Youth sports don’t thrive on flash or hype. They thrive on stability, access, and people who care enough to build something that lasts. That’s what makes the newly announced merger between Kids Inc. of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle Youth Sports Foundation (TPYSF) such an important development for families across the region.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Kids Inc. and TPYSF will officially operate as one organization, with a shared goal of providing quality, affordable athletic opportunities for young athletes in the Texas Panhandle. On the surface, it’s an administrative move. In reality, it’s a practical step toward fixing some of the most common challenges youth sports face today: fragmented leadership, limited facilities, and rising costs for families.
Kids Inc. brings more than 80 years of experience running youth sports programs in the Amarillo and Canyon areas. TPYSF brings a focused commitment to baseball and softball, along with established leagues and relationships. Together, the merger creates a centralized structure that should make things simpler, not more complicated, for parents, coaches, and players.
“Both organizations have long been committed to helping kids learn, play, and grow through sports,” said Jimmy R. Lackey, President and CEO of Kids, Incorporated. “This merger provides TPYSF and its staff with a storefront and main office, a team of experienced youth sports professionals to help answer parent inquiries, and the support of an organization that has operated youth sports programs in the Amarillo/Canyon region for more than 80 years.”
That “front office” support matters more than many people realize. Youth sports run on volunteers, but they survive on organization. Having experienced staff available to handle scheduling, registration questions, and day-to-day operations reduces confusion and burnout. It also lets coaches and volunteers focus on what they’re actually there to do: teach the game and mentor kids.
As part of the merger, Kids Inc. will continue operating key programs such as West Texas Fastpitch, the Amarillo Area Youth Baseball League, the Canyon Baseball Association, and the West Texas Baseball League. TPYSF staff members Rob Woods and Angela Greeson will also join Kids Inc., ensuring continuity and familiarity for families already involved.
Woods, who will now serve as Director of Baseball Operations, emphasized the long-term benefits of the move.
“We’re excited to join forces with Kids, Incorporated,” Woods said. “This partnership gives us a true front office operation supported by a seasoned staff of youth sports professionals. In the long term, it ensures that every child in our community will continue to have access to affordable, high-quality baseball and softball programs that promote teamwork, leadership, and fun.”
Another major piece of the puzzle is facilities. With construction underway at Rockrose Sports Park, the timing of this merger couldn’t be better. Additional fields mean more local games, better scheduling flexibility, and fewer weekend road trips that strain family budgets and time.
“With the construction of Rockrose Sports Park underway, these baseball and softball programs will soon have access to additional state-of-the-art facilities,” Lackey said. “This merger allows for a more unified approach to scheduling leagues and tournaments, benefiting children and families throughout the Amarillo/Canyon region.”
For softball in particular, that access could be a game changer. Greeson, now Director of Softball Operations, highlighted how local facilities can ease the pressure that often pushes families toward expensive travel teams at younger ages.
“What an amazing opportunity to grow softball in our community,” Greeson said. “Access to Rockrose Sports Park will allow for more local playing time, reduce the stress of travel ball, and enhance player development and the overall game-day experience.”
From a big-picture standpoint, the merger strengthens the foundation of baseball and fastpitch softball in the Panhandle by streamlining operations, improving volunteer and coaching support, and making better use of shared resources. Those aren’t flashy talking points, but they’re exactly what sustainable youth sports programs need.
Importantly, families currently participating in TPYSF programs shouldn’t expect disruption. Kids Inc. has stated that leagues and schedules will continue as planned, with a seamless transition under the Kids Inc. umbrella.
In an era when youth sports often feel fractured and overly commercialized, this merger stands out as a practical, community-first decision. It’s about aligning people, programs, and places to give kids a better experience—on and off the field. And in youth sports, that’s always a win worth celebrating.
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