The Fuquay-Varina Youth Sports program has grown significantly over the past 12 years, from its humble beginnings with 341 participants in the winter of 2012-2013, to its current stature as one of the most successful programs in North Carolina. With more than 9,400 participants annually, the program is on track to break the 10,000 mark next year.
Adam Hairr, Athletic Program Superintendent, has been instrumental in the program’s growth, starting with just two staff members a decade ago. He oversees four full-time athletic staff dedicated to youth and adult athletics. The program relies heavily on its part-time staff of 53 individuals who help with scorekeeping, setting up fields, and ensuring officials adhere to league rules.
One of the biggest challenges in running such a large program is coordinating the logistics, particularly when over 856 teams with 1,605 coaches participate a year.
“At Fuquay-Varina youth sports, our unwavering mission is to provide every child with a safe, enjoyable, uplifting experience through athletics. This guiding principle shapes every decision we make. We want to make a positive impact. We all like winning, but the positive impact of how these kids feel will last much longer than the feeling of winning a game,” said Hairr.
Jonathan Cox, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, reiterated the program’s goals: “Fuquay-Varina Youth Sports is focused on recreational sports. Since the program began, our goal has always been for the kids to have a good time, learn life skills, interact socially, and experience different sports.” The town offers financial scholarships to qualified residents and non-residents who face financial hardship.
The Fuquay-Varina Youth Sports program relies heavily on the town’s grounds staff to maintain its athletic facilities. Two full-time maintenance employees play a crucial role, dedicating 40 hours a week to preparing fields for various sports, including soccer, lacrosse, tackle football, and flag football. This team levels and chalks approximately eight baseball and softball fields daily during the season to ensure they are ready for play. In addition, all 18 grounds staff members contribute to the effort.
As Chris Newsom, Assistant Director of Parks, Grounds, and Public Buildings, noted, “With 29 dedicated ball fields, 75% of my department’s time is spent ensuring athletic fields are inviting and well-maintained for participants and those attending.”
The Town of Fuquay-Varina has invested in its parks and fields, with significant upgrades including new facilities, LED lighting, and equipment to ensure top-notch maintenance. In early 2025, the Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center will open with three gyms, which will be used in the basketball and volleyball programs, among other things. Notably, soccer remains the largest youth sports program, making up about one-third of all programs in town. Meanwhile, baseball, softball, volleyball, and flag football have been experiencing rapid growth as popular sports among young participants.
As the town continues to grow, it’s investing in recreation land acquisition through a one-cent tax with the Fiscal Year Budget 2025, allowing the town to purchase land for a future park anticipated to be 75 acres or more.
As the Fuquay-Varina Youth Sports program continues to thrive, it’s clear that its success is built on more than just numbers and statistics. It’s about creating a sense of community, promoting healthy habits, and providing lifelong memories for thousands of young athletes each year. As the program looks to the future, many more championships will be won, friendships formed, and lifelong memories made – thanks to the hard work and dedication of its staff, volunteers, and participants.
Registration for Winter Sports begins September 16 at www.FVParks.org. Residents receive priority registration.
