Ryan Cooney

Spokane Youth Sports Association

1221 N Howard Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 328-7972

ryan@sysa.com

For Immediate Release

March 5, 2019

SPOKANE YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Spokane, WA 5 March - Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA) is a 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organization dedicated to providing local youth with a variety of sports programs. The
organization focuses on creating programs that allow for equal participation and sufficient
playing time. The nonprofit serves the following mission: to provide sports activities for all
youth where everyone plays, develops skills, is taught good sportsmanship, and learns the value
of being a team player. Spokane Youth Sports Association emphasizes learning, building
confidence and promoting health benefits through sports.

Founded in 1965, SYSA began as a junior football program with 284 players.
Throughout the years, SYSA has developed into a larger organization with a wide reach. Since
SYSA’s development, the organization has accumulated over 9,000 participants and created
several other sports programs. The organization offers kids the ability to participate in sports
during every season. The current SYSA programs are flag football, soccer, track and cross
country, basketball, speed and agility, baseball, softball and rugby.

“When you see those younger kids put on their uniforms, it’s exciting because they
realize they are a part of something big,” commented Community Relations Director, Ryan
Cooney. One of the best aspects of SYSA, according to Cooney, is allowing kids to participate at
a young age, seeing them return and compete for many years. Spokane Youth Sports Association
athletes are eligible to play from ages 4-18.

-more-
 As a nonprofit organization, Spokane Youth Sports Association supports the various
programs through fundraising opportunities. At SYSA, fundraising includes individual
donations, corporate sponsorships and SYSA BINGO. The SYSA BINGO program is a donation
opportunity where participants of all skill levels can enjoy a fun game of bingo while supporting
sports programs for local youth. Every dollar that SYSA BINGO receives from players is
donated to SYSA. The SYSA BINGO program has raised over $100,000 for the nonprofit.

There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for community members to get

involved in the action. The organization offers volunteer programs such as
officials/referees/umpires and coaches for those who want to be involved in the game day action.
Field and maintenance staff are needed to ensure SYSA facilities are well maintained.
Volunteers may assist with administration duties such as scheduling and organizing teams.
Lastly, board members for SYSA are community volunteers who support the programs and
SYSA staff. Every volunteer generously helps to support Spokane Youth Sports Association.

Spokane Youth Sports Association has multiple facilities throughout the Spokane area.
The SYSA office is located on N. Howard Street and the organization has indoor and outdoor
sports centers. The indoor sports center is used for indoor soccer, dodgeball and indoor football.
Through donations, Spokane Youth Sports Association purchased a site to build Andrew Rypien
Field. The field serves as a dedication to the son of National Football League player, Mark
Rypien. Many of the activities and programs take place on this field and SYSA is proud to have
this space for the community.

As a youth sports program, SYSA provides kids with the opportunity to play and learn
skills that will last for years to come. Executive Director, Philip Helean, expressed the
importance of sports in youth development, “The lessons of sports can be applied to everyday
life and that is something we hope to achieve through our programs. When given the opportunity
and confidence to play, kids can develop a true passion for sports.” With this attitude, SYSA
gives Spokane youth a fulfilling and fun athletic experience.

For more information about Spokane Youth Sports Association and how to get involved,
contact Ryan Cooney at ryan@sysa.com.

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Spokane Youth Sports Association

1221 N Howard Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 328-7972