“They can grab a cart, grab a clipboard, and essentially go shopping free of charge for whatever they need to support their program.”— Eric Rutkowski
Looking Forward Our Way: Leveling The Playing Field
In the podcast episode “Leveling The Playing Field,” hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson sit down with Eric Rutkowski, the Program Director for Leveling The Playing Field (LPF) Ohio. The episode dives into the transformative efforts by LPF to support youth sports across the state of Ohio, particularly in the cities of Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
Mission and Vision
Eric Rutkowski explains his commitment to supporting youth sports by ensuring programs across Ohio are interconnected. This network allows these programs to share equipment, addressing disparities in resources. Rutkowski emphasizes the necessity of unrestricted funds to achieve their mission, driven by the goal of establishing an independent warehouse to maximize operational capability.
Community Involvement and Donations
Eric speaks passionately about the need for community support through donations—both financial and material. He highlights the importance of community contributions to facilitate the provision of free sports equipment for youth programs. The organization not only needs sports gear but also requires a dedicated van and increased staff to handle the logistics and distribution efficiently. Rutkowski encourages listeners to get involved by volunteering, donating, or supporting aligned nonprofits, referencing resources like the Columbus Foundation and the Human Services Chamber.
How the Process Works
Rutkowski explains the streamlined process for teams and schools to apply for equipment and support. This method focuses on sustainability and the creation of long-lasting relationships with the programs they help. Individuals and organizations looking to donate can arrange drives or drop off gear at designated collection bins or the warehouse itself. The facility in North Columbus is a hub for these activities and welcomes both drop-offs and tours.
Diversity of Equipment and New Sports Introduction
LPF’s inclusivity shines through the wide array of sports equipment it accepts, including niche items like fencing gear, boxing gloves, and even bowling gear. This variety not only meets the needs of traditional sports but also introduces kids to new sports, fostering broader participation.
Volunteer Opportunities and Support
Volunteers play a pivotal role in LPF’s operations, participating in sorting, inventorying, and cleaning the warehouse. Rutkowski emphasizes that volunteers of all ages and group sizes are welcome. Community organizations, such as Bessa, have shown strong support for LPF, highlighting the collective effort in grassroots movements.
Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, LPF aims to broaden its impact across Ohio, with specific efforts focused on Cleveland and Cincinnati. These expansions align with LPF’s vision of establishing a robust network of sports programs statewide, ensuring no child is left behind due to a lack of equipment. Collaboration with sports teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Major League Soccer Players Association forms part of this expansion, encouraging more sports entities to join the initiative.
Eric Rutkowski’s Journey
Eric shares his personal and professional journey, reflecting on the importance of sports in his life, and drawing attention to the life lessons and values learned from youth sports. His connection to LPF aligns seamlessly with his passion for ensuring equitable access to sports for all kids.
National Presence and Impact
Leveling The Playing Field, a national organization, began over a decade ago thanks to Max Levitt, who recognized the surplus of unused sports equipment and aimed to redistribute it to schools and programs lacking resources. With four locations on the East Coast, LPF expanded to Ohio to address the widening gap in youth sports access, a gap indicated by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play report which noted that nearly 3,000,000 kids drop out of sports before age 12.
Support from notable foundations, such as the Columbus Foundation and the Lindy Infante Foundation, enabled LPF’s Ohio launch. Over the past decade, the organization has assisted over 2,000 organizations and donated more than $14,000,000 worth of sports equipment, proving instrumental for schools with constrained sports budgets. This aid not only supports existing programs but also facilitates the initiation of new ones.
Broadening Access and Building Skills
Beyond traditional sports like football and basketball, LPF’s donations include equipment for emerging sports such as lacrosse, pickleball, tennis, and golf. Participation in these sports fosters mental and physical health benefits while also teaching leadership, teamwork, and community-building skills.
Community and University Support
Rutkowski and the hosts underscore the significance of connecting with professional sports teams, universities, and organizations to bolster the donation network. Examples include universities that switch sports brands opting to donate unused gear. Institutions like Otterbein have already extended their support, and there are ongoing plans to engage more schools and communities to perpetuate this noble cause.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
