Are you as excited as we are to get more girls playing Fastpitch? Plenty of teams need more support getting the gear they need to play their best. Read the press release below from our new community partner, Good Sports, to learn about how we give back to the softball community we love so much.

In furthering its mission to enhance the sport of softball, RIP-IT has partnered with Good Sports, a national nonprofit that donates brand new sports equipment, apparel, and footwear to youth programs in need. This strategic partnership is aimed at providing a greater number of girls with opportunities to participate in the sport of softball nationwide. 

With the cost of equipment being a major barrier in youth sports, many kids are actually dropping out. Some cannot even afford to join in the first place. This leaves many young people, specifically girls, on the sidelines of the game. Together, Good Sports and RIP-IT aim to create innovative ways to get high-end equipment into the hands of girls that need it the most. 

"Looking into 2020, RIP-IT has doubled-down on our mission to increase participation in softball, so girls can learn life lessons that let them create lives they love,” said Jason Polstein, RIP-IT CEO. “We've learned that when girls play softball, they become better students, learn how to solve real-world problems, and have a greater chance of becoming executive leaders in influential brands and companies. That's a world we're proud to be a part of. Amongst other initiatives, RIP-IT is excited to announce an ongoing partnership with Good Sports to get softball gear into the hands of players who need it. We anticipate a long-term relationship with Good Sports and look forward to continuing elevating the sport and finding new ways to increase participation together."

And the need for more opportunities in softball is there. The collegiate level of softball is exploding in not just popularity, but in participation. Just this past February, the Department of Education found data showing that college softball was producing high revenue numbers. Institutions like Baylor and Florida State were reporting more than $2 million in softball revenues. Additionally, 42 other programs reported more than $1 million. Even more proof softball is a total home run: the Women’s College World Series garnered 1.85 million viewers. Men’s College World Series averaged 1.4 million.

 “Collaborating with RIP-IT is a natural move for Good Sports since we both believe in the power of the girl on the field,” said CEO and Co-Founder of Good Sports Melissa Harper. “As we aim to even the playing field for all kids, this softball initiative will help to push the fast forward button on empowering more girls in sports and physical activity.”

Gear is vital in any sport. It is a part of what creates a more confident player, especially a young one. RIP-IT and Good Sports’ joint efforts in softball will open up more doors for young girls to find success. Through brand new helmets, face masks and performance wear – there will be a new generation of young ladies both confident on the diamond and in life.

ABOUT RIP-IT: Since its inception, RIP-IT’s mission has been to improve the athletic experience through high performance and innovative softball gear. Started in a garage, the family business continues its small-business, family-oriented ways, putting the customer and athlete first. The demand for safe, stylish gear has never let up, and today, RIP-IT is the most trusted name in softball.

ABOUT GOOD SPORTS: Good Sports gives all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing equipment, apparel, and footwear to those most in need. Since 2003, Good Sports’ all-time impact comes to more than $50 million in donated sports equipment, impacting over 7 million kids from more than 4,200 youth programs across the country. Good Sports has been awarded a coveted 4-star rating six consecutive times from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator, for sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability; is a Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity, and is listed on Social Impact Exchange’s S&I 100, an index of top American nonprofits creating meaningful social impact. To learn more or to get involved, please visit www.goodsports.org.