For the fifth-straight year, Little League® and T-Mobile are teaming up to support families in need with the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant. Starting today (January 11, 2024) eligible Little League families are able to apply for funds to assist with paying their local league’s registration fees (up to $150) during this upcoming season, and can learn more about how to apply by visiting LittleLeague.org/CallUpGrant.
“We recognize that many families face personal and financial challenges each year, which has made it difficult for their children to make their way on to a Little League field, and we are pleased to be able to continue to team up with our friends at T-Mobile to provide this opportunity once again in 2024,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “Thanks to the support of T-Mobile, we have been able to help support thousands of families in need and give their children the opportunity to experience the fun, community, and teamwork that the Little League program provides. We look forward to continuing to find new ways to increase access and remove financial barriers for our families, and we are thankful to our friends at T-Mobile for their ongoing support of these initiatives.”
As the Official Wireless Sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball, T-Mobile shares the belief that every child should have the chance to experience Little League, regardless of their financial or personal situation and this program is just one of the many ways they continue to support local communities throughout the year. Since it launched in 2020, the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant has awarded more than $5.2 million in financial support to help cover registration fees for more than 47,000 Little Leaguers® in more than 1,400 local leagues across the United States.
“When I opened the email and read that my children were accepted for the grant, I was ecstatic because it meant all my children would get a chance to play a sport,” said Marina Dizon, a parent of a previous Call Up Grant Recipient. “Growing up, I didn’t have that as my family didn’t have enough to have us play sports, so it means so much to us that we received a grant. This gives my children an opportunity to find a love for sports, to have fun, and make friends. The entire process was easy. You apply online, and in about a week or two, you get an answer with the info you need. No hassle at all. I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for the less fortunate to have a chance at sports.”
Dedicated to supporting those families in need, the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant is available to families in need who can present verification documents with effective dates within the last 12 months, such as SNAP, WIC, or Enrollment in Medicaid. Once approved, families will be issued an electronic debit card which will be usable for league registration fees only.
“Being able to qualify for such an amazing program has allowed my children to follow their dreams,” said Melissa Balonis, a mother of a family who received a previous Call Up Grant. “The biggest blessing is seeing our children so happy. They always have baseball to look forward to. I believe my children benefit from baseball because they have increased confidence, reduced stress, and it helps build them into leaders.”
To learn more about the Call Up Grant, including details on eligibility and how to apply, visit LittleLeague.org/CallUpGrant.