Donald Deibler, a business owner and community advocate from Hegins, Pennsylvania, is calling on families, businesses, coaches, and community members to increase their support for local youth sports programs. Deibler, who serves as Business Manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery, believes that youth sports offer more than just competition; they provide young people with opportunities to stay active, build friendships, and develop teamwork skills that last a lifetime.
Growing up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, with five siblings, Deibler found that sports gave him a positive focus during his youth. He credits those experiences with shaping his belief in teamwork, a value he now applies in both his business and community involvement. As a volunteer youth sports coach, Deibler has seen firsthand the impact that encouragement can have on young athletes. He stresses that coaching is about more than winning; it's about teaching kids to work together and continuously improve.
The importance of youth sports extends beyond personal development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to support muscle and bone health, cardiovascular fitness, and brain function, including improved attention and academic performance. Organized sports are one avenue for meeting these guidelines, yet participation is not universal.
Data cited by the Aspen Institute shows that in 2022, only 54% of U.S. children aged 6 to 17 participated in sports, down from 58% in 2017. The national Healthy People 2030 target is 63%, indicating a significant gap. Deibler believes these numbers highlight the ongoing need for local support to reverse the trend and make sports accessible to more children.
Deibler's own contributions include coaching youth sports and supporting local programs like Tri-Valley Little League. His businesses also contribute to local youth initiatives, reflecting his belief that businesses have a responsibility to the communities that support them. He is also involved with Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, owned by his wife, and volunteers at St. Peter's UCC. His hands-on approach extends to the kitchen, where he helps out as needed, demonstrating that community involvement often requires practical effort rather than just good intentions.
Supporting youth sports doesn't require grand gestures. Deibler suggests that individuals can volunteer with recreational programs, attend games, coach if qualified, help maintain fields, or donate equipment. Parents can encourage children to find enjoyable physical activities, whether through teams or informal play. The CDC notes that activities like walking, running, biking, and playground games all count toward daily activity goals.
The key, Deibler says, is to show young people that their community cares. "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 encourages residents to contact local recreation programs, schools, and youth organizations to learn where help is needed, emphasizing that the first step is simply identifying a need and deciding how to contribute.
