Leveling the Playing Field to begin distributing sports equipment to WNY organizations in need

Coaches, PE teachers & community leaders across WNY can now request equipment for their youth programs

Press Release

After expanding to Western New York in 2023, Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is excited to announce today that it will begin distributing gently used sports equipment collected over the past year to organizations benefitting children across Western New York.

LPF aims to bridge the gap in youth sports participation by providing free equipment to schools, community programs, and nonprofit organizations. Over the past year, LPF, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills and Benderson Development, has collaborated with local partners, including Project Play Western New York, to gather sports gear from generous donors across the region. The response has exceeded expectations, with donations coming from individuals, schools, and local sports organizations. The collected equipment includes everything from baseball gloves and soccer balls to basketballs and tennis rackets.

"This is an exciting next step in our mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sports, regardless of their financial situation," said Max Levitt, founder and executive director of LPF. "Our team has worked hard over the past year to gather thousands of pieces of equipment, and we are now ready to give them permanent homes with the children and organizations that need them the most in Western New York."

The LPF Western New York warehouse was established last year at 79 Benbro Drive in Cheektowaga and will serve as the central hub for this distribution effort. Coaches, PE teachers and community leaders can now request equipment for their programs, ensuring kids have access to the necessary gear to participate in various sports without the financial burden of purchasing equipment. Research shows participation in youth sports leagues has decreased over time due largely to increasing costs. This initiative aims to change that.

LPF WNY plans to hold regular distribution events and collaborate with schools, community centers, and sports programs to reach as many children as possible.

Since 2013, LPF has provided over 2,000 programs in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Greater Washington, and Columbus, with a combined $14 million worth of equipment.

To find out how to apply for equipment or learn how you can donate or volunteer, visit www.levelingtheplayingfield.org, or contact: 

Taylor Cicoria

Program director, Leveling the Playing Field WNY

Phone: 716-217-1875

[email protected]

More about Leveling the Playing Field

Leveling the Playing Field was founded in 2013 in response to the growing inequity between those who can afford to play sports and those who cannot, and the prominent role the cost of sporting goods has played in that gap. LPF’s core mission is to redistribute equipment to expand access and equity within youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities. With locations in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Columbus and Western New York, LPF has collected and redistributed over $14 million worth of sports equipment to over 2,000 unique schools, sports leagues and other programs serving kids in need.

About Project Play Western NY

Project Play was born out of State of Play, an extensive regional research initiative set in motion by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. From the State of Play report, we gained insight into our children, their activity levels – and how we can make a difference for them. Every child, regardless of ZIP code, should reap the benefits of a lifestyle that’s active, healthy and fun. That’s why Project Play WNY is working collectively across our communities to help give children that opportunity through sports.