Did you know that nine out of ten consumers expect companies to act in a socially responsible way? Many companies in the sporting goods industry recognize how important corporate social responsibility is to their customers and are making sure they do their part, whether it’s caring for the environment, volunteering, maintaining high labor standards, or contributing financially to worthy causes.

Companies like Rawlings, Adidas, The North Face, and Lululemon are supporting their customers through social responsibility programs that focus on protecting athletes from head injuries, supporting healthy communities through volunteer programs, and reducing waste and improving factory conditions. Many companies are developing programs in partnership with existing non-profit organizations as well as creating their own foundations.

BallQube is a proud supporter of Baseball For All, an organization founded by Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach for an MLB organization. Baseball for All empowers girls through baseball. Girls are often told they should play softball instead of baseball, but through Baseball for All, girls are encouraged to follow their passions whatever they might be.

If you’re even remotely involved with the sports world, you’ve probably heard of DICK’S Sporting Goods. DICK’S is a Fortune 500 company founded in 1948 that encourages athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best best by improving everything they do. Like BallQube, DICK’S believes in supporting programs that inspire and enable sports participation.

DICK’S Sporting Goods has an impressive list of socially responsible projects. In July 2017, DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation were honored at ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards. The Sports Matter program was created in 2014 to help raise awareness about the nationwide decline in funding for youth sports. Sports Matter provides monetary donations, uniforms, and equipment to youth teams in need.

Like BallQube, DICK’S believes that youth sports are one of the best youth development tools available, yet over 60% of youth must pay a fee to participate. Since its inception in 2014, Sports Matter has donated over $50 million to teams and leagues in need. This money has helped saved thousands of youth sports teams. To learn more about The DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation and Sports Matter visit their website here.

A number of companies have joined forces with the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) which provides programs, services, and resources for parents, officials, administrators, and volunteer coaches who work with youth in sports. NAYS believes that every child deserves to participate in quality sports programs and they aim to provide unique programs for youth that encourage fun, healthy physical activity and provide the opportunity to learn valuable life skills.

Whether it’s volunteering in the community, donating equipment or funds to help local sports groups, or making sure to leave the smallest imprint on the environment possible, sporting goods companies are stepping up to the plate to make a difference in youth sports. Programs like Sports Matter, Baseball for All, and the National Alliance for Youth Sports are providing support and resources for youth and their parents to ensure sports are a positive and safe experience.