Fuel the Drive, a nonprofit organization that provides access to golf and tennis programs for children from low-income families, has announced ambitious plans to significantly expand its reach in 2026. Founder and president Terry Aikin stated the organization aims to impact at least five times as many young people as it did in 2025, building on three years of serving more than 100 children annually through golf and over 500 through tennis programs.
The organization addresses what Aikin identifies as one of the most significant barriers to youth sports participation: cost. By covering essential program expenses including registration for local PGA Junior League and U.S. Tennis Association programs, along with training guidance and equipment, Fuel the Drive removes financial obstacles that prevent children from underserved communities from participating in organized sports. Aikin emphasized that participation in these structured environments promotes self-confidence, perseverance, and personal growth beyond athletic development.
According to Aikin, the benefits extend far beyond the golf course or tennis court. "Time and again, we see that participation in golf and tennis programs contributes to the development of transferable life skills, including self-discipline, teamwork and problem-solving," he noted. The organization points to success stories like Mavarro, who has participated in the PGA Junior League program for three years with Fuel the Drive's assistance. His father reported that playing golf helped Mavarro develop patience and confidence, earning him an award for perseverance, while his analytical skills improved in ways that help him tackle challenges in school and life.
To achieve its 2026 goal of expanding golf programming to serve more than 500 young athletes, Fuel the Drive is actively working to grow its donor base. "Our donor base has been very generous, and their contributions have made our impact possible," Aikin reported. "But we're seeking to significantly grow that base in order to achieve our objectives for 2026." The organization has launched a new website and is expanding digital outreach to engage partners, community stakeholders, and new donors. More information about the organization's mission and programs is available at https://www.fuelthe drive.org.
The expansion initiative comes at a time when access to youth sports remains uneven across socioeconomic lines. Research consistently shows that participation in organized sports correlates with improved academic performance, better mental health outcomes, and development of leadership qualities. By specifically targeting financial barriers, Fuel the Drive's model addresses a critical gap in youth development opportunities, potentially creating pathways to more successful futures for children who might otherwise lack access to such structured programs.
