05/21/2026
🚨 Striders Athletic Club, we need your help! 💙
We have the chance to earn a mini grant from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation , and it only takes a few seconds to support us!
When you see the photo labeled “Chautauqua Striders YTFDP” (shared below):
👍 React (like or love)
💬 Comment
📲 Share
Every interaction helps support our Youth Track & Field Development Program. Take a moment to read the post to see just a glimpse of the impact this special program has on our young athletes, coaches, and community.💙🏃♀️🏃♂️
Our Youth Track & Field Development Program has become much more than a place for kids to learn the sport. It’s a space where confidence grows, friendships are built, and young athletes feel supported and celebrated. Funded through NCCF’s Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grant, this support has allowed us to provide 100% scholarship accessibility, ensuring that every family who applied received assistance.
One of the most meaningful parts of the program is our handmade paper plate awards, presented weekly by coaches. These awards don’t recognize the fastest athletes, but instead celebrate work ethic, sportsmanship, character, leadership, and growth. For many families, they’ve become the favorite part of the season.
One young athlete once asked a coach, “Am I allowed to make a paper plate award for a coach?” The next week, they proudly brought one in, and it sparked something bigger. Soon, athletes began creating awards not only for coaches, but for teammates as well. While track & field is often viewed as an individual sport, moments like these have created genuine friendships and a true sense of team among kids who may not have known each other at the beginning of the season.
The impact reaches our coaches too. One coach even wrote their college essay about the program, sharing that their dream is for youth in our community to have access to programs, mentors, and opportunities that build not only hope, but confidence.
With NCCF’s continued support, the program has expanded year after year. Last season, we welcomed 132 athletes, our largest group yet, and continue to see the lasting impact this program has on young people and families throughout our community.
