Drive to Play initiative cuts costs for youth sports registration

Albertville, Ala. – In a move to make youth sports more accessible, Howard Bentley Buick GMC and Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater have launched the Drive to Play initiative. Starting this season, registration for eligible youth sports at Sand Mountain Park is just $25 per child, significantly reducing costs and broadening opportunities for local families.

"This initiative is about giving back. Plain and simple," stated Taylor Bentley Conner, dealer principal of Howard Bentley Buick GMC. "Our family has been a part of this community for nearly 40 years, and we feel this is a meaningful way to support the families who have supported us."

Drive to Play supports eight youth sports: Spring Baseball, Spring Softball, Spring Tee Ball, Fall Tackle Football, Fall Flag Football, Fall Cheerleading, Fall Soccer, and Winter Basketball. Each sport is available during its primary recreation season. The initiative also helps fund Miracle League registration, ensuring athletes of all abilities can participate.

"Partnerships are at their best when they begin with a shared purpose, and that's exactly what happened here," said Tanner Bozeman, Business Development Director at Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater. "Howard Bentley Buick GMC saw an opportunity to make a real difference for local families and didn't hesitate to get involved. Their generosity and commitment to the community align perfectly with our mission."

The Drive to Play initiative is supported by a shared commitment from everyone involved. Howard Bentley Buick GMC is making a significant financial investment, while the City of Albertville and Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater are reinvesting concession proceeds directly into youth recreation. Every registration, hot dog, and drink purchased at the park contributes to the support of youth sports in the community.

"The name Drive to Play captures the spirit of the initiative," explained Bozeman. "Drive represents showing up, working together, and moving the community forward. Play represents every child's opportunity to grow, build confidence, make lifelong friends, and simply enjoy being a kid."

To register, families can visit Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater’s website at www.sandmountainpark.com for registration dates, league information, and season details.

The Drive to Play initiative reflects a long-term commitment to the community, making youth sports more affordable and accessible. By working together, the partners aim to ensure that more children can experience the lifelong benefits of youth sports and build stronger communities.

For registration and more information, visit www.sandmountainpark.com.