CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — With the cost of youth sports rising over the years, families in Champaign-Urbana might find it harder to afford registration fees.
Programs like Little League Baseball, have had costs rising up 46% since 2019.
To combat that, Little League and T-Mobile are partnering up to launch the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant for the 2026 season, which opened on Thursday, January 15, to help families in need cover local registration fees, up to $150 per child.
“As Little League continues to commit resources to create greater access to the Little League program through Philanthropy and the support of programming initiatives with our partners, this program and the more than $8 million in financial support that T-Mobile has provided to date continues to demonstrate the true need that exists for kids to play sports”, said Patrick Wilson, Little League’s president and CEO. “We are grateful for T-Mobile’s continued commitment to supporting Little League families and communities and look forward to helping families in need across the nation ensure their children can enjoy the Little League experience this season.”
One in five children may not have the opportunity to play sports due to financial challenges, and this program has helped families in need across the nation break down those barriers and provide children with an experience they will never forget. While Little League acknowledges there is a continued rise in the costs of youth sports, it remains the only youth baseball and softball organization as a member of the Aspen Institute 63×30 Roundtable, committed to getting 63% of young people playing sports by 2030, and is working with fellow industry leaders to break down barriers through programs as impactful as the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant Program.
“Knowing that my child has received a grant, and I no longer have to scrounge for money to ensure she can play is a huge weight off my shoulders as a single parent. Softball is more than a sport. It’s leadership, discipline, and family. My daughter lives, eats, and breathes softball. I couldn’t imagine having to tell her that she can’t play because I didn’t have enough money. I am so grateful for the funding.” – Mother of Khloei R. (Age 12), Ashtabula, Ohio
The program has already helped more than 650 families in Illinois since 2023, and for families locally, it can mean the difference between sitting out and stepping out onto the field this year. Applications are open, and funds are limited.
Details can be found here: https://www.littleleague.org/call-up-grant-program/