WINNERS DELAWARE - LAUNCHING SPRING 2027
Young people across Delaware face challenges ranging from academic pressure and chronic absenteeism to limited access to affordable, structured activities. Through lacrosse, participants gain opportunities for physical activity, skill development, mentorship and character building in a safe and supportive environment. Values such as sportsmanship, respect, teamwork and determination prepare youth to overcome obstacles, establish ambitious goals and pursue excellence on the field, in the classroom and throughout their lives.
Delaware’s minority youth face significant barriers to economic stability, school engagement and organized sports:
29% of Black children and 27.6% of Hispanic/Latino children live in poverty.
Approximately 29% of Black students are chronically absent.
Families nationally spend an average of approximately $1,016 annually on a child’s primary sport, while Delaware lacrosse camps can cost between $250 and $650 per week, excluding equipment and transportation.
Lacrosse equipment, registration and travel costs create additional barriers for historically underserved families.
WINNERS Lacrosse will eliminate these barriers by providing free equipment, coaching, mentorship and social-emotional learning, using lacrosse to strengthen school engagement, confidence and belonging among Delaware’s minority youth.
Aims of WINNERS Delaware
Promoting Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Well-Being: Comprehensive programming strengthens young people’s social-emotional development and overall well-being. Through structured curriculum, mentorship, mindfulness and reflection, participants develop emotional regulation, active listening, conflict resolution, goal-setting and relationship-building skills. These tools help youth navigate challenges, build resilience and make positive decisions on and off the field.
Experiential Learning: Learning extends beyond the classroom and lacrosse field through cultural field trips, college visits, career exploration, guest speakers and enrichment activities. These experiences expose participants to new environments, interests and possibilities while connecting academic concepts and life skills to the world around them. Supportive adult mentors help youth reflect on these opportunities and envision broader pathways for their futures.
Promoting Physical Health: Consistent opportunities for movement, exercise and organized sports participation promote lifelong physical health. Through lacrosse instruction, conditioning and other recreational activities, participants improve their coordination, endurance, strength and overall fitness. Youth also learn about hydration, nutrition, injury prevention and healthy habits that support their long-term development.
Investment Opportunity
Investing in the expansion of WINNERS Lacrosse into Delaware is an investment in the future of the state’s young people. Your support will help remove barriers to participation, provide free access to lacrosse and expand academic support, mentorship, social-emotional learning and experiential opportunities for youth across Delaware.
Costs to Implement
Facilities and Equipment: $27,000
Coaching: $12,000
Supplies: $5,000
Intro to Lacrosse Clinics: $40,000
Camps: $26,000
After School Programming : $5,000
Transportation: $20,000
Curriculum Development: $15,000
Evaluation and Data Collection: $7,000
Outreach and Marketing: $5,000
“It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not
the gentle shower, but thunder. We need
the storm, the whirlwind, and the
earthquake.”
WHY DELAWARE?
From the WINNERS Field to a Future Without Limits
London Downing graduated from the WINNERS program following her eighth-grade summer. At the time, she was set to attend Wilson High School, one of Washington, D.C.’s largest public schools, where her academic and athletic opportunities appeared limited. Through WINNERS and the support of Brett and Cathy Jefferson, London received a four-year scholarship to attend The Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, Maryland.
London carried the confidence, discipline and leadership developed through WINNERS into the classroom and onto the lacrosse field. The lasting influence of her coaches helped place her on an entirely different path—one defined by opportunity, achievement and possibility.
London went on to attend Delaware State University as a scholarship student-athlete and graduated magna cum laude. She served as senior class president, became a two-time women’s lacrosse captain and was named the team’s 2022– 2023 Most Improved Player. She also distinguished herself through academic honors, service, faith-based involvement and leadership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Now, London is pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. Her journey demonstrates that the impact of WINNERS extends far beyond the game.
By expanding into Delaware, WINNERS will remove financial and access barriers by providing free equipment, coaching, mentorship and social-emotional learning. Participants will also receive academic support within a safe and welcoming environment that encourages learning and personal growth. Our goal is to create more pathways like London’s—helping Delaware’s minority youth translate lessons from the lacrosse field into academic engagement, leadership and lifelong success.
London Downing graduates Magna Cum Laude from Delaware State University.
A young London Downing on the lacrosse field.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
One Time Gifts
Teammate
$100
Be a teammate and provide a child with a week of nutritious snacks and meals during programming.
MVP
$250
Become an MVP and sponsor a student’s participation in our comprehensive academic program. Your donation helps close the education gap and sets youth on the path to success.
All-Star
$500
Step up as an All-Star and provide a month of SEL learning for a group of students. Your contribution empowers youth with the emotional skills they need to thrive on and off the field.
Medalist
$1,000
Lead the way and become a Medalist for the program. Your support gives the gift of holistic student-athlete development.
Monthly Recurring Gifts
Supporter
$25/month
As a monthly supporter, you’ll provide ongoing access to programming, ensuring that working families can send their children to safe spaces.
Advocate
$50/month
Become an Advocate of our mission to empower youth through lacrosse. Your monthly donation will support our year-round programs, creating opportunities for growth and success.
Backer
$100/month
Be a Backer for change and help us deliver comprehensive support to uplift our community’s youth. Your Generosity provides access to academic tutoring, social-emotional learning, and cultural exploration.
Major Gifts
Coach’s Circle
$5,000
Join the Coach’s Circle and make a profound impact on the lives of our youth. Your donation provides a full year of programming for a student , including lacrosse training, academic support, and personal development.
Leadership Council
$10,000
Become a member of our Leadership Council and help shape the future of WINNERS Lacrosse. Your significant contribution will fund new initiatives and expand our reach to more communities in need.
Champions Circle
$25,000
Join our prestigious Champion’s Circle and leave a lasting legacy. Your transformational gift will support the long-term sustainability of our programs and help us build a brighter future for generations to come.
Scholarship Giving
Life Changer
$2,500
This transformational gift helps expand our scholarship fund, providing critical financial support to students as they transition to college. Your contribution helps offset first-year expenses such as tuition, books, housing, transportation, and essential supplies, reducing financial barriers and increasing opportunities for long-term success.
