Aaron Keay Urges Support for Youth Access to Sport and Opportunity

Entrepreneur and Former Pro Athlete Says Early Access to Athletics Can Change Lives

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 23, 2025 /Serial entrepreneur and former professional footballer Aaron Keay is calling for increased awareness and support around youth access to sport and mentorship, especially in underserved communities. Drawing on his own experience growing up in North Delta, British Columbia, and representing Canada in soccer, Keay says that early investment in sport is one of the most powerful tools for shaping character, discipline, and long-term success.

"I didn 't grow up with a lot financially beyond a lot of support from family and friends, but I had coaches, teams, and people who believed in me," Keay said. "Sport gave me confidence, structure, and a reason to push forward. The escape from sports gave me a foundation I carried into business and life."

Keay 's path-from representing Canada on the pitch to becoming a founder and investor in global brands-has made him a believer in sport as infrastructure, not just recreation. He is urging communities, schools, local businesses, individuals and most important governments to look at athletic programming for youth as an essential tool, not an optional one. He feels Canada is miles behind in the support needed to be a top tier global competitor on the National level but cites recent examples in basketball and soccer as reasons to believe the country can evolve on the global stage.

The Numbers Tell the Story

According to a 2023 report from the Aspen Institute, children from low-income households in North America are six times more likely to quit sport by age 13 due to cost, lack of access, or limited community programs. In the UK, Sport England reports that only 45% of children from disadvantaged backgrounds meet the daily physical activity recommendation.

"The gap isn 't just about fitness," Keay explained. "It 's about identity. When kids don 't have access to sport, they lose a safe place to fail, learn, and grow."

He points to his early years-balancing academics and football, working jobs while training, and earning CIAU Student-Athlete of the Year honours-as a clear example of how structured sport can unlock personal and professional development.

Giving Back and Leading by Example

Keay has long walked the talk. He was an early contributor to KidsSafe, a non-profit focused on providing safe, structured spaces for at-risk youth in Vancouver. Over the years, he has also contributed academic stipends to his alma mater, helped former teammates like Sven Habermann through health crises, and supported charities like Music Heals and the Vancouver Cancer Society.

"You don 't need a big fund or a foundation to make a difference," Keay said. "Sometimes it 's just paying a kid 's registration fee, providing scholarships to your Alma mater, buying them boots, or showing up to watch their game that can help. Time, not money can sometimes be the inspiration."

Call to Action: What You Can Do

Keay encourages others to do what they can in their own communities, whether in Vancouver, London, or anywhere in between:

Here 's how:

• Sponsor a child 's sport fees through a local school or club.

• Donate used gear to youth organizations.

• Volunteer as a coach or mentor.

• Speak up to local councils and schools about keeping athletic programs funded.

"Sport changed the direction of my life and remains the connector to all of my meaningful friendships, relationships and a massive part of my family life," Keay said. "It 's not about building champions. It 's about giving kids a shot at stability, purpose, and confidence."

About Aaron Keay

Aaron Keay is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and former professional footballer. He is the founder of Klutch Financial and Kommunity Fitness, and sits on the board of RX3, a consumer-focused fund led by NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Keay has contributed to over $5B in venture deals and continues to support youth-focused charities across North America.

To read more, visit:https://www.aaronkeayentrepreneur.com/

Media Contact:info@aaronkeay.com

Final Thought:
You don 't need to build a business to make an impact. Start where you are. Give what you can. That 's how communities grow strong-one young player at a time.

SOURCE:Aaron Keay

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