Athletics Access For All
At the Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC), we believe every child, teen, and adult deserves the chance to play, grow, and belong – regardless of ability or financial circumstance. We are bringing together programs and initiatives that eliminate barriers and open doors to recreation, teamwork, and lifelong wellness.
Through this effort, we’re proud to offer:
- Unified Buddy League – A recreational program for K-8 students with physical or intellectual disabilities, creating a safe, supportive place to play, learn, and build confidence.
- Unified Champion Club – A recreational and social club for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities to stay active, make connections, and celebrate achievements together.
- Pay-What-You-Can Program – Making athletics affordable and accessible for all families. Those with financial challenges can register at little to no cost, while others can “play it forward” with donations that directly support neighbors in need.
- Play It Forward Project – Our mobile trailer collects and shares gently used athletic equipment and apparel, ensuring every young athlete has the gear they need to participate. Additionally, it will be used to provide mobile athletic programs in the area as well.
Together, these programs create a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to discover the joy of athletics.
Unified Buddy League
Our newest recreation program, Unified Buddy League (UBL) designed specifically for youth in grades K-5 with physical or intellectual disabilities. Built on encouragement, inclusion, and fun, the UBL pairs each participant with trained volunteers and supportive peers who help them learn skills, build confidence, and enjoy the excitement of team sports at their own pace.
Our first Unified Buddy Basketball League season is launching soon, giving young athletes a chance to experience the joy of the game in a positive, empowering environment. With adapted drills, patient coaching, and lots of high-fives, players will develop coordination, teamwork, and a sense of pride – while families enjoy a welcoming community that celebrates every milestone.
The UBL ensures that every child, regardless of ability, has a place to play, grow, and shine. If you know a young athlete who’s ready to join the fun, we can’t wait to welcome them onto the court.
Unified Buddy Basketball League
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- Free
- Grades K-8
- 1:1 partner ratio
- December 4-January 29
- Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 pm
- AYCC Gyms
Unified Champions Club
The Unified Champions Club (UCC) is an inclusive recreation and social program where adults with physical or intellectual disabilities come together with volunteers and peers to play sports, build friendships, and stay active in a supportive community. Through year-round activities, from basketball and volleyball to walking club, swimming, and social events, participants experience connection, confidence, and the joy of belonging. UCC welcomes athletes of all abilities and creates a space where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Details
- Grades 9 and adults
- Play with us until your Unified Champions School season begins
- Free + Membership is included!
- Cheer, swim, events, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, craft activities, skiing and so much more!
Pay-What-You-Can Program
The AYCC wants to ensure that the cost of the fee is not a barrier to playing recreational sports. The AYCC is offering a ‘pay-what-you-can’ payment model for various athletic programs. This means any youth can register for a variety of programs and pay what you can in increments of $10, ranging from $0 to $100.
The AYCC is committed to providing this opportunity to youth throughout the 2025-2026 athletic seasons and wants to see this model succeed but needs the community’s help to make it work.
It costs approximately $80 per child to run most programs, including sports supplies, t-shirts, staffing, utilities, support services, etc. The AYCC is asking those who can afford to do so to pay the $80 registration fee or consider paying more to offset the program costs of those who cannot afford to pay the $80 rate. Any individual registration fee paid above and beyond the $80 cost to operate the program will be considered a tax-deductible donation to the AYCC.
Pay What You Can Program is available on the following youth sports:
- Cal Ripken Youth Baseball (T-Ball, Rookies, Minors & Majors)
- USA Youth Softball (8U, 10U, and 12U)
- Recreational Youth Basketball
- Youth Cheering
- Youth Football
- Youth Volleyball
FMI: Email Athletics Team
Play It Forward Project – Sports Equipment
Not every athlete has the gear they need to get to the game. We’re collecting outgrown or gently used athletic equipment and apparel to stock a trailer that will provide mobile programming and free sports gear to our community.
What to donate: sporting equipment, apparel, sneakers & cleats, and trophies too!
Contact:
Beth LaFountain, Athletic Director | 207-873-0684 | athletics@clubaycc.org