Volunteer BUZZ: Ben Mayer

Posted on
Categories Vol. 11 Winter 2019

Youth volunteers like eighth grader Ben Mayer are the backbone of the Backyard Sports Cares PLUS special needs program. As a peer mentor, he spends an hour with us each Sunday at SUNY Purchase, playing sports with youth who have cognitive and behavioral challenges, helping them enjoy activities like basketball, soccer, baseball and tennis safely. … Continue reading “Volunteer BUZZ: Ben Mayer”

Two Claps for BYS Plus Teen League!

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

Anyone who has been in the gym on a Sunday morning for our teen league program at Suny Purchase can attest to the fact that Backyard Sports Cares is far more than just sports. Beginning in 2008 with just a handful of nervous young athletes and a couple of eager coaches, the teen league has … Continue reading “Two Claps for BYS Plus Teen League!”

Coach’s Corner: Plain White T’s

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

I draw great inspiration and motivation from the James Kerr book, Legacy, which details the unparalleled success of the New Zealand Rugby Club, the All-Blacks, considered by many to be the dominating international athletic team of any sport. Their superiority, Kerr writes, is not only about athletic prowess, but, about a character- and culture- driven mindset which … Continue reading “Coach’s Corner: Plain White T’s”

I Love BYSC!

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

Our staff, coaches, and volunteers dedicate their time to make sure that all participants have the best time possible. From our BYSC Plus programs, to our community events, our mission at Backyard Sports Cares stays the same. We want to help all underserved and special needs children grow their skills, form long term relationships with … Continue reading “I Love BYSC!”

Volunteer BUZZ: Karina Eaton

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

Hello, Backyard Sports families! My name is Karina Eaton. I’m one of the Senior Presidents of the Backyard Sports Cares Club at Mamaroneck High School. I’ve been part of Backyard Sports since my Freshman year. It is definitely my favorite club; I love working with each and every kid. During my time at BYSC I … Continue reading “Volunteer BUZZ: Karina Eaton”

Support Our Ga-ga Initiative

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

In the spring of 2018, Backyard Sports Cares, in conjunction with our community and family partners, will undertake a Ga-ga initiative with the plan to build six Ga-ga units in deserving schools and play areas throughout Westchester. Ga-ga is a playground game played in an eight sided walled area commonly known as a Pit. Players … Continue reading “Support Our Ga-ga Initiative”

Upcoming BYSC Events For 2018!

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

Join us this spring for a fun day of activities, amazing food, drinks, and laughs while celebrating our involvement in the community with family, staff, volunteers, and sponsors.   5th Annual BYSC 3vs3 Basketball Tournament Our annual 3vs3 Basketball Tournament to support Backyard Sports Cares will be returning once again this Fall on Sunday, Oct. … Continue reading “Upcoming BYSC Events For 2018!”

Lakeland Special Needs

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

On a Saturday afternoon at the Van Cortlandtville Elementary School, you can find the gym filled with energetic and caring volunteers who are ready to team up with their young and equally energetic athletes. Preparing to work on their basketball skills, these unique pairs begin their warm up together. Volunteers help their athletes by teaching … Continue reading “Lakeland Special Needs”

Spotlight on a Board Member: Zach Sawyer

Posted on
Categories Vol. 10 Winter 2018

This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Brant Lake Camp with New Flex Youth Program. We started the trip off at the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course. This set the stage for the weekend. At the ropes course we all learned the power of team work. Kids were getting over fears and then turning … Continue reading “Spotlight on a Board Member: Zach Sawyer”

BYSC Honors Teen Volunteers at First Backyard Benefit

Posted on
Categories Vol. 9 2017

On Thursday, April 27, 2017, Backyard Sports Cares hosted its first annual Backyard Benefit at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. The benefit, the first of its kind for Backyard Sports Cares, honored teen volunteers from Rye Country Day School and Mamaroneck High School for going above and beyond as Backyard Sports Cares Club leaders … Continue reading “BYSC Honors Teen Volunteers at First Backyard Benefit”

Coach’s Corner – Something About Mary

Posted on
Categories Vol. 9 2017

Recently I attended a retirement dinner for Mary Figueroa, the longtime site coordinator for the Amazing Afternoons Program held at the Edward Williams School in Mt. Vernon. In a lifetime, everyone should be fortunate to have one Mary in their presence. While Dos Equis may feature the most interesting man in the world, Mary is … Continue reading “Coach’s Corner – Something About Mary”

Backyard Sports Soccer League

Posted on
Categories Vol. 9 2017

Although simple in nature and form, suburban soccer is recognized as much by its shiny uniforms and team/club affiliations. The cost of participating in a team or league puts this activity out of reach for many children in Westchester County. The Backyard Sports League was created three years ago to allow players from underserved areas … Continue reading “Backyard Sports Soccer League”