Horizons Youth Sports Academy uses a sliding fee scale based on total household income and the number of household members. We require supporting documentation to verify household size and income and consider special circumstances when providing assistance. Guests of all ages, backgrounds, and statuses are welcome at Edge programming, and we encourage all who need assistance to apply.
HYSA Access to Youth Sports Scholarship Program: Guidelines and Application
Horizons Youth Sports Academy (HYSA) is pleased to announce a Youth Sports Scholarship Program (referred to as the “Program”), which has been created to encourage participation in and allow access to youth sports for participants who otherwise may not have the financial means or opportunity to participate. Financial assistance through the Program is available to assist players who are not able to afford the full costs associated with playing recreational or travel basketball, football, soccer, or volleyball .
Financial assistance funds are limited, and applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Families within Harrisonburg, Rockingham, and surrounding communities are encouraged to apply. In the event financial assistance funds are exhausted for a particular season, no more aid will be available.
HYSA will consider many factors when evaluating eligibility for financial assistance through the Program. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to, a family hardship or burden, illness, loss of compensation or other changes in financial position. Applications may be submitted online or in person at Horizons Edge Sports Campus.
Financial assistance applications must be made by a player’s parent or guardian. Financial assistance applications will be held in strict confidence between the parent/guardian and the Scholarship Committee of HYSA. A request must be submitted for each season and the receipt of financial assistance in one season does not guarantee financial assistance in future seasons. That said, the Scholarship Committee will make every effort to award financial assistance for the entire season (i.e. Fall and Spring). The amount of aid awarded will be determined by the Scholarship Committee.
HYSA encourages any family receiving financial assistance to assist HYSA by volunteering during the course of the season. This can be in the form of volunteering to help maintain playing fields, serving as an assistant coach, or assisting with HYSA or team fundraising events.
Top 4 Reasons Youth Need Sports
- Improved Physical Health- Sports build a foundation of good exercise habits for the future and help keep kids active, limber, and getting stronger as they grow.
- Athletes Accelerate in Academics- Being involved in sports can not only help cognitive performance but also lead to improved academic functioning and focus in the classroom.
- Mental Health Benefits- Adolescents in sports tend to understand themselves better and are better able to set limits and boundaries. Sports provide a stress outlet for players of all ages, and the team atmosphere can act as an emotional support system.
- Worthwhile Experiences Require Hard Work – Learning to work hard in sports and tolerate the natural ups and downs of athletics supports the development of grit and dedication needed to excel in other parts of young people’s lives.
HYSA is a non‐profit organization with limited funding available for scholarship athletes. Completing an application for aid does not guarantee that aid will be provided. Below are requirements for eligibility:
- Athlete must be age 18 or younger and must reside within the HYSA operating area.
- Commitment to attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled practices and games.
- Participation by an adult family member in at least eight (8) hours of voluntary service to HYSA during the sport season. Volunteer work will be under the direction of the HYSA – Sports Operations Director, and can include participating in fundraisers, working in concession stands, field work (picking up trash, striping fields), or other duties as assigned by HYSA.
- Application must be completed by a parent, guardian, or head of household, with all requested information provided.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application is on the following page.
Application Process:
- Complete the HYSA Scholarship Application Form, which must be signed by a parent/guardian.
- Mail application to address listed on the bottom of the application prior to the application deadline.
- Include with application proof of current income for all household members. Examples Include:
- One Month of current consecutive pay stubs (4 weekly, 3 bi‐weekly, or 2 bi‐monthly paystubs).
- Printout from Social Security Administration.
- Most recent completed tax return.
- Notarized letter stating that applicant has no income.
- Scholarship application approval will be based on verification of financial need.
- Scholarships will be provided on a first‐come, funding and space available basis.
- Consideration will be given to eligible youth meeting one or more of the criteria below. The more information provided, the better able HYSA will be to offer assistance. A written request is required.
- Family receiving assistance from programs such as: Food Stamps, Medicaid, SSI, foster Care, WIC, etc. (Must provide written documentation of participation in these programs)
- Written recommendation by school representatives, social services representatives, family, or friend of the family.
- Player is living in a single parent home.
- Player is a member of a multi‐child family.
- Other immediate financial hardship
Horizons Youth Sports Academy does not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, physical ability, or cultural and religious backgrounds.
Confidentiality: Horizons Youth Sports Academy will use the information on the application only to decide if your child qualifies to receive a partial or full scholarship for eligible athletic activities. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times. Applicants are guaranteed that personal finances will not be discussed outside of the HYSA Scholarship Committee. Coaches, assistant coaches, or volunteer helpers will not be informed of a participant’s financial or scholarship status.
***Please note: Approval of a scholarship does not register the participant in the activity. You must still complete registration for the athlete in the sport desired.
