VETSports is a non-profit organization helping Veterans achieve better physical, mental, and emotional health through participation in community involvement, physical activity and sports. In August 2012, three combat Veterans founded VETSports to create opportunities for Veterans to reintegrate into civilian life.

The organization established chapter leagues throughout the country, serving more than 700 Veterans a week. Active sports leagues include football, softball, golf, running, volleyball and hockey. Leagues focus on team-building, health and serving local communities.

VETSports left fielder Taylor Urruela was safe at home after firefighter Nicki Claveau’s late tag in the fourth inning of the VETSports softball game Sunday at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg. The charity event featured a seven-inning slow-pitch game between wounded veterans and local firefighters and police officers.

VETSports left fielder Taylor Urruela was safe at home after firefighter Nicki Claveau’s late tag in the VETSports softball game in St. Petersburg. The charity event featured a seven-inning slow-pitch game between wounded Veterans and local firefighters and police officers.

National VETSports teams travel the country playing charity games. These charity games often give monetary support, and more importantly, inspire young children with disabilities, who are able to watch games played by amputee athletes.

Find a VETSports Team in your Community

Over the past 7 years, the organization supported Veterans by providing a community of Veterans, supporting each other in both physical and mental pursuits. Further, by purposefully serving communities, VETSports events and teams have a unified goal to push toward.

“At VETSports we aim to tackle overall health and reintegration for our Veterans through weekly sports activities and events as a member of a team and family. Our Veteran’s drive our mission and programs, and have helped us grow to over 20 chapters nationally. We are excited to work with the VA and reach as many Veterans as possible to get them involved, active, and healthy,“ President Randy Tharp said.

The organization also help Veteran athletes train and enter professional leagues. The VETSports Sponsored Athlete Program (VSAP) helps athletes and teams by directly funding uniforms, registration fees, equipment and travel needs. VSAP has sponsored Paralympian’s, baseball players, softball teams and race car drivers.

Recently the group launched VETSports University to support Veterans. The program offers scholarships, internships, and career assistance to return to school or pursue a sports industry career. By promoting courage, resilience and teamwork, VETSports supports Veterans by creating community and opportunity on and off the field.

For more information, visit vetsports.org.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of the VA.

 Sophia Tragesser is a Virtual Student Federal Service Intern with Salem VA Medical Center. She is a student at the University of Saint Thomas, Minnesota.

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45 Comments

  1. Kashif Amin October 10, 2019 at 09:02

    I am a 71 year old vet from Portland/Gresham Oregon. Looking for Bocce players (Veterans) to join our summer leagues starting next Spring/May 2020. If interested Contact us at https://technovets.net/

  2. Dennis C Brown October 2, 2019 at 13:26

    Medically retired army soldier, looking for auto racing. I live near Hueytown , Al. I drove dirt late models before joing the army. I am no longer allowed to work. I would love to be back into auto sports racing if anything is available. Life has gotten very dull.

  3. Comedy September 26, 2019 at 22:48

    Looking for sports teams in Sacramento California to join, baseball, football, basketball, volleyball any actually.

  4. Tina Tindal September 26, 2019 at 14:04

    Looking for a fencing club in or around Phoenix…wheelchair or standing.
    Also looking for an air gun and pistol club. I took silver in air rifle in the Veterans golden age games this year.
    Shooting regular guns and pistols too.

  5. Kristi Clukey September 25, 2019 at 22:01

    Is there a veteran volleyball or other sports in Boise Idaho?

  6. Francisco Gutierrez September 23, 2019 at 12:26

    Got anyone in Vilseck, Germany?

  7. TROY SHELBY September 23, 2019 at 02:53

    Looking for Adaptive Cycling Join Rollin Chili Peppers Adaptive Cycling Club in Albuquerque NM We are an Adaptive Cycling group for Veterans and their immediate families for more information go to http://rcpacc.org

  8. Robert Saunders September 20, 2019 at 23:26

    Is there hockey in Minneapolis-St Paul?

  9. Robert Saunders September 20, 2019 at 23:22

    Is there hockey in the minneapolis-St Paul area?

  10. KLEBER September 20, 2019 at 02:29

    Is there any sport teams and or events in the DFW metroplex area?!
    In order: 1-Soccer, 2-hockey, 3-fishing, 4-boating.
    Any programs in north Texas??

  11. Walter A. Asher September 20, 2019 at 00:35

    Hi Goodstuff,
    OCONUS vet here, playing on random teams here and there in on-island tournaments and wondering if you can support us with hard to comeby equipment, mainly softball equipment. Please advise and thanks.

  12. Tarrille M Johnson September 19, 2019 at 18:54

    I am a Marine Corps Veteran and I live in Harrisburg PA and i’m Interested in Sports. I am respectfully requesting more information.

  13. Randolph Kimble September 19, 2019 at 16:25

    Looking for a veterans softball team in cave creek Az

  14. Shannon Chambers September 19, 2019 at 14:39

    Hi Dan,
    You may wish to contact Mat Tiger at the Vet Center in the Cherokee Nation tribal Complex, in Tahlequah, OK. He councils there to all veterans. If he can not help, he may know where to go to get things established. Sounds like a great club. Best,

    Shannon

    • Dan Hilbert September 25, 2019 at 13:53

      Thanks, Shannon, for your prompt reply – sorry I didn’t see it until today. I’ll get all of this information & the contact to my friend; I hope it will be useful to him in his efforts on behalf of the veterans in this area. Thanks again & keep up the good work!

  15. GG Garet September 19, 2019 at 13:16

    Everyone try to sign up online at the library etc. Vetsports.com. get a free email acct. like google or gmail. I do not recommend Facebook etc. Because it gives your info to anyone.Also check out Team Rwb.com. there are sports,surfing,hiking,paraolympic, and social events for vets in each town. Good luck and keep in motion.

    • KLEBER September 20, 2019 at 02:26

      Which is the website for vetsports that u put?
      You had put vetsports.com and it doesn’t exist… so which one is the actual page…?

      • Al Giacalone September 20, 2019 at 10:46

        Looks like the website is http://www.vetsports.org/.

      • Jadon September 20, 2019 at 12:17

        The article above indicates if you want more information, visit vetsports.org

  16. GG Garet September 19, 2019 at 13:08

    Hi guys…I just found out about VetSpprts too. Sounds like we can call them up. Then start small teams with other vets and caregivers etc. Also sign up with Team red white and blue. Team RWB .com. There is a vets surf group called Waves of Valor…most VA medical centers have surf camps . Physical therapy rehab division runs vet surf camps. Im 63 and did only 7 camps. They provide big safe foam boards,lifeguards, pizza, rash guard tops etc
    Best of luck and go for it warriors.

  17. Mario Pompei September 19, 2019 at 13:06

    I am a 71 year old vet from Portland/Gresham Oregon. Looking for Bocce players (Veterans) to join our summer leagues starting next Spring/May 2020. If interested Contact us at http://www.Paesanobocceclub.com.

  18. Andrew Patterson September 19, 2019 at 12:44

    I am a Veteran in Downey, CA. I am interested in softball and golf.

  19. Dan Hilbert September 19, 2019 at 12:07

    I’m in Tulsa, OK – I just met with a disabled vet-friendly gentleman yesterday. He has been trying to set up a shooting club (shotguns, trap & skeet) for vets & disabled vets here. He has several local businessmen interested in backing the effort – but I bet they could all use a hand in getting it established, funded & activated. This sounds like the kind of thing VETSports is about. If so, please contact me for more information & contacts.

  20. David Golinsky September 19, 2019 at 11:43

    I’m a Vet in the Manchester Township, New Jersey area looking to play softball, golf, hockey or even a fishing buddy.

  21. William Larsen September 19, 2019 at 11:29

    I am in the process of acquiring a summer collegiate baseball team in upstate New York. We will
    have a summer collegiate team that will be owned and operated by a veteran. We will, also, have
    veterans trained and employed by veterans for a career in sports. A one year program will cover
    all aspects of the business in sports from management to sales to food service and even
    groundskeeping.

    In addition, we will have a Fall Baseball League from August to September consisting of the
    “undrafted” collegiate players and a veteran team. The tournament will have six to eight teams
    with one team of all veterans. Tryouts will be held prior to the tournament in late 2020 for the
    2021 season.

    Our focus on a sports business program will accept all veterans interested in pursuing a career
    in sports. Our primary focus will be on professional baseball, but our program will prepare any
    student for a career in other sports too.

    We have extensive experience in minor league baseball with instructors from other sports
    as well. This comprehensive program will be starting in 2020. If interested as a student or
    player submit your name and email so we can contact you.

    Thanks

  22. Douglas Arthur Smith September 19, 2019 at 11:25

    Hello just wanted to ask if there were any sports programs for veterans in Spanaway ,WA are around that area?

  23. Margaret Nesbit September 19, 2019 at 11:14

    hello my name is Margaret and I am interested in sports in Charleston, SC area I like volleyball, softball and bowling

  24. Richard L. Kuciemba September 19, 2019 at 11:12

    Hello, I’m a disabled Veteran as well as a medically retired Fireman due to an on the job injury. I live in Salmon Idaho which is a small town. Not being able to work anymore has created severe boredom / depression in my life. I’ve learned to live with my disabilities, get around & do the best I can. I need something in my life to keep my mind occupied & use my physical abilities to its fullest potential. Is there anything available near Salmon Idaho? If not, where is the nearest location I can get involved in this program ? Thank you in advance for the information. WHOOAA !

  25. joseph richards September 19, 2019 at 11:12

    I’m a Vet in Connecticut and am totally interested in this! The sports, the exercise and the opportunity to meet new people. Sign me up. Are there any programs in Connecticut?

    • Michael Coughlin September 19, 2019 at 22:00

      For those of you in the New England area looking for the opportunity to play hockey, I wanted to let you know about the Skate for the 22 foundation based out of Burlington/Bedford MA, with teams currently in MA, NH, & ME.

      https://www.facebook.com/skateforthe22/

      If this is something you are interested in, feel free to send the page a message and Bobby Colliton will get back to you as the organization Founder and President.

  26. M Car September 19, 2019 at 11:04

    Article link about finding sports near you does not work. Website does not include any specific info. I question seriousness of this org.

  27. Steven F. Giammona PT September 19, 2019 at 11:00

    The Adaptive Golf Experience is offered on the third Saturday of every month at 9:00 at the Legends Golf Course at Parris island in Beaufort South Carolina for injured or disabled veterans to return to active lifestyle including golf.
    Keep Swinging…
    Steve G PT

  28. James Mathew Smith September 19, 2019 at 10:52

    Salem, Oregon

  29. Hodges Brown September 19, 2019 at 10:44

    I am a VET in the Boston, MA area interested in any baseball/softball, golf or hockey leagues in the area.

  30. Patrick Hastings September 19, 2019 at 10:26

    I’m in Virginia Beach, VA. Are there any Vet softball or basketball teams? I’m 62 years old, retired Navy, and am looking for an intramural league or even just friendly pickup games. If anyone knows of them, please let me know. Thanks.

  31. Luke bast September 19, 2019 at 10:06

    I am Luke and live in Memphis TN. I would love to join veteran teams and events. I play many sports and need the interaction since my injuries. Please contact me anytime for signing up for sports and events

  32. Dwight Clark September 19, 2019 at 09:51

    I live in Muskegon mi is there any vet teams football softball bowling golf near my location

  33. Tim Faber September 19, 2019 at 09:31

    I think this is an excellent idea and would love to find some sports near me I live in Farmington Hills, MI 48336 abd attend the Ann Arbor, MI VA hospital. Transportation is the only real issue for me to do more such as volunteering or getting in a routine.

  34. Kenny Sweet September 19, 2019 at 08:20

    Any Veteran Baseball teams in Missouri??

    • william sturgeon September 19, 2019 at 14:48

      check out MSBL and NABA and Roy Hobbs,

  35. Richard Brown September 19, 2019 at 08:15

    I live in North Augusta SC and use Charlie Norwood VA hospitals
    . I would be interested in a bowling team if there are any.
    Thanks
    Richard Brown

  36. R George Busby III September 19, 2019 at 08:07

    I’m here in Chester MD in Queen Anne’s County and are there any teams that play American rules Football? How about indoor Volleyball? Tennis? Baseball? A sport I don’t play, but love to watch, Hockey? can I get an RSVP on this?

  37. TED SLEZAK September 19, 2019 at 08:03

    I am 74 years old VET and I would like to know, if there any senior VET softball teams in Jacksonville, Florida.

  38. olayinka September 16, 2019 at 19:03

    This Is the latest Update

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