What Is Islander Sports Foundation, and How Does It Help Coronado Student-Athletes?
The Islander Sports Foundation (ISF), a California-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, partners with Coronado Unified School District to play a vital financial role in maintaining quality athletic programs at Coronado High School (CHS) and Coronado Middle School (CMS).
The CHS Athletic Department manages over 25 sports. It provides an average of two coaches per team, equipment, and medical supplies. It also pays referee fees, league fees, and administrative costs, yet the school district’s budget allocation covers about 25% of actual expenses. ISF covers the rest through fundraising, local business donations, and contributions from boosters and parents.
All middle school extracurricular athletics are funded and managed through ISF. As with many San Diego-area middle schools, the school district does not allocate funds for extracurricular middle school athletics; however, ISF staffs a middle school athletic director who organizes about 10 to 12 activities per season. These include traditional sports such as soccer, golf, and basketball, as well as recreational and fitness activities such as sports performance enhancement, recreational sports, and yoga. There is a fee for each activity. Any middle schooler residing in Coronado may participate.
In 1994, a group of parents started the Islander Sports Foundation to fill the financial gaps in Coronado public school athletic programs. Without this structure, each sport would need to establish and maintain its own nonprofit status. Major ISF fundraisers include snack bar sales, helping organizers staff Coronado’s Valentine’s Day and 4th of July fun runs, and other activities.
Many student-athletes and their families support their our sports programs by volunteering through ISF. Volunteer activities include working at a snack bar or helping at one of the community road races. Team parents help coaches organize and communicate throughout the season. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact CHS Athletic Director Aaron Brooks, CMS Athletic Director Kristen Guymon, any coach, or ISF board member.
Information on sports offered, contacts, competition results, athletes, and registration is regularly posted and updated on ISF’s web page at www.islandersportsfoundation.net.
