Donald Deibler, a business owner and Business Manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery, is calling on families, businesses, coaches, and community members to strengthen local youth sports programs. For Deibler, youth sports are more than competition; they provide young people with opportunities to stay active, build friendships, and develop teamwork skills.
Deibler, who grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, credits sports with giving him a positive focus during his youth. His experiences shaped his belief in teamwork, which he now applies both in business and in his volunteer work as a youth sports coach. He also supports local programs like Tri-Valley Little League through his businesses.
The importance of youth sports is backed by research. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Regular activity improves muscle and bone health, cardiovascular fitness, brain health, attention, memory, and academic performance. Organized sports are one way to achieve this, but participation is not universal. Federal data cited by the Aspen Institute shows that 54% of U.S. children aged 6 to 17 played on a sports team or took lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017. The national Healthy People 2030 target is 63%. Deibler believes these numbers highlight the need for community involvement.
Deibler encourages community involvement without requiring large-scale efforts. His own participation includes coaching, supporting teams through his businesses, and volunteering at St. Peter's UCC. He emphasizes that businesses are part of their communities and should give back to those who support them. His approach to business is hands-on, often stepping into the kitchen at Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, owned by his wife, to help where needed. He sees community involvement similarly: individuals should find practical ways to contribute their time and skills.
Supporting youth sports can take many forms. Community members can volunteer with recreational programs, attend games, coach if qualified, help maintain fields, donate equipment, or ask local organizations what they need. Parents and caregivers can encourage children to find physical activities they enjoy, whether organized or informal. The CDC notes that activities can include walking, running, bicycling, swimming, playground games, and other active play.
Deibler stresses that small actions can make a big difference. "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 urges people to look at what is already happening in their communities and to contact local recreation programs, schools, churches, and youth sports organizations to see where help is needed. The first step, he says, is to identify a local need and decide how your time, experience, or resources could help meet it.
