Our Mission

Research shows that 70% of kids drop out of organized athletics by age 13. Some drop due to financial or time constraints, but most stop playing because it just isn’t fun anymore. When they quit, they lose the opportunity to experience the many physical, social and developmental benefits that are gained by participation in youth sports. That’s why:

JSF’s mission is to expand rec opportunities and enhance youth rec experiences by “Fostering Fun in Youth Athletics”. Your donation will help us get kids playing and keep them playing to make it fun for everyone…athletes, coaches, parents and officials.  

Why the JSF Mission is Important

It’s a universally accepted truism that exercise is important to good health, for both body and mind.   Yet, fewer than half of children ages 6 to 11 meet the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation for engaging in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity 3-4 days a week. Consequently, nearly one in three children and teens today are overweight or obese. On this score, we lead the race that we don’t want to win among 16 of our peer nations. Inactive children often become inactive adults.

The downstream consequences of creating sedentary lifestyles have only recently become apparent, and they are considerable. Research by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services shows that physically inactive children are more likely to gain unhealthy amounts of weight, miss school, and perform worse academically. They’re twice as likely to be obese as adults. The Journal of Health Economics shows they’ll earn less at work, have higher health care costs, and take extra sick days. Physical inactivity impairs quality of life, puts financial stress on families and the economy, and sets in motion a vicious cycle through role modeling (parents who are inactive are 5.8 times more likely to have inactive children – Journal of Pediatrics). As if these costs weren’t great enough, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites physical inactivity and obesity as risk factors for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, joint and bone disease, and depression.

According to a 2014 analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, childhood is the ideal time to provide education and teach the benefits of an active lifestyle. No strategy holds more promise in this quest among children aged 6-12 than participation in after-school physical activity programs, including recreational sports.

The Joy of Sports Foundation is an all-volunteer private, non-profit 501 (c)(3), charitable organization. JSF was incorporated within the state of PA and is guided by the provisions of the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, PA Department of State. Contributions to JSF are tax exempt under IRC sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). The JSF EIN # is 47-1220812.