United Way's Play It Forward Program Helps Local Youth Access Sports Equipment |
Annual equipment swap meet removes financial barriers for families in Northwest Florida |
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For many families in Northwest Florida, the cost of sports equipment can be the difference between a child sitting on the sidelines or stepping onto the field. United Way of Northwest Florida is working to change that through Play It Forward, an annual Youth Sports Equipment Swap Meet that connects students with the gear they need to participate in athletics.
The 4th annual United Way of Northwest Florida Play It Forward youth sports drive and giveaway event takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The free community gathering will be held at A.L. Kinsaul Park in Lynn Haven, Florida, for a FREE morning packed with games, activities, food, and free sports gear and equipment for kids of all ages!
🏅 Free, gently used and new sports equipment- cleats, bats, gloves, helmets, balls, and more
The program addresses a very real challenge facing local families. High equipment costs often prevent children from joining a sport they are excited about or continuing one they already love. By offering free, good quality equipment, Play It Forward removes one of the most common barriers to participation and opens the door for more children to experience the physical, social, and emotional benefits of youth sports.
"Many families in our region face the very real challenge of high equipment costs," said United Way of Northwest Florida representatives. "By offering free, good quality equipment, Play it Forward removes one of the most common barriers to participation."
The benefits of youth sports participation extend far beyond the playing field. Children who participate in sports experience a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits that support healthy development. Regular participation helps build strong bones and muscles, supports healthy weight, and establishes lifelong habits of physical activity.
Research shows that children who play sports between ages nine and eighteen are five to six times more likely to stay active as adults. Adolescents who participate are eight times more likely to remain active into their mid-twenties. Beyond physical health, sports provide important mental and emotional benefits. Young athletes tend to have lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and more opportunities to build friendships and social skills.
Sports participation is also linked with improved concentration, better classroom behavior, and stronger academic outcomes. For female athletes specifically, data shows major reductions in risky behaviors. All of these benefits make sports a powerful tool for promoting youth opportunity and healthy communities.
In partnership with Coastal Waste and Recycling, the Play It Forward initiative also gives new life to gear that is no longer being used in homes across our community. Instead of sitting forgotten in a closet or ending up in a landfill, that equipment becomes an opportunity for the next child to grow, learn, and belong.
Community members can support Play It Forward in several meaningful ways. Donating gently used sports equipment is one of the easiest ways to make a difference, since every cleaned and usable item becomes a chance for a child to step onto the field or court with confidence. Community members and businesses can also help by sponsoring the event, which strengthens the organization's ability to reach more families and ensures that the swap meet remains free and accessible.
Volunteers play a vital role as well by helping sort equipment, greet families, and create an organized and welcoming experience for everyone who attends. Those who prefer to give something brand new can purchase and donate new balls, shoes, bats, protective gear, or other essentials to help fill gaps where gently used items may be limited.
Through this effort, United Way of Northwest Florida helps create a more inclusive and supportive sports environment where every young person has a fair chance to play, regardless of their financial circumstances. The program represents a celebration of community, equity, and opportunity right here in Bay County. |
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