Local Business Owner Urges Communities to Support Youth Sports Amid Declining Participation

Donald Deibler, a business owner and Business Manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery in Hegins, Pennsylvania, is urging families, businesses, coaches, and community members to support youth sports in their local towns. Deibler, who grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, credits sports with providing him a positive focus during his youth and believes that community support is essential to ensure today's children have similar opportunities.

"Sports gave me something positive to focus on when I was younger," Deibler said. "If we can help local kids have those same opportunities, that matters."

Deibler's involvement in youth sports includes volunteering as a coach and supporting local programs like Tri-Valley Little League. He also volunteers at St. Peter's UCC. His commitment to community is reflected in his business practices, as he often steps into the kitchen at Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, owned by his wife, to help where needed. "I've always believed that you have to be willing to help where the work is happening," he said. "It doesn't matter what your title is."

The importance of youth sports extends beyond the playing field. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, which can improve muscle and bone health, cardiovascular fitness, brain health, and academic performance. Organized sports offer one avenue for meeting these guidelines.

However, participation is not universal. Federal data cited by the Aspen Institute shows that 54% of U.S. children ages 6 to 17 played on a sports team or took sports lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017. The national Healthy People 2030 target is 63%. These numbers underscore the need for community support, according to Deibler.

"When you coach kids, you see how important encouragement can be," Deibler said. "You want them to learn how to work together and keep improving."

Deibler encourages community members to find practical ways to contribute, such as volunteering with recreational programs, attending local games, coaching if qualified, helping maintain fields, or donating usable equipment. He also suggests asking existing youth organizations what assistance they actually need.

Parents and caregivers can encourage children to find physical activities they enjoy, whether through organized teams or informal recreation. The CDC notes that activities can include walking, running, bicycling, swimming, and playground activities.

"You don't always have to do something huge to make a difference," Deibler said. "Sometimes it is giving your time, helping a team, or just showing kids that people in the community care."

Deibler's call to action is simple: look at what is already happening in your community and decide whether your time, experience, or resources could help meet a local need. The first step can be as simple as contacting local recreation programs, schools, churches, or youth sports organizations to learn where support is needed.