Donald Deibler, Business Manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery in Hegins, Pennsylvania, is calling on families, businesses, coaches, and community members to increase support for local youth sports. Deibler, who grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, credits sports with giving him a positive focus during his youth and believes that providing similar opportunities for today's children is crucial.
Deibler's involvement in youth sports goes beyond rhetoric. He volunteers as a youth sports coach and ensures his businesses contribute to local programs, including the Tri-Valley Little League. '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.'
The importance of youth sports is underscored by public health guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Regular activity supports muscle and bone strength, cardiovascular fitness, brain health, attention, memory, and academic performance. Organized sports can be an effective way to meet these guidelines.
However, participation is not universal. Federal data cited by the Aspen Institute shows that 54% of U.S. children aged 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 highlight the need for local support, Deibler says.
Deibler believes that supporting youth sports does not require large organizations or major programs. His own involvement includes coaching, supporting teams through his businesses, and volunteering at St. Peter's UCC. 'A business is part of the community around it,' he said. 'You have to remember the people who support you and find ways to support them too.'
His philosophy extends to his approach to business as well. Deibler is also involved with Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, owned by his wife, where he has taken a hands-on role, including working in the kitchen when 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.'
Community involvement, in his view, means individuals can find practical ways to contribute their time and skills. Supporting youth sports can take many forms: volunteering with recreational programs, attending local games, coaching if qualified, helping maintain fields, donating usable equipment, or asking existing organizations what they need. Parents and caregivers can also encourage children to find physical activities they enjoy, whether through organized teams or informal recreation. The CDC notes that activities do not have to be highly structured and can include walking, running, bicycling, swimming, playground activities, and other forms of active play.
The goal, Deibler says, is creating opportunities for young people to participate and feel supported. 'You don't always have to do something huge to make a difference,' he said. 'Sometimes it is giving your time, helping a team, or just showing kids that people in the community care.'
Deibler encourages residents to look at what is already happening in their communities and contact local recreation programs, schools, churches, and youth sports organizations to learn where volunteers or other support are needed. Families can make regular movement part of everyday life by finding safe activities children enjoy. The first step can be simple: identify one local need and decide whether your time, experience, or resources could help meet it.
