REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review of the Wade Brummal Youth Sports Scholarship Program and Discussion of Potential Updates
Report
BACKGROUND
The Wade Brummal Youth Sports Scholarship Program (Program) was established in 2015 in memory of Santa Clara resident and youth sports enthusiast Wade Brummal. Developed through an extensive outreach process (Attachment 1), the Program promotes youth participation in organized sports by providing scholarships and grants to Santa Clara youth who may not otherwise have the means to participate. It reimburses qualified youth sports organizations for athlete scholarships, uniforms, travel and competition fees, sports equipment, and other related expenses. The Program is administered in accordance with the Wade Brummal Scholarship Program and Grant Guidelines (Attachment 2), which was most recently updated in March 2025.
Wade Brummal Program Overview
Any non-profit youth sports organization (YSO) that receives a permit to operate in a City of Santa Clara facility and allows for non-resident athlete participation is required to contribute to the Program. Participating YSOs must submit participant rosters to the Parks & Recreation Department (Department) annually. For each non-resident athlete listed, the YSO must contribute $25 per sport. This fee will increase by $10 (from $25 to $35) in FY 2026/27 and by an additional $10 (from $35 to $45) in FY 2027/28.
In return, eligible YSOs may apply for grant funding from the Program to assist Santa Clara youth who need financial support. The organization must be a Santa Clara based, non-profit youth sports organization serving youth under the age of 18. The YSO must be current in its contribution to the Program, and comply with Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in schools that receive federal funding including in their athletics programs.
Priorities of Funding
The Guidelines establish the following priorities when considering grant requests:
1. Participant scholarships:
a. Reimbursement of a YSO direct financial assistance to support disadvantaged athletes in the sport. Individuals must be qualifying residents of the City of Santa Clara.
b. The YSO may qualify the athlete for a scholarship based on participation in a government support program (e.g., WIC, SNAP, reduced utility programs, or free and reduced-price lunch) or documented financial hardship.
2. Sport equipment and related expenses:
a. Competition or tournament fees, uniforms, training equipment, or other expenses that enable the athlete to play.
b. Organizational expenses related to volunteer coach certifications or fingerprinting.
Applications up to $2,500 may be approved by the Parks & Recreation Department. Applications exceeding $2,500 are presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission for recommendation of approval. A request for funds may be made by any organization no more than one time per year.
On March 11, 2025, the City Council adopted the current Wade Brummal Program Guidelines (RTC 25-291, Attachment 3). At the March 9, 2026 meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed two grant applications and requested an opportunity to discuss the priorities and guidelines of the Program.
DISCUSSION
At the March 9, 2026 Commission meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission requested that an item be placed on a future meeting agenda to discuss the Wade Brummal Program procedures and guidelines.
In response, staff has scheduled this item for the April 13 Commission meeting. The Commission will review the Program components and guidelines and discuss potential updates and recommendations for City Council consideration at a future meeting. The Commission may choose to form a subcommittee and/or engage community youth sports organizations regarding the impact of any recommended updates.
Staff has notified the YSOs of this upcoming discussion, as the Commission has requested their input and feedback on the Program.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item, aside from staff time required to support the review and discussion.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Discuss the Wade Brummal Youth Sports Scholarship Program;
2. Provide input on potential Wade Brummal Youth Sports Scholarship Program updates;
3. Request staff work with community youth sports organizations regarding the impacts of potential Wade Brummal Youth Sports Scholarship Program updates
4. Another recommendation identified by the Parks and Recreation Commission
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report to Council October 27, 2015 Item 13.A
2. Wade Brummal Youth Sports Scholarship Guidelines 2025
3. Report to Council 25-291