Professional athletes wouldn’t be where they are today without help from the people around them. From parents to local volunteers, all of them played a part into getting him or her to the place they are today. That’s why many of them dedicate their time to giving back to the community that has helped them so much. Here are three athletes who are dedicated to getting more kids involved in sports.

Larry Fitzgerald
The wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals started a foundation called the First Down Fund, a charity dedicated to “help kids and their families by funding positive activities for kids during the summer and throughout the year.” In 2015, he organized a football ProCamp for local children, and in 2013 donated 1,000 new Riddell Youth football helmets to a youth league in Minneapolis.

Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis was one of the most Feared linebackers in the NFL. However, off the field Lewis is a beloved philanthropist. He established the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth. Lewis is also involved in pressing many political, business, and philanthropic leaders to generate a stronger commitment to disability sports throughout the world.

Derek Jeter
Jeter’s Take 2 foundation promotes healthy lifestyles amongst youth to avoid the temptations of drugs and Alcohol. The former shortstop for the New York Yankees, Jeter’s foundation has donated more than 20 million dollars since its inception in 1996 and has developed outlets that promote and reward academic excellence, leadership development, and positive behavior.

Jonathan Toews
In 2014, Jonathan Toews became an ambassador for Jumpstart, a charity run by sporting goods chain Canadian Tire. Jumpstart’s goal is to help kids and their families in financial need participate in organized sports by assisting with the costs associated with registration, equipment, and transportation. The NHL’s leading scorer and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is also an ambassador for the charity.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer will go down as one of the top tennis players to ever play the game. He has been on the ATP circuit for near on 20 years. He started a charitable foundation to help provide sports and education opportunities to underprivileged children. Alongside this, he is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Billie Jean King
King has had the honor of being named one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century”, by Life Magazine. She is an advocate for LGBT community and has been a strong voice for many years. Her role has led to many barriers being broken and has aided to shape a more inclusive society.

Michael Phelps
Phelps is the most decorated athlete in Olympic history, having claimed 18 Gold Medals! Not only is he great in the water but he is great out of it too. He started his own foundation called The Michael Phelps Foundation. It’s purpose is, Working to promote healthy, active lives, especially for children, primarily by expanding the opportunities for participation in the sport of swimming.

Keisuke Honda
Honda is a great soccer player and also a very astute businessman, creating his own management company. This company he uses to help. The philosophy of the company is to provide hopes and dreams through sports. The company’s youth soccer program has now grown to over 60 schools and 3,500 students.

Steve Nash
Nash is arguably the greatest basketball player to come from Canada. He has used is name and fame for good and created the Steve Nash Foundation. Its purpose is to fund and collaborate with other businesses in low socioeconomic areas to help the development of children. One of their mission statements says it all, “When we give kids attention, we give our communities hope.”

Tim Duncan
Another decorated basketball player and five-time NBA Champion, the recently retired Duncan has put a lot of time and money into helping others. He started the Tim Duncan Foundation in 2001 and has not looked back. His foundation’s goal is to better support non profit organisations dedicated to youth programs, health and research.

There are many ways to give back to your sporting community. And the best part is… You do not need to be a famous athlete to do so! Get involved with your local club in a sporting administration role, and whether you’re planning for an upcoming season or in the middle of a sports season it is never too late to try PlayyOn – the best online sports management tool, guaranteed to save you time. To use PlayyOn is completely FREE!  Need help getting started? We are happy to help you set up an account so you can hit the ground running!