Team Rodge Fund Application

All kids should be able to participate in sports both within the school and in the community. This application is open for coaches, parents, or other caring adults to apply on behalf of a youth that needs support to participate in an activity. All requests will be reviewed and screened for what fits the criteria of what can be funded.

For a youth to be eligible to receive financial help (not everyone will receive help), they must:

  1. Live in Red Wing, Minnesota

  2. Have an adult that is committed to supporting their participation in the activity

  3. Be between the ages of 5-18 (priority will be given to elementary age)

To receive an application, email TeamRodgeGrit@gmail.com

The TEAM RODGE Story

Chris Rodgers (aka Rodge) LOVED sports...playing them as a kid, continuing to play in college, becoming a coach, and being an eternal fan of all MN teams. His true passion was coaching...a place where his greatest loves came together by helping kids discover their strengths and learn how sports could teach them life skills.

The idea for the Team Rodge fund to help youth fully engage in team sports was inspired when Coach Rodgers invited a 3rd grader who was shooting hoops by himself to join his team. The youth did not have someone who could help him get to practices/games or buy him the gear needed to participate in an organized sport, so Rodge ensured he had everything he needed to feel as much of a part of the team as his own son.

Coach Rodgers passed away in 2017 after battling a rare cancer for almost 10 years. He showed his GRIT as he continued to coach the 12 year old baseball team to a state tournament championship just months before we said goodbye to him for the last time. Rodge’s legacy lives on through those who take on a role in the lives of youth, especially kids without a strong, positive adult they can rely on to help reach their goals.

Follow: @teamrodgegrit

Contact: TeamRodgeGrit@gmail.com

All funds raised support local youth fully engage in sports. This could include purchasing team gear and equipment, assisting with meals and transportation, and other needs to feel a genuine part of the team.