PlayAnnapolis Expands Leadership to Support Youth Sports
The local nonprofit adds four directors to its board to bolster citywide access to youth athletic programs.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy
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PlayAnnapolis recently added four new members to its Board of Directors to continue expanding youth sports access across the city. The nonprofit serves more than 1,000 children through scholarships and interscholastic programs.
Why it matters
The organization aims to eliminate financial, transportation, and facility access barriers to ensure all Annapolis youth can participate in sports regardless of their family's economic situation.
PlayAnnapolis now represents 21 youth sports organizations in the city and has garnered support from more than 60 local community leaders. The organization has reached over 1,000 youth since its founding in 2023.
The players
PlayAnnapolis
This is a local nonprofit organization based in Annapolis that provides youth sports access.
Amy Donovan
She is a newly appointed board member who previously served as captain of the Annapolis High School lacrosse team in 1996.
The details
The new board members include Deonte Ward, Amy Donovan, Ana Taylor, and Nancy Auslander, who will oversee efforts to address barriers to athletic participation. The group operates school-based leagues and provides scholarships for families in need.
Timeline
PlayAnnapolis was founded in 2023.
Amy Donovan captained the Annapolis High School lacrosse team in 1996.
Four new board members joined in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This board expansion reflects a broader trend of local organizations professionalizing their governance to address systemic inequality in recreational access. The move positions the nonprofit to better compete for community resources against existing, less accessible athletic models.
Families in Annapolis may see an increase in scholarship opportunities and expanded interscholastic sports leagues at local Title I schools. These efforts are designed to lower the out-of-pocket costs and logistical burdens associated with extracurricular athletic programs.
The takeaway
The addition of four new directors highlights the growing community commitment to closing the participation gap in youth sports. Families seeking athletic opportunities are encouraged to contact the organization to inquire about scholarship eligibility.
Further reading
For additional context on local non-profit efforts, explore Annapolis Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eye On Annapolis.
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Do you believe nonprofit sports programs are effectively increasing participation for children in your local community?
