Youth Sports Funding

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is proud to enhance youth sports programs that support the health and well-being of children and youth. Sports play a big role in the lives of young people by promoting positive social, emotional, health and educational outcomes. Participation in sports teaches teamwork and leadership while fostering supportive relationships with other youth and positive adults. Supporting broad opportunities for all youth to participates in sports is one of the many ways OCFS and youth bureaus promote positive youth development.

Funding streams supporting youth sports Youth Sports Education and Opportunities Funds (YSEF) and the Youth Team Sports allocation (YTS) are intended to make physical recreation opportunities accessible to under-resourced youth under age 18. Funded activities must support traditionally underserved or disadvantaged youth populations. 

Funding Distinctions:

 

YSEF*

YTS*

Entities eligible for funding

Local organizations, municipalities, and/or local or municipal youth bureaus

Community based organizations Nonprofit entities            Municipal youth bureaus under certain circumstances

Activities eligible for funding

Costs associated with facilitating sports, athletics, and physical movement

Costs associated with facilitating team sports. Infrastructure investments to support youth team sports. Scholarships for program fees.


Youth Bureau Priorities

  • Physical activities/sports/teams
  • Under-resourced populations such as trans or gender-nonconforming youth, girls is sports, youth with disabilities and adaptive needs
  • Smaller, grass-roots organizations

To apply for Sports funding, complete this form and return to the Youth Bureau by October 31st. Program funding year runs October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

Application for Sports Funding *Click Here*  
*Note: All applications must contain all requested information.

Yates Sports Funding Flyer

Youth Sports FAQs