Why youth sports matter
8x
Kids who play sports are eight times more likely to still be active by age 24 than those who don’t
69%
69% of women in leadership roles attribute their success to playing sports as a kid
+20%
Kids who play sports are 20% more likely to complete a bachelors degree
-15%
Adults who played youth sports were 15% less likely to report mental health issues later in life
Our Mission
The Gallup Youth Sports Fund (GYSF) was established to ensure that every child in Gallup and McKinley County has the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of financial circumstances. We believe that sports are more than just games—they are a pathway to confidence, discipline, and lifelong success. Kids who play sports learn teamwork, perseverance, and leadership—skills that shape them not only on the field but in the classroom, the workplace, and beyond.
With 34% of families living below the poverty line, many parents in McKinley County simply cannot afford the costs of sports participation, including registration fees, equipment, and travel expenses.
That’s where we come in
The Gallup Youth Sports Fund exists to bridge this gap, ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines due to financial hardship.
We provide funding to help kids access essential gear for city and school-based leagues, and we support local programs by replacing worn-out equipment and improving facilities
Our vision is simple:
A future where every child who wants to play, can play—where small-town sports programs have the same opportunities to thrive as those in big cities.
By investing in youth sports today, we are shaping stronger, healthier, and more successful young people for tomorrow.
