Nonprofit looking to fill warehouse with sports equipment for kids

GREENSBORO, N.C. — An organization in the Triad is asking for the community’s help.

“The cost of sports is expensive and that includes transportation,” said Mike Kennedy, co-founder of Beyond Sports NC. “Even our schools don’t have the appropriate funding to have all the athletic equipment that’s needed.”

Beyond Sports NC is hoping to fill its warehouse with new and used sports equipment, clothes and shoes. 

“We are looking for any type of sports equipment that’s played at the middle school or the elementary school level,” he said. “From soccer to basketball to football to shoes.”

Kennedy said the cost of shoes has increased and with children outgrowing them quickly, some families can’t always afford the proper shoes for sports. 

The cost of equipment has also risen.

The average cost for sports varies depending how many children and what sports they play.

The costs can include spending for registration, equipment, camps and travel.

The website, playgroundequipment.com, collected data on some of those costs. The average cost to play basketball is $427, and for lacrosse that price increases to $1,000.

Kennedy said Beyond Sports NC will take any sports gear that’s in good condition or brand new. 

Since fall sports are coming up, it’s looking for soccer, field hockey or football items. 

All donations will go to all Title I schools in the Triad.