Website Presented by Nextiny Marketing

CFY Awards More Than $57K in Athletic Grants to Pinellas County Youth Football & Cheer Programs

By
3 Minutes Read
CFY Awards More Than $57K in Athletic Grants to Pinellas County Youth Football & Cheer Programs
7:14

 

Through its Grant Program, CFY recently awarded more than $57,000 in athletic grants to three youth organizations, helping support athlete registration costs and provide additional resources needed to strengthen local programs.

These grants help remove financial barriers and give more children across Pinellas County the chance to join a team, build confidence, and experience the benefits of youth athletics.

The latest grant recipients include:

  • Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes: $12,986 Youth Athlete Registration Reimbursement Grant
  • Seminole Seahawks: $21,650 Youth Athlete Registration Reimbursement & Equipment Supplement Grant
  • Pinellas Park T-Birds: $22,650 Youth Athlete Registration Reimbursement Grant

CFY is helping more children participate in youth sports throughout Pinellas County by providing athletic grants that reduce financial barriers for local football and cheer programs. Through these investments, CFY helps create more opportunities for children to experience the benefits of organized athletics.

 

A CFY Pinellas County football team posing for a picture with their grant check on an outdoor field.
The Seminole Seahawks Holding a grant check
CFY Pinellas youth football team gathered together on a field during a game, holding a Grant check.
The Pinellas Park T-Birds holding a grant check

 

How CFY’s Athletic Grants Help More Children Participate in Youth Sports

Youth sports provide children with opportunities to build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and create meaningful connections within their community. However, registration fees, equipment expenses, and other costs can sometimes make participation more challenging for families and athletic organizations.

CFY’s Grant Program helps address these challenges by providing financial support directly to local youth sports programs.

CFY athletic grants help organizations:

  • Reduce athlete registration costs for families
  • Provide funding for essential equipment needs
  • Strengthen local football and cheer programs
  • Expand access to youth athletics throughout Pinellas County

Through these investments, CFY supports the organizations working directly with young athletes and helps create more opportunities for children to participate.

 

How CFY Is Helping Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes Make Youth Sports More Affordable

The Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes received a $12,986 Youth Athlete Registration Reimbursement Grant through CFY’s Grant Program.

This funding helps offset registration costs, allowing the program to continue providing youth athletes with opportunities to participate in football and cheer.

The grant was made possible through proceeds from CFY’s Annual Art Capogna Memorial Golf Classic, demonstrating how community support can directly impact local youth programs.

Community partnerships play an important role in helping more young athletes access sports opportunities throughout Pinellas County.

Youth football players from the Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes on the field in Clearwater, Florida, playing football.
Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes on the field in Clearwater, Florida, playing football
Youth football players from the Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes on the field in Clearwater, Florida., holding their grant check.
Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes on the field in Clearwater, Florida, holding a grant check

 

Seminole Seahawks Receive Support for Registration and Essential Equipment

The Seminole Seahawks received a $21,650 Youth Athlete Registration Reimbursement & Equipment Supplement Grant from CFY.

This grant provides support for both registration costs and essential equipment needs, helping the program continue to grow while providing resources for its athletes.

The check presentation included a special appearance from former MLB outfielder and Seminole native Brett Phillips. Returning to the community where his own youth sports journey began, Brett reflected on growing up in Seminole, participating in local youth programs, and the experiences that shaped him as an athlete.

 

Youth football players from the Seminole Seahawks team on the field in Clearwater, Florida, holding a grant check.
Seminole Seahawks team on the field in Clearwater, Florida, holding a grant check
Former MLB outfielder and Seminole native Brett Phillips
A Seminole Seahawks youth football coach speaking to the team


Youth sports create lasting memories and experiences that can inspire athletes both on and off the field.

Pinellas Park T-Birds Receive More Than $22K in Registration Support

The Pinellas Park T-Birds received a $22,650 Youth Athlete Registration Reimbursement Grant through CFY’s Grant Program.

This funding helps support registration costs and provides more young athletes with the opportunity to participate in youth sports.

By supporting programs like the Pinellas Park T-Birds, CFY continues working to make youth athletics more accessible for children and families throughout the community.

Pinellas Park T-Birds youth football team holding the grant check for CFY Pinellas.
Pinellas Park T-Birds youth football team holding the grant check for CFY Pinellas

 

Expanding Youth Sports Opportunities in Pinellas County

CFY believes every child should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of youth sports.

Beyond competition, athletic programs provide children with opportunities to:

  • Build confidence and discipline
  • Learn teamwork and leadership skills
  • Develop relationships with teammates and coaches
  • Create experiences that can shape their future

Through its Grant Program, CFY continues partnering with local organizations to help reduce financial barriers and expand access to youth football and cheer programs throughout Pinellas County.

Seminole Seahawks youth cheerleaders hugging each other on the outdoor football field.
CFY Pinellas youth cheerleaders
Seminole Seahawks youth football team playing together on the outdoor football field.
CFY Pinellas youth football team
Seminole Seahawks youth cheerleaders posing for a picture on the outdoor football field.
CFY Pinellas youth cheerleaders posing for a picture on the outdoor football field


When communities invest in youth sports, they invest in the next generation of athletes, leaders, and teammates.

Learn More About CFY Athletic Grants

CFY’s Grant Program provides support to youth athletic organizations working to expand access to sports opportunities throughout Pinellas County.

Whether through registration reimbursement, equipment funding, or community partnerships, CFY is committed to helping more children participate in youth athletics.

Learn how CFY athletic grants support local programs or discover how your organization can apply for funding opportunities.

Apply for a Grant!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CFY Grant Program?

The CFY Grant Program provides financial support to youth athletic organizations throughout Pinellas County to help reduce barriers and expand access to sports opportunities for children.

What types of expenses can CFY athletic grants support?

CFY athletic grants can help support needs such as athlete registration costs and equipment funding, depending on the specific grant awarded.

Which youth football and cheer programs received CFY grants?

Recent CFY Grant Program recipients include Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes, Seminole Seahawks, and Pinellas Park T-Birds.

Why are youth sports grants important?

Youth sports grants help reduce financial barriers that may prevent children from participating in organized athletics, allowing more athletes to benefit from team sports experiences.

How can a youth sports program apply for a CFY grant?

Organizations interested in CFY athletic grants can learn more about available opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process through CFY.

Picture of Julio Vien Sarin

Julio Vien Sarin

Julio Vien Sarin is the Operations Manager at CFY Pinellas and a University of Tampa graduate with a degree in Sport Management. After starting as a CFY intern in 2024, Julio transitioned into a full-time leadership role and has spent more than two years helping advance CFY’s mission across Pinellas County. Julio specializes in event operations, sports photography, social media content, and visual storytelling, supporting programs centered around athletic grants, educational scholarships, and water safety initiatives for Pinellas County youth. His work helps strengthen community partnerships, improve donor engagement, and expand awareness of CFY’s impact. He plays a key role in organizing major CFY events, including the Breakfast at the Ballpark Series and CFY’s Banquet on the Beach, while also supporting donor tracking, budgeting, invoicing, and operational planning. Julio’s passion for CFY’s mission is deeply personal. Growing up as a basketball player in New York, he experienced firsthand how financial barriers can limit access to sports opportunities. That experience drives his commitment to helping ensure every child has access to youth athletics, educational opportunities, and programs that support long-term success—regardless of financial circumstances. Through both strategic operations and creative storytelling, Julio helps showcase how CFY continues to create life-changing opportunities for youth and families across Pinellas County.

Author