The Players Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation (EIN # 93-129168) that provides athletic and educational opportunities for youth in our community. There is a tremendous value that youth gain through sport, including physical, social and emotional health. Founded in June 2000, The Players Foundation bases its mission and services on the well-documented value of athletic participation and intellectual advancement.

The foundation dedicates its energy and resources for families in the Portland / Vancouver area to gain the opportunities and support they need to allow their children to compete in a global economy. It is believed that the future of our society depends on helping the next generation become educated, cultured, physically fit and globally aware. The Players Foundation supports the efforts of families that wish to impart this philosophy to their children but are limited due to their economic status.

Few athletic and educational opportunities exist for many of the youth in our community due to their limited resources and social support. The Players Foundation wants to eliminate these barriers by creating a grass-roots effort from our community and adults who recognize the value of athletics and education to raise funds that support youth participation.

Athletic Opportunities

Sports is a highly complex set of institutions populated by both genders with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, cultural values, physical abilities, social class, religious preference and sexual orientation. It represents a microcosm of society. For youth in particular, sports and fitness activities offers positive learning environments that assist them in developing interpersonal and social skills that are required in society. This physical activity can serve as "a social and cultural intersection where adolescents, parents and caring adults can come together in mutually supportive ways." (Presidents Council of Physical Fitness and Sports Report, 1996)

Studies routinely show that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of life threatening diseases like heart attacks, hypertension, colon cancer and diabetes. In addition, it also helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, helps control weight and is beneficial in maintaining healthy bones, muscles and joints. With a large portion of our country mired in obesity including almost 40% of our youth, it is extremely important as a society to help provide athletic opportunities to our youth.

Educational Opportunities

There is a strong need for advanced educational opportunities for youth in the Portland / Vancouver area. Developed in November 2006, The Players Foundation Educational Opportunities Program promotes the well-documented value of shared knowledge in democratic societies.

We believe that knowledge is power and that all children (regardless of their economic status) have the ability to learn and flourish in academically challenging environments. It is essential for an academic environment to promote a sense of personal integrity, character, responsibility and a stimulating curriculum.

According to Ed McElroy, president of American Federation of teachers, “Education can serve as the strongest possible antidote to poverty.” With this in mind, our Educational Opportunities Program strives to ensure that students have an opportunity to be immersed in rich, challenging, educational environments, whether they are offered through the private or public sector.

We are currently focusing our resources in supporting the academic lives of students committed to expanding their leadership, linguistic, cultural, and global knowledge.