Community spotlight orya

Did you know The United Sports Foundation supports all types of sports programs? We believe that vital life skills come from participating in sports and are happy to support other athletic organizations in our community who are providing the best atmosphere for athletes to develop. Matthew Glode, Executive Director of the Oyster River Youth Association (ORYA) recently applied for our Community Grant.  If you are unaware of what the Community Grant is, it is a program that is designed to support Recreation, Town Travel, and/or Club sports programs in our communities across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The grant is available to those in need of financial support to help with items such as coach education, equipment, or field maintenance.

Matthew applied for the Community Grant through the United Sports Foundation website and will be using the money towards the purchase of new soccer goals.  Matthew kindly took the time to answer a few questions from us that we hope will help others inquiring about this grant in the future.

How long have you been at Oyster River and what is your role there?

I'm in my 7th year as Executive Director of ORYA. 

How many kids are involved in your program?

We average roughly 2100 participants and offer between 30-40 programs per year. From year to year, we could offer anywhere from 10-12 different sports & skills programs including soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, golf, hockey, skating, ultimate frisbee, softball and others. 

How did you hear about the United Sports Foundation and our Community Grant?

The Foundation was started while I was still working at Seacoast United so when I transitioned to my new position it seemed like a perfect fit. 

 Describe your experience with applying for the Community Grant, was it easy?

Compared to other sport or organizational grants I have submitted this was easily one of the simplest and quickest to complete. 

 How are the new goals that you were able to purchase after getting the funding from the Community Grant going to help with your program?

We're transitioning away from handmade, heavy 6'x10' goals to light, aluminum 4'x8' goals for our youth program. The new goals will be safer, easier to move, and the size is much more appropriate for the players in our program. The spring 2023 season will be the first time our families are able to utilize the new goals and we're very excited about the impact they'll have!  

If you are interested in learning more about the Community Grant program, please visit our Community Grant page under programs.