Fore the Kids! Fields & Futures Receives $12,500 DICK’s Sports Matter Grant to Grow OKCPS Golf

Dec 26, 2024

Fields & Futures DICK's Sports Matter Golf Grant Blog Feature Image

On Giving Tuesday, Fields & Futures received a gift that will keep on giving – a $12,500 DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Grant. This impactful grant will strengthen the Fields & Futures Golf Program, helping to grow the game of golf in Oklahoma City Public Schools and expanding opportunities for aspiring golfers across the district.

DICK’s presented the grant on Giving Tuesday during a special event at DICK’s House of Sport, where OKCPS student-athletes received a private, one-of-a-kind store experience. The store opened its doors to OKCPS students, giving them exclusive access to the flagship store’s outdoor fields, rock climbing wall, batting cages, and state-of-the-art golf simulators. For many, it was a chance to explore new sports and refine skills in an unforgettable setting.

Growing the Game of Golf, One Student at a Time

Fields & Futures is on a mission to put more kids on more teams and ensure every OKCPS student has access to quality athletic programs. This grant from DICK’s will bolster those efforts, particularly within the golf program, where resources are often limited. From providing equipment to supporting coaching development and covering greens fees and range tokens, the funds will play a key role in nurturing the next generation of golfers in OKCPS.

But growing the game isn’t just about improving access to sports. It’s about creating experiences that inspire kids to keep playing. Golf is a sport that teaches patience, focus, and resilience. Fields & Futures is committed to introducing these values to OKCPS students while fostering a lifelong love for the game.

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Team Experiences That Inspire

One of Fields & Futures’ core philosophies is that sports participation is about much more than just competition. Being part of a team gives kids unique experiences they might not encounter anywhere else—experiences that can shape their future.

The private Giving Tuesday event at DICK’s House of Sport was a perfect example. For OKCPS student-athletes, it was a chance to step into the spotlight and try something new while being immersed in a fun, supportive environment. These types of experiences help foster a sense of belonging and are essential in encouraging students to stay engaged in sports.

The Power of Community Partnerships

Community partners like DICK’s House of Sport are essential in making the work of Fields & Futures possible. Their support goes beyond financial contributions. It creates moments and opportunities that show students the possibilities that exist when they’re part of a team.

The $12,500 Sports Matter Grant and DICK’s open house event underscore the vital role these partnerships play in inspiring kids, growing participation, and strengthening programs. With our supporters and community partners by our side, we are building brighter futures for OKCPS student-athletes, one sport—and one experience—at a time.

Fields & Futures DICK's Sports Matter Golf Grant Blog Story Image

Fields & Futures extends its deepest gratitude to DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation and DICK’s House of Sport for their generous support. With partners like these, our goal of growing sports participation in OKCPS becomes more attainable every day.

Game, Set, Impact: A Q&A With Our New Development Director, Emmy Hufnagel

Emmy Hufnagel is an avid tennis player, former triathlete, and the newest addition to the Fields & Futures team. As our Development Director, Emmy brings a wealth of experience in youth sports advocacy and nonprofit leadership. Having seen firsthand the impact of sports on young lives, Emmy is dedicated to helping us take the next big step—from building fields to filling them with kids.

Fields & Futures