Youth Programs
Merrimack Valley Striders Youth Running Grant Program
The Merrimack Valley Striders (MVS) running club is pleased to announce a new initiative to promote children’s fitness through running.
Background
For nearly two decades the Merrimack Valley Striders has offered a youth coaching program for youngsters from eight years old through high school. As a club whose mission statement is “to encourage and enhance running at all levels”, we were concerned with the growing problem of childhood obesity and the lack of programs that encouraged kids to lead an active lifestyle.
Through the years we offered our youth program, we had highly qualified coaches who introduced scores of kids to the joy of running – many of whom would receive MVS Scholarships when graduating from high school, and some who would go on to become highly competitive athletes.
The New Dynamic
Similar to the running boom we’ve seen in the last decade, there has been an explosion in programs offered in many communities for youth running. Virtually every community that is in the MVS geographic service area has a program, and we began to recognize that our MVS program was competing with established programs, not enhancing them.
It is for that reason that MVS has decided to no longer offer our program, but to use our youth budget to assist community based programs. We believe that we will be able to help more children, and we hope to encourage programs for less advantaged kids where funding may be least available.
The Objective
- To identify community based programs that offer youngsters the opportunity to experience the joy of fitness through running.
- To identify those programs which are in need of financial support.
- To support existing programs that serve less advantaged kids and to encourage new programs where needed.
- In addition to financial support, to provide mentoring as needed through our coaches, athletes, and running industry connections.
The Grants
- In the first year of the program, MVS pledges $5,000.
- Through an outreach effort, we will identify qualified programs for grants of up to $1,250
- We are seeking partnerships that will provide additional funding, equipment, and other resources.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted from now until May 15th.
YOUTH PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION
Name of Organization: _____________________________________________
Contact Person: ___________________________________________________
Email:_________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Approximate number of Kids in the program: __________ Ages: ________________
Where would this program take place?
____________________________________________________________________________________
When & how long would this program take place?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Is this a new “start up” program or is this an established program?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I.Please describe the structure of your program or how you would envision the way your program would operate.
II.In what ways would the funds you secure be used to enhance & impact the youth runners.
III.Identify area’s of your program that make it special that would separate it from others.
Attach additional pages if necessary.
Any interested schools, coaches, community leaders and club directors can submit applications to, or ask questions of the MVS Youth Committee at:
mvsyouth@merrimackvalleystriders.com
Scott Ouellet, MVS Youth Coach; phone: 978 761-8435
Bob Lennon, MVS VP
Tom Licciardello, MVS Development Chairman
