Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play
Sports changed Bag's life. They taught him leadership, teamwork, and the joy of working toward something bigger than himself. He spent countless hours coaching because he believed every young person deserves those same lessons.
But here's the reality: youth sports aren't cheap. And for too many Virginia Beach families, the costs create impossible choices.
That's why we created the Bag's Buddies Youth Sports Grants program.
The Challenge Families Face
The numbers tell the story. The average American family now spends over $1,000 per child, per sport, per year. In Virginia Beach, where competition for field time and travel costs add up, many families spend even more.
These costs include:
- Registration fees: $50–$500 per season
- Equipment and uniforms: $100–$400 depending on the sport
- Travel for games and tournaments: $400+ annually
- Private coaching: $40–$120 per hour
For a family with multiple kids or a single parent working two jobs, these numbers mean something heartbreaking: talented, eager kids sitting on the sidelines.
We believe every kid deserves a chance to play. That's the foundation of our grants program—carrying forward Bag's belief that sports can transform young lives.
How Our Grants Work
Bag's Buddies youth sports grants are simple, dignified, and designed to get kids playing—not to create paperwork burdens for already-stressed families.
What We Cover
- League registration fees — Rec leagues, school sports, travel teams
- Equipment — Cleats, gloves, helmets, rackets, whatever the sport requires
- Uniforms — Team jerseys, practice gear, required athletic wear
- Camp and clinic fees — Summer camps, skills clinics, training programs
- Tournament and travel costs — When representing Virginia Beach matters
Who Can Apply
Our grants are available to Virginia Beach families who:
- Have a child aged 5–18 interested in organized sports
- Face financial barriers to participation
- Commit to the values Bag championed: teamwork, effort, and respect
We don't require tax returns or detailed financial statements. We trust families to know their own circumstances.
How to Apply
- Contact us at grants@bagsbuddies.org or through our contact form
- Tell us about your child and the sport they want to play
- Share what costs you need help covering
- We'll respond within 5 business days
That's it. No essays. No invasive questions. Just a conversation about how we can help.
The Ripple Effect
When a young athlete gets to play, the impact spreads far beyond the field:
For the child:
- Learns discipline, resilience, and teamwork
- Builds confidence and physical fitness
- Makes friendships that can last a lifetime
- Discovers what they're capable of
For the family:
- Parents can cheer from the sidelines instead of worrying about costs
- Siblings see what's possible
- The whole family shares in victories and lessons
For the community:
- Teams stay together because no one has to sit out
- Future leaders develop skills they'll carry forward
- Virginia Beach gets stronger, one athlete at a time
Captain John "Bag" Hefti understood this ripple effect. It's why he spent years coaching youth sports—not for the wins, but for the people those young athletes would become.
Our Impact So Far
Since launching our programs, Bag's Buddies has made a real difference for Virginia Beach families:
- 100 youth baseball registrations funded through our Navy MWR partnership at NAS Oceana (2024)
- 300+ pairs of running shoes provided through Starting Strides
- Scoreboard installed at Great Neck Baseball League for young players
- Individual family grants covering registration, equipment, and more
Every grant represents a child who gets to learn what Bag knew: that sports teach you who you are.
See all our youth sports partnerships | Donate today
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an income limit to qualify?
We don't use strict income cutoffs. If sports costs are a barrier for your family, we want to hear from you. Every situation is different.
Can I apply for multiple children?
Yes. Many families have more than one young athlete. Apply for each child who needs support.
What sports are eligible?
Any organized sport with registration, equipment, or uniform costs. Soccer, basketball, swimming, track, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse, hockey, gymnastics, cheerleading—if it builds teamwork and character, we're interested.
How fast can I get help?
We respond to all grant requests within 5 business days. When there's an urgent deadline (like registration closing), let us know and we'll move faster.
Do I have to pay it back?
No. These are grants, not loans. We're investing in your child's development, not creating financial obligations.
Can coaches or schools apply on behalf of families?
Yes. If you're a coach or school administrator who knows a family that could use support, contact us. We'll handle outreach respectfully.
Help Us Help More Families
Our grants program runs entirely on donations. Every dollar you give goes directly to getting kids on the field.
- $50 covers a youth sports registration fee
- $100 provides equipment and a uniform for one season
- $250 supports a young athlete for an entire year
- $500 helps multiple kids from the same family
When you give to Bag's Buddies, you're not just covering costs. You're giving a child the chance to discover teamwork, build character, and find joy in the game.
Apply Now
Don't let cost keep your child on the sidelines. Reach out today.
Email: grants@bagsbuddies.org
Online: Contact us
We're here to help. We're all on the same team.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Virginia Beach high school senior? Learn about the Bag Hefti Scholarship—$8,000 renewable awards for student-athletes who embody Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.
Runner? Join Bag's Buddies Racing and support our mission mile by mile.
Bag's Buddies is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 87-2984176). All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.