Donald Deibler, business owner and Business Manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery in Hegins, Pennsylvania, is urging families, businesses, coaches, and community members to consider how they can support local youth sports. For Deibler, youth sports are about more than the final score; they offer young people a place to be active, build friendships, work with others, and become part of their community.
Deibler, who grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, with his parents and five siblings, credits sports with providing a positive focus during his youth. 'Sports gave me something positive to focus on when I was younger,' he said. 'If we can help local kids have those same opportunities, that matters.' Those experiences shaped his belief in teamwork, which he now applies both in his business career and community involvement. He volunteers as a youth sports coach and helps ensure his businesses contribute to local youth programs, including Tri-Valley Little League. 'When you coach kids, you see how important encouragement can be,' Deibler said. 'You want them to learn how to work together and keep improving.'
The importance of keeping young people active is supported by research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Regular activity can support stronger muscles and bones, cardiovascular fitness, brain health, attention, memory, and academic performance. Organized sports can be one avenue for achieving this activity. However, participation is not universal. Federal data cited by the Aspen Institute showed that 54% of U.S. children ages 6 to 17 played on a sports team or took sports lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017. The national Healthy People 2030 target is 63%. For Deibler, these numbers highlight why local support still matters.
Deibler believes that supporting youth sports does not have to involve a major program or large organization. His own involvement has included coaching and supporting local teams through his businesses. He also volunteers at St. Peter's UCC. 'A business is part of the community around it,' Deibler said. 'You have to remember the people who support you and find ways to support them too.' That philosophy mirrors his approach to business. Deibler is also involved with Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, owned by his wife, where he has supported her in bringing the business vision to life, often stepping into the kitchen to help when needed. 'I've always believed that you have to be willing to help where the work is happening,' he said. 'It doesn't matter what your title is.' He sees community involvement in much the same way: rather than waiting for someone else to solve every need, individuals can look for practical ways to contribute their time and skills.
Supporting youth sports can take many forms. Community members can volunteer with recreational programs, attend local games, coach when qualified, help maintain fields, donate usable equipment, or ask existing youth organizations what type of assistance they actually need. Parents and caregivers can also encourage children to find physical activities they enjoy, whether through organized teams or informal recreation. The CDC notes that activities do not have to be highly structured and can include walking, running, bicycling, swimming, playground activities, and other forms of active play. The goal, Deibler says, is creating opportunities for young people to participate and feel supported. 'You don't always have to do something huge to make a difference,' Deibler said. 'Sometimes it is giving your time, helping a team, or just showing kids that people in the community care.'
Deibler encourages people to look at what is already happening in their own communities. Residents can contact local recreation programs, schools, churches, and youth sports organizations to learn where volunteers or other support are needed. Families can also make regular movement part of everyday life by finding safe activities children genuinely enjoy. The first step can be simple: identify one local need and decide whether your time, experience, or resources could help meet it.
