Category: under-served communities

BYSC’s 2019 achievements drive program momentum in 2020

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Now in our 10th year of serving the Westchester community, BYSC has established its mission to close the gap in sports participation among under-served kids. The milestones reached, new initiatives explored, and the support that we have received through funding and volunteerism has delivered the momentum we need to continue our important work in 2020.

We thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy our highlight reel from 2019. Looking forward to an exciting and thriving 2020 in Westchester!

BYSC Community Partner, Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle, Mentors Youth Shelter Residents

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Categories under-served communitiesTags , ,

On November 20, 2019, Pepe Auto Group and Mercedes Benz of New Rochelle partnered with Backyard Sports Cares to host a mentorship event for current residents of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester. The shelter serves as a home-like alternative to incarceration for young men, aged 16 to 21, awaiting disposition of various criminal charges. … Continue reading “BYSC Community Partner, Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle, Mentors Youth Shelter Residents”

Program Spotlight: BYSC Basketball League

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Categories afterschool programs, inclusive sports, basketball, under-served communitiesTags

This January marks the third anniversary of Backyard Sports Cares Basketball League. The program engages more than 150 fourth and fifth graders in a weekly team practice and a Saturday morning game, where they have the opportunity to hone their competitive skills and have fun. For many of these athletes, the league has been their … Continue reading “Program Spotlight: BYSC Basketball League”

BYSC Alum Spotlight: Andrew Goldberg tells how volunteering with under-served kids impacted his life

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Categories volunteer teen mentors, afterschool programs, At risk youth, under-served communitiesTags , ,

Inspiring stories of growth, compassion, and success from Backyard Sports Cares volunteer alumni “It was a very fulfilling and interesting experience. When I look back on it, I wish I could relive some of it.” In this second installment of our series on BYSC former volunteers, we connected with Andrew Goldberg, a graduate of the … Continue reading “BYSC Alum Spotlight: Andrew Goldberg tells how volunteering with under-served kids impacted his life”

Two groups of deserving kids find fun, fresh air, and friends at BYSC’s 5th annual Adirondack camping experience at Brant Lake Camp

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Categories At risk youth, under-served communities, summer campTags

This past week, Backyard Sports Cares hosted two separate groups of deserving campers at Brant Lake Camp, a private summer camp in the Adirondacks. BYSC hosted thirty school-aged children from the New Flex Foundation of Mt. Vernon, and seven residents from the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, a rehabilitation program offering teenagers a second chance … Continue reading “Two groups of deserving kids find fun, fresh air, and friends at BYSC’s 5th annual Adirondack camping experience at Brant Lake Camp”

Every Kid Deserves a Bike!

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Categories under-served communitiesTags , , ,

Backyard Sports Cares celebrates its 5th year of participation in Barnum Foundation for Life‘s annual Bike Day. Dozens of youngsters from the Youth Community Outreach Program (Y-COP) of Mt. Vernon were identified by BYSC to receive a brand new bicycle. For many, it was their first bike. The event took place on Sunday, June 23rd … Continue reading “Every Kid Deserves a Bike!”

Gannett Grant Fever Simmers as BYSC Earns Finalist Standing for $25K award

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Categories afterschool programs, inclusive sports, Soccer, basketball, under-served communities

Backyard Sports Cares (BYSC) has earned finalist status to potentially win Gannett Media’s A Community Thrives grant. To qualify as a grant finalist, BYSC had to raise $3,000 via a Crowdrise Campaign. The organization has exceeded that goal by raising more than $4,000 in three weeks — four days in advance of the campaign cutoff. … Continue reading “Gannett Grant Fever Simmers as BYSC Earns Finalist Standing for $25K award”

Good Sports removes barriers for kids who want to play

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Categories At risk youth, under-served communitiesTags ,

Since we are now officially in the month of giving thanks, we thought we’d take this opportunity to cast the spotlight on some amazing organizations that are really trying to move the needle when it comes to raising healthy and happy kids. Our first subject is Melissa Rundlett, partnership coordinator at Good Sports, a national … Continue reading “Good Sports removes barriers for kids who want to play”

Dr. Christina tells why sports are important for all kids — And role modeling is key!

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Categories 3 on 3, special needs sports, At risk youth, under-served communities, fundraisingTags ,

PM Pediatrics has been a community partner to Backyard Sports Cares for a number of years. Their contribution to the welfare of children and adolescent health and wellness in Westchester is matched by their time, commitment and generosity in helping foster the sports activity programs we provide to at-risk and special needs kids. We talked … Continue reading “Dr. Christina tells why sports are important for all kids — And role modeling is key!”

Young men from Youth Shelter Program of Westchester join BYSC for a weekend at Brant Lake Camp

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Categories At risk youth, under-served communities, summer campTags ,

Earlier this month, Backyard Sports Cares coordinated an extended weekend to Brant Lake Camp in the Adirondacks for 12 teen residents from the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester. For many of these at-risk young men, it was their first time officially camping, and for others, it was their first foray out of an urban environment and into … Continue reading “Young men from Youth Shelter Program of Westchester join BYSC for a weekend at Brant Lake Camp”

Youth Soccer Participation has Fallen Sharply — Cost of Entry Among Principle Causes

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Categories afterschool programs, inclusive sports, Soccer, under-served communitiesTags

This past week, the New York Times published a story about the decline in youth soccer participation in the US. According to the report, over the past three years, the percentage of 6- to 12-year-olds playing soccer regularly has dropped nearly 14 percent, to 2.3 million players. The number of children who touched a soccer … Continue reading “Youth Soccer Participation has Fallen Sharply — Cost of Entry Among Principle Causes”

BYSC Joins Foundation for Life for Annual Surprise “Bike Day” Giveaway

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Categories under-served communitiesTags , ,

Bike Day gives gift of first bicycle to dozens of Mount Vernon Boys and Girls Club kids  Beaming faces and squeals of joy and amazement could be seen and heard from across lower Westchester County last Saturday, June 9th. It’s no wonder when dozens of children from the Mount Vernon Boys and Girls Club received brand … Continue reading “BYSC Joins Foundation for Life for Annual Surprise “Bike Day” Giveaway”

100 kids celebrate victories and teamwork on final Saturday of BYSC White Plains Basketball League

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Categories basketball, under-served communitiesTags , , , , ,

Last January, with generous support from Backyard Sports Cares (BYSC) partner, Advocate Brokerage of Scarsdale, BYSC kicked off the organization’s first basketball league in White Plains. Approximately 100 fourth and fifth-graders from five local elementary schools participated in the league, which culminated in a jamboree finale on March 23rd, 2018 at SUNY Purchase. Participating schools … Continue reading “100 kids celebrate victories and teamwork on final Saturday of BYSC White Plains Basketball League”