Donald Deibler, a business owner and Business Manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery, is advocating for greater community support for local youth sports, citing the positive impact they have on young people beyond the scoreboard. Deibler, who grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, credits sports with providing him a constructive focus during his youth and now encourages families, businesses, and coaches to consider how they can contribute to similar opportunities in their own towns.
"Sports gave me something positive to focus on when I was younger," Deibler said. "If we can help local kids have those same opportunities, that matters." His experiences have shaped his belief in teamwork, a principle he applies in his business and community roles, including volunteering as a youth sports coach and supporting programs like Tri-Valley Little League.
The importance of keeping young people active is backed by research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, which can improve muscle and bone health, cardiovascular fitness, brain function, attention, memory, and academic performance. Organized sports are one avenue for meeting these guidelines, but participation is not universal. According to federal data cited by the Aspen Institute, 54% of U.S. children aged 6 to 17 played on a sports team or took lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017, falling short of the national Healthy People 2030 target of 63%.
For Deibler, these statistics underline the ongoing need for community involvement. He believes support need not be grand; it can be as simple as coaching, attending games, maintaining fields, or donating equipment. "A business is part of the community around it," he said. "You have to remember the people who support you and find ways to support them too." His philosophy extends to his involvement with Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, owned by his wife, where he is hands-on, even stepping into the kitchen when needed.
Deibler encourages individuals to identify local needs and offer their time or skills. "You don't always have to do something huge to make a difference," he said. "Sometimes it is giving your time, helping a team, or just showing kids that people in the community care." He suggests contacting local recreation programs, schools, churches, and youth organizations to learn where help is needed. Parents can also encourage children to enjoy physical activities, whether organized or informal, as the CDC notes that activities like walking, biking, and playground play are beneficial.
Deibler's call to action is simple: look at what's already happening in your community and find a way to contribute. By supporting youth sports, communities can help ensure young people stay active and feel valued, fostering both personal growth and community cohesion.
