Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 02, 2026
Fuel the Drive Aims to Quintuple Youth Sports Access in 2026
TLDR
- Fuel the Drive's expansion to serve 5x more children in 2026 offers donors a strategic opportunity to gain recognition by supporting youth development through sports.
- Fuel the Drive removes financial barriers by covering PGA Junior League and USTA program costs, equipment, and training to systematically develop life skills in children.
- Fuel the Drive creates better futures by using golf and tennis to build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills in underserved children, fostering personal growth.
- One participant, Mavarro, developed patience and analytical skills through golf that now help him tackle school challenges, showing sports' unexpected educational benefits.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it addresses critical equity issues in youth sports, where financial barriers often exclude children from low-income families from the developmental benefits of organized athletics. Research consistently shows that participation in sports like golf and tennis enhances cognitive skills, emotional resilience, and social connections, which can lead to better academic performance and future opportunities. By expanding access, Fuel the Drive not only promotes physical health but also helps bridge opportunity gaps, fostering a more inclusive society where all children can develop the confidence and leadership qualities needed for success. For communities and donors, supporting such initiatives contributes to long-term social impact, reducing disparities and empowering the next generation through structured, positive environments.
Summary
Fuel the Drive, a Denver-based non-profit founded by Terry and Michelle Aikin, has announced ambitious expansion plans for 2026, aiming to quintuple its impact on youth from low-income families. The organization, which removes financial barriers to participation in golf and tennis, seeks to serve over 500 young athletes in its golf programming alone this year, a significant increase from helping more than 100 children annually over the past three years. Founder and president Terry Aikin emphasizes that the core mission is to use sports as a platform for personal development, covering costs for programs like the PGA Junior League and U.S. Tennis Association to help children build confidence, self-discipline, and leadership skills.
The organization highlights success stories such as Mavarro, who, with support from Fuel the Drive, has developed patience and analytical skills through golf that benefit him academically and personally. Aikin notes that participation in these sports fosters transferable life skills like teamwork and problem-solving, creating pathways to more successful futures. To achieve its 2026 goals, Fuel the Drive is actively expanding its donor base through a new website and enhanced digital outreach, seeking community stakeholders and partners to help fuel the drive in more children by removing the cost barrier that often limits access to organized youth sports.
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Fuel the Drive was established to pay forward the support the Aikins received growing up, focusing on underserved communities. The organization's impact extends beyond the course and court, equipping kids with tools for lifelong success. For more information, visit Fuel the Drive to learn how this initiative is transforming young lives through athletic engagement and personal growth opportunities.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Fuel the Drive Aims to Quintuple Youth Sports Access in 2026
