Miller family announces Utah youth sports fundraising campaign
Two-week fundraising set for September; groups can register now
Zac Williams, Ogden School District
In this August 2015 photo, children participate in an Ogden High School soccer camp held at the Spence Eccles Ogden Community Sports Complex.Citing rising costs in youth sports and the role they play in strengthening health and community in the state, the Larry H. Miller family and entities announced a fundraising campaign called Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, a two-week initiative scheduled for Sept. 12-26.
Utah Youth Sports Giving Day aims to generate $3 million in total support for nonprofits serving youth through sports, said a news release from Miller Sports and Entertainment.
Organizations interested in participating in the Utah Youth Sports Giving Day can sign up at utahyouthsportsgivingday.com. Registration closes on Sept. 1. Beginning Sept. 12, Utahns can donate to any registered youth sports nonprofit organization.
A slew of organizations and businesses — led by the Daniels Fund, Miller Sports and Entertainment, and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation — have committed $1.5 million in matching funds to the initiative, including a dollar-for-dollar match on the first $1 million raised, the Miller group says.
The group says opportunities are shrinking for kids to play sports because of soaring costs, underfunded community and recreation leagues, and aging facilities with limited access.
According a 2025 report by Project Play, the average family spent $1,106 on their child’s primary sport in 2024, a 46% increase since 2019.
Research consistently shows, according to the news release, that youth who participate in sports experience better academic and career outcomes, stronger mental and physical health and improved social-emotional skills.
More information, such as how to register as a participating nonprofit, become a sponsor or make a donation, is available online at utahyouthsportsgivingday.com.
