Fuel the Drive—the non-profit organization that expands access to golf and tennis for children from low-income families—seeks to substantially increase the number of kids it assists in the year ahead. The group has set a goal to serve at least five times as many young people in 2026 as it did in 2025, according to founder and president Terry Aikin.
Founded to remove financial barriers to youth sports participation, Fuel the Drive sponsors children's introduction to golf and tennis by covering essential program costs. Eligible participants receive funding for registration in local PGA Junior League and U.S. Tennis Association programs, along with training guidance and equipment. Since its inception, the organization has introduced golf to more than 100 children annually over the past three years and provided tennis access to more than 500 children.
The kids' involvement in these sports fuels their personal growth and helps them develop confidence, self-discipline and leadership, says Aikin. "It's so rewarding to watch these kids build their own personal strength and find out what it takes to succeed." He adds that as children develop their golf or tennis games and compete, they learn to lead, believe in themselves and create pathways to more successful futures.
Fuel the Drive emphasizes the development of transferable life skills through sports. Aikin shares a success story: "With Fuel the Drive's assistance, Mavarro has played in the PGA Junior League program for the past three years. His father tells us that playing golf has helped Mavarro develop patience and confidence, and he's earned an award for perseverance." Aikin notes that Mavarro's love for golf has translated into increased analytical skills that help him tackle challenges in school and life.
To achieve its 2026 growth target of serving more than 500 young athletes in golf alone, Fuel the Drive is expanding its digital outreach and launching a new website to engage partners and community stakeholders. "Our donor base has been very generous, and their contributions have made our impact possible," Aikin reports. "But we're seeking to significantly grow that base in order to achieve our objectives for 2026." He emphasizes that cost remains one of the most significant barriers to participation in organized youth sports, and removing that obstacle enables children to engage in structured environments that promote self-confidence, perseverance and personal growth.
Fuel the Drive was founded by Terry and Michelle Aikin as a way of paying forward the support they received growing up. The organization uses sport as a platform to build self-confidence, leadership and skills that support lifelong success. More information is available at Fuel the Drive.
