#USA #Los Angeles #Luka Dončić Foundation #Stay in Play #youth sports initiative

The Luka Dončić Foundation Introduces Stay in Play

The Luka Dončić Foundation has unveiled a remarkable initiative called Stay in Play, aimed at removing financial obstacles faced by young athletes aged 12 to 15. By providing grants of up to $25,000 each for the next three years, this program aspires to keep these aspiring sports stars in the game. This initiative comes on the heels of Luka Dončić's recent acquisition of the Italian professional basketball team Vanoli Cremona, which is now based in Rome.

Understanding the Need

Research indicates that a significant number of young athletes drop out of sports around age 12, not due to lack of interest or ability but typically because of financial constraints. With Stay in Play, the foundation seeks to intervene during this critical period where talent and passion for sports may be stifled by economic pressures. Luka Dončić expressed his own childhood experiences in Ljubljana, highlighting how sports provided him solace and joy, and emphasizing that many children today face barriers that demand urgent attention.

Details of the Program

The Stay in Play program officially opened applications on June 24, 2026, and will accept submissions until August 20, 2026. During this period, a total of 77 grants will be awarded across various countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. Eligible athletes can apply for funding that addresses a range of costs such as:

• - Equipment and gear: Funds set aside to purchase necessary sports gear.
• - Coaching and training: Financial help for hiring coaches or enrolling in training sessions.
• - Travel costs: Covering expenses incurred while traveling for competitions or practices.
• - League registration fees: Assistance in paying for entries into leagues or tournaments.

CEO of the Luka Dončić Foundation, Lara Beth Seager, asserts that by allowing athletes to define their needs, the initiative tailors support to real personal barriers faced by the applicants.

Aiming for Wider Impacts

Stay in Play not only aims to provide immediate financial relief but also contributes to the foundation's broader mission: transforming youth sports culture to make it more inclusive and supportive. Since its establishment in December 2024, the Luka Dončić Foundation has engaged in several key projects, including analyzing youth basketball dynamics in different parts of the world and developing educational resources that promote effective coaching.

The foundation’s commitment acknowledges that ensuring equitable access to sports is not only a matter of nurturing talent but also an essential part of empowering youth in society. As the initiative unfolds, it hopes to catalyze discussions on systemic challenges faced by young athletes, thus striving for long-term changes in sports accessibility.

How to Get Involved

For young athletes interested in applying, they can submit their applications at lukadoncicfoundation.org/sip. A parent or guardian's support is necessary to facilitate the application process. The foundation intends to announce the recipients of these grants in the upcoming winter, with aspirations that this initiative will keep many young athletes engaged in their sports.

By launching Stay in Play, the Luka Dončić Foundation makes a bold statement that financial hurdles should not dictate the future of young athletes passionate about sports. This program serves as a reminder that every child deserves an opportunity to pursue their dreams without the limitation of monetary factors, reinforcing the importance of sports as a vital part of their development and joy.