New Nonprofit Emerges In Birmingham, Uses Sports To Enrich Kids

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Sports can open doors to life experiences and opportunities beyond the field or court, and a new nonprofit launched in Birmingham recently exists to foster those opportunities.

The ZeroZero Foundation, which announced its launch Monday, is rooted in the Birmingham community and believes every child’s potential extends beyond their athletic ability. The foundation aims to broaden a child’s perspective and identify their passions to help children achieve a career path in sports.

The foundation’s mission is to leverage the diverse opportunities of sports to enrich the lives of others: one child, one family, one community at a time. Focused on improving children’s lives across the Birmingham area, the ZeroZero Foundation will provide children with sports-related enrichment and educational opportunities through several key programs and events, according to a release from the organization.

Founder Caleb Schmidt started the foundation after seeing three critical areas that the sports industry lack; access, inspiration and aspiration. A typical family with kids who play sports spends about $700 a year on fees, equipment and more, but some families spend up to $35,000 a year.

This financial gap does not allow families of lower socioeconomic status to provide the same opportunities as other more financially advantaged families. The sports industry also lacks inspiration; only four percent of children who graduate from high school will receive an athletic scholarship to play sports for their college or university.

While many children dream of playing sports at the collegiate level, that dream is not feasible for everyone. "ZeroZero wants children to know that a career in sports is still possible even without playing at the collegiate level," the organization's release said. "Finally, of top roles in sports outside of playing professionally, white individuals comprise most of the industry. The ZeroZero Foundation aims to close these gaps in the sports industry because when the score starts at 0-0, the foundation can create equitable opportunities for success."

“We are thrilled to start making a difference in the lives of countless children in the Birmingham area,” Schmidt said. “As someone who believes in sports and is passionate about the industry, it is time for a change. We need to create equitable opportunities for all children interested in sports and show them that a career in sports is more than just playing professionally.”

The ZeroZero Foundation will provide unique opportunities to children from ages 6 to 18 that they would not otherwise have the ability to access, Schmidt added.

Twelve board members serve the foundation and its mission.

• Bertram Young- Resource Development and Communications Director, BGCCA
• Caleb Schmidt- Vice President of Sponsorships, Knight Eady
• Carlos Aleman- Deputy Director- Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama
• Charles DeCroes- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama- Vice President of Technology Support
• Holly Dubois- Senior Accountant, Truitt Tingle Paramore Agent
• Jeh Jeh Pruitt- Reporter - Fox6 WBRC
• Kristina Hendrix- Dynetics, Director of Communications
• Leah Drury- Founder/Owner, Battle Republic
• Martin Newton- Athletic Director Samford University
• Reggie Torbor- Brasfield & Gorrie- Personal Development Manager
• Ron Steele- Athletic Director & Head Basketball Coach, John Carroll High School
• Trent Wright- Vice President, Grease Trap Solutions, BHT