The Luka Doncic Foundation on Wednesday began accepting applications for Stay in Play, a three-year global grant program aimed at removing financial hurdles that push children out of organized sports.
The initiative will award grants of up to $25,000 to 77 athletes aged 12–15 over the next three years. Funds may be used for training, equipment, travel to practices or competitions, and club, league or program fees.
Targeting a critical dropout window
Research cited by the foundation shows that sports participation declines sharply between ages 12 and 15. Eligible applicants live in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia or Serbia. A total of 176 sports qualify for support.
“When I was a kid growing up in Ljubljana, all I wanted to do was run to the outdoor court behind my apartment,” Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic said in a statement released during his visit to Slovenia as part of the Jordan Brand summer tour. “I’m so sad to see kids walking away from youth sports because of circumstances outside their control… I want to make it easier for young athletes to keep playing the sports they love.”
Lara Beth Seager, CEO of the Luka Doncic Foundation, added, “This isn’t about finding the next generation of professionals. It’s about every young person who has found something they love, and whose journey is at risk because of money.”
How to apply
Applications are open at lukadoncicfoundation.org/sip through August 20. Athletes must apply with the support of a parent or guardian. The first grant recipients will be announced this winter.
Reaves secures new deal with Lakers
Separately, the Lakers reached a four-year maximum contract with Austin Reaves worth $185 million. The agreement starts at $41.3 million next season and includes a player option for 2029-30 valued at $51.2 million.
The foundation’s Stay in Play program is now live, offering young athletes a chance to stay on the field, court or pitch despite rising costs.
Source: LakersNation.com
