Paladin Sports Outreach Reaches Nearly 1,500 Athletes During Fall 1 Season

Paladin Sports Outreach has reached another organizational milestone, with nearly 1,500 young athletes currently participating in recreational and club sports programs across the organization.

More than 1,120 athletes are registered for Paladin’s Fall 1 recreational season, compared with approximately 850 during Fall 1 in 2025 — an increase of more than 30 percent in just one year. When combined with athletes participating in Paladin’s Arizona club programs this season, nearly 1,500 kids are currently wearing a Paladin jersey.

The growth comes as Paladin continues to expand its reach through recreational sports, competitive club programs and locally led sports ministry in communities across the country.

But for Paladin, the significance of the milestone extends beyond enrollment numbers.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the growth, but we never want the number itself to become the goal,” said Jason Best, Founder of Paladin Sports Outreach. “1,500 athletes means 1,500 kids and their families God has given us the opportunity to serve right now. Our prayer is that we steward that opportunity well and that everything we do points back to Him.”

Each athlete represents a child Paladin has the opportunity to encourage, a family it has the privilege to serve and a relationship that can be built through sports.

Across fields, gyms and courts, hundreds of coaches, volunteers, staff members, missionaries and local leaders give their time each week to make those opportunities possible. The milestone also reflects the continued generosity and investment of donors, churches and community partners who help Paladin provide accessible, Christ-centered sports programs for families.

And the fall is not over. Paladin’s Fall 2 recreational season begins later this year, creating additional opportunities to welcome and serve kids and families in Paladin communities.

As Fall 1 gets underway, Paladin is grateful for the growth — but even more grateful for what that growth represents.

More kids means more opportunities to serve families, develop young people, build relationships and glorify God through sports.

And for that, we give God the glory.