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Stay in Play: A New Hope for Young Athletes

In an encouraging move for youth sports, the Luka Dončić Foundation has announced the launch of a transformative initiative known as Stay in Play. This three-year, global grant program aims to eliminate the financial barriers that cause young athletes to abandon the sports they love. As a response to a growing trend of young athletes quitting due to financial strains, Stay in Play promises to support those who face monetary challenges while pursuing their sports passions.

The Vision Behind Stay in Play

Launching on June 24, 2026, Stay in Play is seeking to provide financial support to young athletes aged 12 to 15, a critical age when participation in sports often dwindles. The program will allocate grants of up to $25,000 each to 77 deserving athletes from various countries including the United States, France, Spain, Italy, and more. Luka Dončić himself emphasized the emotional connection he shares with youth sports, recalling his fond memories of growing up in Ljubljana, where basketball was his escape from day-to-day pressures and a major part of his identity.

Stating, "I'm so sad to see kids walking away from youth sports because of circumstances outside their control," Dončić passionately advocates that access to sports should not hinge on financial status.

Understanding the Dropout Dilemma

Research indicates that dropout rates peak around age 12, with many youths abandoning sports not due to a lack of interest but rather because of financial constraints. The Stay in Play program seeks to combat this trend by providing essential support so young athletes can continue to grow, both in skill and confidence, while reaping the benefits of participating in sports. Lara Beth Seager, the Foundation's CEO, stresses that it’s about providing opportunities for every child to find joy in sports, regardless of their financial background.

Comprehensive Support for Athletes

Applications for Stay in Play opened on June 24, operating through August 20, 2026. The program invites young athletes across diverse sports—ranging from basketball and soccer to gymnastics and swimming—to apply. Importantly, the grants are adaptable to meet the specific needs of athletes, covering:

• - Sports Equipment and Gear: Essential items that ensure participation in the desired sports.
• - Coaching and Training Fees: Financial aid for necessary skill development.
• - Travel Costs: Support for transportation to competitions or training facilities.
• - League Registration Fees: Covering the costs to enter competitive leagues and tournaments.

Seager elaborates that the foundation's approach is centered on trusting athletes to identify what support they require, highlighting the initiative's commitment to meeting diverse needs.

A Broader Mission for Youth Sports

Stay in Play is part of a larger endeavor by the Luka Dončić Foundation to reshape youth sports culture. Since its inception in December 2024, the foundation has spearheaded various projects, including an in-depth report on youth basketball that contrasts systems in the United States and the Balkan region. They have also rolled out a coaching curriculum tailored for youth and collaborated on initiatives aimed at identifying systemic barriers within youth sports.

Seager reiterates that while Stay in Play represents immediate assistance, the foundation is also focused on long-term changes to help in reshaping the landscape of youth athletics for generations to come.

Application Details

Eligible young athletes aged 12-15 are encouraged to submit their applications for the inaugural cohort of Stay in Play at lukadoncicfoundation.org/sip before August 20. Parental support is permitted during the process, creating a community-focused atmosphere of encouragement and support.

The first successful applicants are anticipated to be announced this winter, paving the way for countless young athletes to have the chance to pursue their sports dreams, unhindered by financial burdens.

For those interested in supporting or learning more about the Stay in Play initiative and the Luka Dončić Foundation, further information can be accessed at LukaDoncicFoundation.org. Stay connected with their journey on social media through platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.