(AKA SPORT — Give to the Max Week & Turkey Trot Edition)

Parents are juggling enough. Between work, school schedules, activities, and the everyday chaos of raising tiny humans with Olympic-level energy, affordable childcare shouldn’t feel like a luxury item, and neither should youth sports. At AKA SPORT, we see these two worlds collide every single day — and we’ve built our programs around solving that problem head-on:

Sports & Childcare = A Lifeline for Families

For many families, youth sports aren’t “extra.” They’re a lifeline — safe, structured, active childcare that keeps kids moving, building confidence, making friends, and avoiding the dreaded “I’m bored” spiral. Our Summer Camp offerings, School Release Days and After-School programs aren’t just about scoring goals or mastering a jump shot. They're about providing affordable, reliable care that supports parents while giving kids an environment where they can actually thrive.

And the truth is… quality programming costs money. Facilities, equipment, transportation, trained staff — it all adds up. But families shouldn’t be priced out of something that shapes a child’s health, happiness, and development.

That’s exactly why AKA SPORT, and our Scholarship Fund exists.

Why Our Scholarship Fund Matters More Than Ever

Every year, more families reach out needing support. Not because they don’t value youth programming — but because the rising cost of childcare is hitting everyone. Through the AKA Scholarship Fund, we offer financial assistance to ensure kids stay active, engaged, and supported, regardless of their family’s budget.

Last year community donations helped campers across all 8 Summer Camp locations gain access to camp weeks, sports equipment, after-school programming, and a full summer of memories. That’s impact you can see.

During Give to the Max Week, we’re doubling down on this mission.

Give to the Max Week: Keeping Kids in the Game

Give to the Max isn't just a fundraising day — it’s our chance to rally the community around something that actually moves the needle. Every dollar goes directly to reducing financial barriers. Scholarships. Equipment. Field trip costs. Program expansion. Real things that affect real families.

Whether someone gives $10 or $100, it pushes us closer to a world where no child sits out because of cost — and no parent has to choose between childcare and keeping their kid active.

If you want to “give where your heart plays,” this is the week to do it.

And Then… We Run. Turkey Trot Style.

Right alongside Give to the Max, we’ve got our annual Turkey Trot — one part family tradition, one part way to get ahead of the stuffing and pie. It’s fun, casual, community-driven… and yes, supports our scholarship efforts.

Walk it, jog it, sprint it like you’re late for youth practice — every step helps support accessible programming for local kids. Plus, we get to gather, move our bodies, and celebrate what really matters: community showing up for community.

Why Families Deserve Both

Kids deserve to play. Parents deserve support. And communities thrive when programs like ours are accessible to everyone — not just those who can comfortably afford it.

Affordable sports. Affordable care. They’re not dreams. They’re necessities. And with the help of our supporters, donors, and ridiculously energetic Turkey Trotters, we’re making it real.

How You Can Help This Week

Donate to Give to the Max → Supports scholarships, equipment, and accessible childcare
Join the Turkey Trot → A fun way to give back while getting your steps in
Share the campaign → Spread the word so more families find support

At AKA SPORT, we’re committed to keeping kids active, confident, and connected — and making sure families never feel alone in the process. Let’s make this the most impactful Give to the Max yet.

Because families deserve both. And together, we can actually deliver it.

Affordable Sports, Affordable Care: Why Families Deserve Both