Learn about our commitment to supporting Branford's young athletes and building a stronger community through youth sports.
Friends of Branford Youth Sports is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to supporting Branford youth athletes, teams, and programs by providing financial assistance, athletic resources, and developmental opportunities that help our children succeed both on and off the field.
Through fundraising and community support, we help provide access to strength and conditioning programs, equipment, training opportunities, and direct financial support for Branford youth sports organizations and participants.
Recognizing a need within our community for greater access to athletic development facilities, our organization has leased space to create a dedicated training gym where Branford Youth Sports athletes can work out and train free of charge. Parents and community members came together with a shared belief that our children deserve the same opportunities, resources, and competitive advantages available in surrounding towns.
Our mission extends beyond sports. We believe athletics help build confidence, discipline, teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles for young people. By creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment for training and development, we aim to invest in the physical, mental, and personal growth of Branford's youth.
Friends of Branford Youth Sports is truly a community-supported non-profit organization made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, sponsors, and families who believe in creating better opportunities for our children and strengthening the future of our community.
EIN: 33-1665824
Every child deserves the chance to play, regardless of financial circumstances.
Building stronger bonds through shared support of our young athletes.
Open and accountable use of all donated funds.
Striving to provide the best support possible for our athletes.
To support and enhance youth sports programs in Branford, Connecticut by providing financial assistance for equipment, training programs, and team needs—ensuring that every young athlete has the opportunity to participate, grow, and succeed in sports.
We are deeply grateful to the generous partners who have helped make our mission possible.
One of the founders of Friends of Branford Youth Sports reached out to his childhood friend, Joe Pepe, CEO of IGNITE Fitness Holdings, for help in equipping the new training facility. Pepe responded by having IGNITE Fitness Holdings—one of the largest franchise groups of Planet Fitness, and owners of Planet Fitness in Branford—generously donate all of the commercial fitness equipment for the facility. The donation will provide local youth athletes with access to high-quality cardio and strength-training equipment while significantly reducing the nonprofit's startup costs.
The youth of Branford owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to IGNITE Fitness Holdings and Joe Pepe for their extraordinary generosity. Their support has helped turn the vision of a community training facility into a reality, creating opportunities for countless young athletes for years to come. On behalf of the organization, its volunteers, coaches, families, and the children who will benefit from this facility, thank you to IGNITE Fitness Holdings and Joe for investing in the future of Branford's youth.
Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, you can help us support Branford's young athletes.