Play It Forward Project: Sports Equipment Drive – Help Us Fill the Trailer!
- October 16, 2025
- Latest News · News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Play It Forward Project: Sports Equipment Drive – Help Us Fill the Trailer!
Waterville, Maine – October 16, 2025 – The Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) is calling on community members, teams, and local families to take part in the Play It Forward Project: Sports Equipment Drive – a community-wide effort to collect gently used and outgrown sporting gear to ensure that every child has the equipment they need to play, grow, and thrive.
Join us in the AYCC side parking lot (nearest the outdoor pool) from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM to donate sporting equipment, athletic apparel, sneakers, cleats, and even old trophies. Your donations will help fill our new mobile sports trailer, which will bring free athletic programming and sports supplies directly into neighborhoods across Central Maine.
What We’re Collecting
- Outgrown or lightly used sporting equipment
- Athletic apparel in good condition
- Sneakers and cleats of all sizes
- Trophies ready for a new shine and a new home
Monetary donations are also welcome and are tax-deductible, helping to expand access to youth sports programs and community fitness initiatives. https://www.clubaycc.org/giving
The “Play It Forward Project gives everyone the chance to make an impact,” says Beth LaFountain, AYCC Athletic Director. “By donating your gently used gear, you’re helping a child take their first shot, join their first team, or discover a lifelong love of sports.”
Whether you’re cleaning out the garage or supporting youth development, every donation makes a difference. Help us fill the trailer and fuel a movement of inclusion, play, and opportunity for all youth in Central Maine.
Community Partners & Sponsors
The Play It Forward Project is proudly supported by a powerful team of community partners dedicated to youth sports and inclusion, including Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Cal Ripken Baseball, Good Sports, Joseph’s Sporting Goods, Only Pans, Steve’s Heroes, the University of Maine at Orono, and USA Softball.
Their generosity and collaboration are helping make it possible to expand access to athletic opportunities for youth and families across Central Maine.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Location: AYCC side parking lot (between AYCC & outdoor pool)
Contact: Athletics Team @ 207-873-0684 | athletics@clubaycc.org
If you’re unable to stop by during the event, but would like to donate, please reach out to the athletics team, contact Beth directly, or visit our website: https://www.clubaycc.org/programs/youth/athletics/
For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, please contact:
Beth LaFountain, Athletic Director
207-873-0684 x219 | blafountain@clubaycc.org
About the Alfond Youth & Community Center
The Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates the nation’s only merged Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA. Located in Central Maine, the dedicated staff of the 85,000-square-foot facility serves over 9,000 members from throughout the 50 communities of the Greater Waterville area.
A true youth and community center, the AYCC boasts childcare and afterschool programs, wellness, fitness, athletics, aquatics, martial arts, and summer camps.
###