For many students, sports are a way to connect, stay active and build community. However, for some, access to equipment can be a barrier. The Game Changers Club, a new addition to Redwood’s community, aims to address that inequality by raising money and collecting donations for their partner, Play Marin, a local nonprofit that provides sports gear and opportunities to children in need throughout Marin County.
The Game Changers Club meets every other Friday at lunch to plan fundraisers and community events that combine students’ passion for sports with service.
Junior Bradley Nanola, the club’s president and founder, was inspired to start the club after realizing that not everyone is fortunate enough to afford the costs of playing sports.
“I’m really into helping out my community, and I wanted to do something that felt meaningful,” Nanola said. “We live in a place where a lot of people can afford gear and tournaments, but not everyone has that chance. Our goal is to make sure everyone can play.”
Nanola and his leadership team, including junior club secretary Cole Graves, are currently working to build a partnership with Play Marin to directly fund their programs.
“We thought Play Marin was the perfect organization to work with because it’s local and focused on something we care about: sports,” Graves said. “We’re in contact with them and hope to meet soon to plan our first joint event.”
So far, the Game Changers Club has seen a promising start. Their first meeting drewover 30 students, far more than the officers expected, who were all eager to brainstorm event ideas and help organize fundraisers.
“We honestly didn’t think that many people would come,” Nanola said. “It was amazing to see so many students excited about giving back through something as simple as sports.”
Among the club’s planned fundraisers, there are community sports tournaments and field day-style events that will help raise money for Play Marin. Students can participate in activities like basketball, beach volleyball, golf and pickleball, with small entry fees and snack sales going towards donations.
“We want it to feel fun–like something everyone would want to do,” Graves said. “There will be prizes, music and food, but at the end of the day, everything we raise goes back to kids who deserve the same chance to play.”
Junior club member Logan Leverte joined after hearing about the club’s mission from friends and says the cause feels close to home.
“I’ve always played sports and it’s easy to forget how expensive it can get, [with] uniforms, cleats [and] travel,” Leverte said. “Helping other kids have that same experience feels really rewarding.”
Despite early success, the club still faces challenges as a new organization, like getting in touch with potential sponsors and managing event logistics. However, the club officers are optimistic about the club’s future and impact.
“It’s a lot of organizing and following up, but we’re committed. Once everything’s set, I think we’ll be able to do a lot for Play Marin and even other local groups,” Nanola said.
As the club grows, Nanola hopes Game Changers will inspire others on campus to appreciate their own opportunities and think about how they can help others.
“We wantpeople to realize thatsports aren’t just a privilege; they’re something that can really bring people together,” Nanola said. “If we can make that possible for even just a few kids, that’s what matters.”
The Game Changers Club meets every other Friday at lunch in room 303. Students can follow @gamechangersrhs on Instagram for updates and upcoming event announcements.
