Goodyear among recipients of youth sports grant

The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) Board of Directors has awarded a record $6.3 million in grants made of Proposition 302 tax funding to 36 organizations supporting youth and amateur sports across Maricopa County including funding for programs in Goodyear.

Three West Valley organizations, including Great Hearts Archway Classical Academy Trivium and the City of Goodyear, received awards through the biennial Youth and Amateur Sports Grant program. The grants are intended to support capital projects and equipment for local recreational sports initiatives that demonstrate financial need and community impact.

For the City of Goodyear, the grant is set aside to help fund the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting at the ballfields in Goodyear Community Park. City officials state that upgrading the lighting to LED technology would improve the experience for players while enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“AZSTA is proud to partner with these worthy non-profits and schools whose youth and amateur sports programs positively impact the lives of thousands of Arizonans,” said AZSTA Board Chair Kim Grace Sabow. “With more than $39 million in grants awarded since 2001, AZSTA continues to fulfill the promise made to Maricopa County voters when they approved Proposition 302.”

AZSTA received 74 applications for this grant cycle, nearly double the number from the last round. The awards, announced following a vote by the board, will be distributed during Fiscal Year 2026, which began July 1.

“This money will support the AZSTA Youth and Amateur Sports grant recipients as they carry out their critical missions in our community,” said Dr. Anikar Chhabra, chair of AZSTA’s Youth and Amateur Sports committee. “It is our privilege to partner with these non-profit organizations, schools and municipalities to help make Maricopa County a better place to live.”

AZSTA funding is allocated to projects that serve public benefit, particularly those located near or in partnership with public schools. In addition to Goodyear, the 2025 grant recipients include organizations and municipalities in Avondale, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe.

Other West Valley projects awarded funding this cycle include development at Highland Prep West, in Avondale and the Boys and Girls Club of the Valley. 

Since its creation in 2001, AZSTA has awarded more than $39 million in support of over 700 projects through its youth sports grant program.