Building Stronger Rural Communities Through Sports

Rural Access Sports (RAS) is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and belonging through sports in rural communities. We believe every person deserves the confidence, friendships, and leadership skills that sports can provide, regardless of geography. Through free and accessible sports programs, education, mentorship, and community partnerships, we strengthen rural athletic ecosystems and expand opportunities for youth across rural communities.

Rural Access Sports was founded by former collegiate soccer player Jordan van Althuis, who grew up on a dairy farm in Central New York State and experienced the transformative impact of sports and mentorship. This summer, Rural Access Sports launched its inaugural program: a free Girls Summer Soccer Camp for youth athletes in Sherburne, New York. In addition to high-quality soccer instruction, campers participated in Rural Access Sports' Female360 curriculum, which supports the holistic development of female athletes through education on sports psychology, nutrition, women's health, mental health, the history of women's sports, and the modern game of women’s soccer. The program is designed to help girls build confidence, leadership, resilience, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

Your support will help Rural Access Sports provide free, accessible programming for rural youth! Future programs will include additional sports camps such as girls' ice hockey; opportunities for youth to attend professional sporting events; education and upskilling for rural grassroots coaches; youth leadership and career development; and community partnerships that strengthen rural athletic ecosystems.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps build healthier, stronger, and more connected rural communities through sports.

Support Rural Access Sports

Help us expand access, opportunity, and belonging through sports in rural communities.