BY KARISSA MILLER
Iredell County Parks and Recreation’s Youth Athletics Scholarship Program, which helps low-income youth participate in sports by covering 75 percent of the registration fee, has been named a finalist for a national award.
During an appointment before the Board of Commissioners Tuesday night, ICPR Sports Events and Facilities Manager Austin Setzer said that the department has been named a top 10 finalist for the 2025 CivicPlus Community Impact Award.
“This honor gives highlight to the work of our staff, showcases the commissioners’ dedication to helping youth gain access into athletics and showcases our partners in the program,” he said.
Setzer said that making the top 10 is a significant honor on its own. In the next phase, the top 10 will be cut down to the top three.
The top three finalists will receive a $1,000 donation in their name to an organization of their choice and a recognition trophy. They will be announced later this month.
“The Community Impact Award was created to highlight individuals, teams and agencies that are driving meaningful change in their communities,” Setzer explained.
So far, the Youth Athletic Scholarship program has provided more than 750 scholarships to youth of Iredell County since the program began two years ago.
For qualifying youth, the county covers 75 percent of the registration cost. The parent or guardian is responsible for the other 25-percent of the cost.
“We have seen tremendous growth in the second cycle of seasons for the program and expect that to continue as we move into the second spring cycle,” Setzer said.
He shared some of the following scholarship numbers:
• Fall 2024: 86 awarded
• Fall 2025: 284 awarded
• Winter 2024: 80 awarded;
• Winter 2025: 120 awarded
Funds for the Youth Athletics Scholarship program originated from a joint funding effort from the Iredell County general fund and the Sheriff’s Office Commissary Funds.
Setzer thanked the coordinators of youth sports at each hub in the county:
• Greg Harrison, Cloverleaf;
• Dustin Grant, Celeste Henkel;
• Deree Martin, Central;
• Justin Cagle, Troutman;
• Tracy Sain and Mike Davis, ARS;
• Andrew Maletta, Brawley Youth Athletic Association;
• Wayne Harwell and the board of the Babe Ruth Association.
Commissioner Gene Houpe asked if the Youth Athletic Scholarship budget is sufficient.
Setzer said that they might need to ask for more funds in the spring. The board members voiced their support for continuing to provide funding for scholarships, with the total amount awarded being $53,041.
County Manager Beth Milton said the Youth Athletic Scholarship program is a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office. Approximately $10,000 of the $25,000 that Iredell County allocates for scholarships comes from the Sheriff’s Office commissary funds.
Setzer, in an interview, said that youth sports is one of the greatest drivers of the community and allows kids to grow on and off the field.
“It teaches kids teamwork, life lessons and about hard work. I believe if you build the character of the youth now, you will avoid issues later in life,” Setzer said.