in the communities we serve. Quiet work, done with care.
On my last two service trips to the Dominican Republic, the thing that stuck with me most was how grateful the kids were, despite how little they had.
I grew up with what felt like a perfect childhood. Every opportunity to go outside and play sports with my friends, on the street or at the park. And yet I don't remember being half as happy as those kids were. I'd get upset over not having the best baseball bat, while they made do with a paper ball and a PVC pipe.
That's when I realized something had to change. Why do some of us grow up with every piece of equipment we could want, while others have to go without?
So I dedicated my junior year of high school to making sure kids around the world could experience the same blessings I had growing up. At First Play Forward, we don't just donate equipment. We share childhood memories.
Impact cannot depend on the day. We operate with simple, repeatable steps so every drive, pickup, sorting day, and delivery is completed responsibly. Donors trust us because we finish what we start.
We serve kids with respect, not pity. We protect a child's confidence and privacy while meeting real needs. Donors feel proud because their giving is handled thoughtfully. Recipients feel valued because the experience is supportive.
A local neighborhood can create global access. We unite the community around a simple action anyone can join: donate, volunteer, share, partner. We start in Parkland and expand step by step.
The actual texture of our trips: kids, conversations, sport, and the small everyday moments that don't fit on a homepage.
Donate gear, donate money, or join the team. Your action becomes opportunity, delivered with care and follow-through.