Howard Bentley Buick GMC and Sand Mountain Park Launch Drive to Play to Lower Youth Sports Costs to $25 per Child

# What happened

# Who's involved Howard Bentley Buick GMC is the primary private funder. Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater operates the leagues and funnels concession revenue back into youth recreation. The City of Albertville participates by reinvesting concession proceeds as part of the funding model.

# Play covers Drive to Play supports eight youth recreation sports and aligns subsidies with each sport's primary season. The covered sports are:

• Spring Baseball, Spring Softball, Spring Tee Ball
• Fall Tackle Football, Fall Flag Football, Fall Cheerleading, Fall Soccer
• Winter Basketball

Miracle League registration is maintained as completely free, ensuring opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

# Eligibility and access Any child who registers for an eligible sport through Sand Mountain Park qualifies for the $25 registration fee. There is no residency requirement or special qualification required. The program is positioned as a long-term partnership intended to make youth sports more affordable and accessible for local families.

# Why the partners say they launched it Dealer principal Taylor Bentley Conner framed the program as a way for the family-owned dealership to give back after nearly 40 years in the community, saying youth sports build confidence, character, teamwork, and friendships. Tanner Bozeman, Business Development Director for Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, described the initiative as a natural alignment between the park's mission and the dealership's community commitment.

# How the funding works

# Where to register For registration dates, league information, and season details, the announcement directs families to Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater's website at www.sandmountainpark.com.

# What this means for families Lower registration reduces a direct cost barrier to participation. Keeping Miracle League free preserves access for athletes with disabilities. The program simplifies eligibility (no residency or special proof required), which can speed sign-up and broaden participation across the park's service region.

# Practical next steps for parents

• Check sandmountainpark.com for current registration windows and age/grade divisions.
• Prepare standard registration documents the park typically requests (health forms, emergency contacts, age verification) to avoid delays.
• Consider supporting the program indirectly by purchasing concessions at events since those revenues are reinvested into youth recreation.

# Bottom line Drive to Play reduces the upfront cost of participating in organized youth sports at Sand Mountain Park and maintains free access to Miracle League play by combining dealership funding with park and city revenue reinvestment. The partnership is intended to expand participation and lower financial barriers for local families.