Phillip Blacha never played lacrosse, but as a fan, he just knew that if he could get teams started at Aiken (S.C.) High School, where he serves as athletics director, his athletes would quickly take to the sport.
Unfortunately, Blacha faced the same obstacle as many others; the start-up costs associated with lacrosse. Seeking to supplement the school district’s funding and the money raised through fundraisers, Blacha applied for a USA Lacrosse equipment grant in 2021. To his surprise, Aiken received a boys’ team grant, providing full equipment for 24 players.
“Our school has quite a varied population, with some very rich families and some very poor families,” Blacha noted. “We didn’t want some kids to be turned away because of the cost of equipment.”
After launching with 21 boys in 2022, Aiken’s roster grew to 30 boys during the recently completed 2023 season. The school also started a girls’ team in 2022, which Blacha coaches. Between the two teams, there are almost 60 players participating.
“We truly could not have had a season and provided our student-athletes with this amazing opportunity if it wasn't for this grant,” Blacha said. “It was so impactful that we fielded a girls’ program as well.”
USA Lacrosse grants are intended to support community partners that create participation opportunities and breakdown the barriers to participation. The grant to Aiken High School was one of 66 grants provided by the national governing body during the 2021-22 cycle. USA Lacrosse grants are typically provided in three categories: equipment grants, player clinic grants, and financial support.
The new grant application cycle is now open (June 1), with online submissions being accepted through July 31. Click here to learn more about the application process.
Funding for the national grant program is provided through the generosity of USA Lacrosse Foundation supporters and corporate partners. For more information or to invest in future programs like Aiken High School, visit www.usalacrosse.com/foundation and give the gift of lacrosse today.
Blacha notes that both the boys and girls squads at Aiken High School made strong progress from season one to season two, with no end in sight.
“Our kids just want to stay involved with lacrosse and keep playing the game,” Blacha said. “Once our boys and girls start playing, they fall in love with it. We were beyond thankful to receive this grant, because without it, we wouldn't be able to have a team. We have become the most popular sport in the area.”
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The USA Lacrosse Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as the philanthropic arm of USA Lacrosse. The Foundation helps drive the three main pillars of the USA Lacrosse mission: 1) Fuel the growth; 2) Enrich the experience; 3) Field the best national teams. Supporting the foundation provides thousands of children across the country the opportunity to experience the gift of lacrosse. To learn more about the USA Lacrosse Foundation, please visit usalacrosse.com/foundation.
