Sponsorship focuses on making youth sports accessible and equitable for all

Healthfirst, one of New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurance companies, and TeamSnap, home to the largest community for everything youth sports, are proud to announce that they have teamed up to make youth sports more accessible and to promote the benefits of physical activity for the overall health and wellness of children. To that end, Healthfirst will sponsor 25 local youth sports leagues—including soccer, baseball, football, and basketball teams—and fund 67 youth sports scholarships.

With the new school year swiftly approaching, Healthfirst is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the health coverage they need. Select Fall sports events led by TeamSnap youth leagues will feature a Healthfirst presence educating the community members about their health coverage options.

“In addition to the health benefits of physical activity, playing sports can improve psychological, social, and academic outcomes for children,” said Dr. Maja Castillo, Pediatric Doctor, and Medical Director at Healthfirst. “Healthfirst aims to build a healthier future for all New Yorkers. By teaming up with TeamSnap, we aim to support the local communities we serve by supporting youth sports leagues across New York. Sports are an excellent way to combat common issues among children, including obesity and diabetes.”

Pediatrician Dr. Maja Castillo recommends the following tips for parents and caregivers:

• Encourage peer engagement: enroll your child in a local sports youth league or have them try a new sport with a group of friends.
• Be a positive role model: Lead an active lifestyle that is visible for your child. Parents and caregivers are powerful role models who can help shape a child’s perception of the importance of physical activity.
• Make it fun: Help your child find a sport they enjoy. Keep it light and minimize pressure. The important thing is to keep kids moving!

“We're closely aligned on the key role that sports play in the health and wellness of children,” said Nicole McCormack, SVP and GM of Brand Solutions, TeamSnap. "We are thrilled to be able to help Healthfirst support and build meaningful relationships with local youth sports programs via our unique digital and physical marketing activations."

As an exclusive health partner for selected youth leagues each season, Healthfirst will reach more than 11,000 children. Healthfirst branding will appear on athletes’ jerseys and on event signage, and the company will appear at select events educating the community about their health insurance coverage options. More than 40% of the investment Healthfirst has made goes back to the local community by helping to make youth sports more accessible to thousands of young families and equitable for all. Funds are spent on equipment, jerseys, umpires’ fees, travel expenses, field maintenance, and more. To learn more about Healthfirst, visit HealthfirstEquityForAll.org.