Every kid deserves to play. We're making sure they can.
John "Bag" Hefti believed that athletics shapes young people into future leaders. He spent countless hours coaching youth sports—not for the wins, but for the lessons every young athlete learns along the way.
Today, Bag's Buddies continues that legacy by partnering with organizations across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads to help kids stay in the game.
Our Partner Programs
Navy MWR Youth Sports Partnership (2024-2025)
In 2024, Bag's Buddies partnered with Naval Air Station Oceana's Youth Sports and Fitness program to fund registration fees for all 100 youth baseball players in the spring season.
NAS Oceana runs one of the largest youth sports leagues in the mid-Atlantic region, serving military families stationed in Hampton Roads. Through this partnership, every child who wanted to play baseball could—without cost being a barrier.
In 2025, we expanded our partnership with Navy MWR, continuing to fund youth sports registrations and building on the success of the inaugural year.
"This is exactly what Bag would have wanted. Every kid on the field, every family in the stands." — Patricia Hefti, President
J&A Racing Starting Strides (2023–Present)
Through our partnership with J&A Racing's Starting Strides program, Bag's Buddies provides scholarships to economically disadvantaged students in Norfolk and Virginia Beach schools, removing barriers to youth running.
Our impact so far:
- Over 300 pairs of running shoes provided to young athletes
- Race entry fees covered for the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile
- Ongoing support for students who want to run but can't afford the gear
Starting Strides embodies the same values Bag championed: that sports should be accessible to everyone, and that the joy of competition shouldn't depend on your family's income.
Great Neck Baseball League (2022–2023)
When Great Neck Baseball League's Pinto League field needed a scoreboard, Bag's Buddies stepped up. We donated and installed a brand-new scoreboard so young players could see their efforts reflected in real time.
Opening Day 2023: John's son Shane threw the first pitch on the newly equipped field—a fitting tribute to a father who spent countless hours coaching youth baseball.
This scoreboard will serve Great Neck's youngest players for years to come, a lasting reminder that the community invests in their success.
C-Tech Rec Center Youth Sports Access (2025)
Bag's Buddies is partnering with community organizations to provide grants for youth living in Title I areas near the C-Tech Rec Center. These grants cover rec center memberships and sports program fees, ensuring that children in underserved neighborhoods can access organized sports and athletic programs.
Through this program, we're removing one more barrier between young athletes and the field. When kids can walk to their local rec center and sign up to play, sports become part of daily life—not a luxury.
What We're Building Toward
We're just getting started. Our goal is to expand beyond registrations and include:
- Cleats on feet — Every sport needs proper footwear
- Gloves on hands — Baseball, softball, lacrosse gear for those who need it
- Hats and helmets on heads — Safety equipment shouldn't be a luxury
- Uniforms and team gear — So every player looks and feels like part of the team
Bag believed the playing field should be level—that talent and heart should determine who plays, not family income. That's the future we're working toward.
Partner With Us
Organizations across Virginia Beach can partner with Bag's Buddies to support youth sports:
Youth Leagues and Schools
- Identify families who need financial assistance
- Connect us with athletes who face barriers to participation
- Help us understand the real costs families face
Businesses and Sponsors
- Sponsor league registrations for entire teams
- Provide equipment donations
- Fund specific programs in your community
Community Organizations
- Collaborate on initiatives that expand access
- Share resources and reach
- Amplify our collective impact
Contact us to start a conversation about how we can work together.
For Families Who Need Help
If your family is facing financial barriers to youth sports participation, we want to help. Through our grants program, we assist Virginia Beach families with:
- Registration fees
- Equipment and uniforms
- Camp and clinic costs
- Travel expenses for teams
Learn more about youth sports grants or reach out directly. Every kid deserves a chance to play.
Support Our Mission
When you donate to Bag's Buddies, you're putting kids on the field. Every dollar goes toward:
- Funding league registrations for families who can't afford them
- Providing equipment so no athlete sits out for lack of gear
- Expanding partnerships with youth sports organizations
Give today and help us keep Bag's spirit alive—one young athlete at a time.
In memory of Captain John "Bag" Hefti, who believed every kid deserves a chance to learn the lessons sports teach.
Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.