Providing opportunity through community: A youth sports program makes an impact

By Marnie Cook
Native Sun News Today Correspondent

RAPID CITY – Four years ago, TJ McCauley and a few friends started Venoms Athletics with just a handful of kids and a dream to provide opportunities for underserved youth through sports. “The first three years we paid out-of-pocket.”
Now, McCauley is a $20,000 dollar grant recipient of NDN Collective’s President and Partnership fund. A press release from the Collective said that this will allow TJ’s organization to sustain their free program so they can continue to expose youth to lifestyle activities and exposure to sports.
McCauley and his co-founders grew up in the area and saw firsthand how many families struggled with the costs of sports programs, cost of uniforms, shoes and equipment or lacked transportation to participate. They wanted to create an inclusive community where all children, regardless of background, had a chance to be active and develop important life skills.

Venoms Athletics owner TJ McCauley with sons. (Photo by Marnie Cook)

The National Institute of Health found there was a shift from school-based sports participation to private, club sports. They describe a “pay to play” model that excludes families who may not have the economic means to participate. The COVID pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.
A 2021 TD Ameritrade survey found that 63-percent of parents would pay $1200 to $6,000 per year for sports participation. One in five would pay $12,000.
The State of Play 2023 Report from the Aspen Institute found that most Americans say youth sports deserve public funding. The Aspen Institute launched Project Play in 2013 to close the gap between kids from low-income communities and their wealthy peers. While there has been some success, large areas of the country remain divided. Aspen says that still, barely half of all youth play sports.
While basketball was Venoms initial focus, the program has since expanded. “It’s not just about basketball for some kids, it’s about being active and building confidence,” explained McCauley. Over the years, Venoms has incorporated additional sports like baseball and partnered with local schools to offer academic support. They provide transportation to games and tournaments, free uniforms, meals, and have even taken groups of kids to special events like movies or sporting competitions they otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. “We take them to different sporting events. For instance, we took them to see the Harlem Globetrotters. We had over 40 kids. And last year, we took them to the Aquaman movie. We had over 65 kids for that. We do stuff like that for the kids, just to give them the opportunity.”
This summer, McCauley will use the NDN Collective grant to sponsor summer YMCA memberships for 25 kids, as well as for uniforms, equipment, and tournament fees for the fall season. “We actually do 10 basketball tournaments from October to April.”
To expand their reach, Venoms officially became a 501(c)3 nonprofit this year. This allowed them to apply for grants to further their mission.
Nick Tilsen President and CEO of NDN Collective said the purpose of the President and Partnership fund is to help organizations like McCauley’s. “Everything we do, we do from our hearts. – for our families, for our people, for our land,” said Tilsen. “What Venoms does is not just about sports. Anybody who’s ever raised kids knows they need mentors, no matter what. If kids have a sense of belonging and responsibility, it improves our whole community.”
The funding from NDN Collective comes at a critical time as Venoms is experiencing exponential growth through word-of-mouth. McCauley projects having over 10 teams this fall between baseball, basketball, and other sports. He hopes the additional resources will help more underserved youth gain access and confidence through participation.
It also moves Venoms closer to establishing a permanent home base where they can host practices, games, and offer additional programs under one roof. “We got used to just paying out-of-pocket, paying for this tournament or paying for that training event,” said McCauley. “Now, we have our non-profit status, what’s the next step? So now we’re in the middle of the next step. That’s where our next jump is. Having a gym space because we’re only going to get more and more kids.”
While the majority of participants identify as Native American, Venoms is open to all children. McCauley wants the program to not only empower youth, but also help educate the broader community. “We want to share our culture and show kids standing up for what’s right,” he said. The organization is also exploring partnerships with local schools and social services and Native American organizations, to provide a more holistic network of support.
This summer, McCauley said they plan to use more social media so they can reach even more people. “Currently we are using Facebook and will be using it more. I think we may be featuring rising stars.”
The impact has been immense. What started as just two teams four years ago has grown to over 10 teams expected for this upcoming season, serving nearly 100 children across the community. “This grant means we can reach a lot more kids. Not everyone can afford to do sports and be active-this grant will help them reach their dreams and goals. These little ones are our future.”
For now, McCauley is focused on maximizing the summer through free basketball camps while continuing fundraising efforts. His vision remains providing opportunity and mentorship to as many children as possible. This small program is making a big difference by helping underserved youth develop important life skills and work towards their dreams, one rebound at a time.

(Contact Marnie Cook at cookm8715@gmail.com)

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