Parker announces $3M investment in youth sports to support families, prevent violence
Mayor Cherelle Parker joined Philadelphia officials this week in announcing $3 million in funding for local youth sports organizations. The money will be used to provide grants to support local teams, as well as help families pay for registration costs, with additional funding being used to purchase sports equipment for recreation centers.
The investment is aimed at violence prevention under Parker’s One Philly Budget plan.
“Philadelphia, we are responsible for ensuring our children are equipped with the tools necessary for success. It is up to us to make sure our children are surrounded by positive mentors, coaches, and leaders that will aid positive development because, as we all know, it takes a village,” said Parker. “That is why I made this $3 million a priority in my One Philly Budget and will continue to make sure these activities are well funded moving forward.”
City officials announced the first $1 million in a series of investments on Monday, aimed at easing the financial burden on parents, caregivers and neighborhood organizations. More than $300,000 of the funding will support local youth football and cheer teams, to make sure they get to their national tournaments, with additional funds available for championship qualifiers in other sports as seasons get underway.
