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Stay in Play: A New Initiative by the Luka Dončić Foundation

The Luka Dončić Foundation has officially kicked off its new initiative, Stay in Play, aimed at providing financial support to young athletes. With the growing issue of youth athletes dropping out of sports due to economic pressures, this program ventures to eliminate such barriers, ensuring that sports remain accessible for all children. Coming on the heels of Luka Dončić's recent acquisition of the Vanoli Cremona basketball team, this ambitious project seeks to invest in the next generation of athletes.

A Lifeline for Young Sports Enthusiasts

Stay in Play is a global scholarship program designed to support young athletes aged 12 to 15 years. Over the next three years, the foundation will grant scholarships up to $25,000 each to 77 athletes worldwide. The funding aims to cover essential expenses that can often prevent young athletes from pursuing their passion. This may include costs related to coaching, equipment, travel for competitions, or participation fees for leagues or sports programs.

Luka Dončić shared a personal insight into his motivation for this program, stating, “As a child growing up in Ljubljana, my escape was running to the outdoor court behind my apartment to play basketball. It saddens me to see kids leaving sports due to circumstances beyond their control. The game changed my life, and I want to make sure no child has to abandon their dreams because of financial constraints.”

Targeting the Critical Dropout Age

Research indicates that the age group targeted by Stay in Play—12 to 15—is a pivotal time when a surge in dropout rates occurs. Surprisingly, most young athletes leave not because of lack of interest or talent but due to the pressing financial burden. This initiative aims to intervene during these critical years, allowing young talents to develop skills, confidence, and joy in their chosen sports.

Lara Beth Seager, CEO of the Luka Dončić Foundation, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Financial barriers should not dictate whether a young athlete can continue engaging in the sport they love. This isn’t about seeking the next generation of professionals; it’s about ensuring each child finds joy in what they love and doesn’t have to leave due to financial restrictions.”

Global Reach and Flexible Support

The application for the Stay in Play program is currently open and will remain so until August 20, 2026. Young athletes from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia are eligible to apply. This initiative supports athletes involved in 176 various sports disciplines, from basketball and soccer to gymnastics and track and field.

Each scholarship is flexible to accommodate the individual challenges faced by athletes, with funds available for:

• - Sports equipment and gear
• - Coaching fees and training expenses
• - Travel costs to competitions or training facilities
• - Registration fees for leagues and tournaments

“This program is built on trust and communication. Each athlete understands their needs better than we do, and we are committed to making their sports journey possible,” Seager added.

Part of a Broader Mission

Stay in Play is a part of the Luka Dončić Foundation's larger initiative to reshape the landscape of youth sports. Since its inception in December 2024, the Foundation has engaged in various research and development projects, such as publishing the report Inside Youth Basketball, which highlights disparities in youth basketball ecosystems across various regions, and collaborating with Project Play to understand structural barriers in youth sports.

“Stay in Play represents immediate action while we work towards long-term systemic change,” stated Seager. “We are committed to helping children who need support today while addressing broader issues in the future.”

Application Process

Interested young athletes aged 12 to 15 who reside in eligible countries can apply directly at Luka Doncic Foundation's Stay in Play page. The winners will be announced during this winter, paving the way for a bright future for young sports enthusiasts.

For further details about Stay in Play or the work of the Luka Dončić Foundation, visit LukaDoncicFoundation.org or follow them on their social media platforms.

About the Luka Dončić Foundation

Launched in December 2024, the Luka Dončić Foundation's mission is to ensure youth sports remain a joyful and enriching presence in the lives of children globally. To learn more about their initiatives, research reports, and how to get involved, please visit their website and connect through social media.