"Making sports gear accessible, empowering student-ENTERPRENEURS, AND creating opportunITIES FOR student-Athletes All over to thrive."
Why We do what we do, One location at a time
ReadySetPlaySports is a student-led initiative founded in March 2025 by Santa Barbara local Johnny Duffy, born out of a lifelong appreciation for everything sports have given him. What started as a small project funded by a $500 student grant has grown into a recurring community program connecting donated sports gear with the people who need it most.
Every two to three months, ReadySetPlaySports runs a week-long cycle of donation, volunteering, and free redistribution events at local schools. Gently used gear is collected, cleaned by student volunteers earning community service hours, and then given away at no cost to families in the community. Anything that isn't claimed is sold, with all proceeds going toward the RSPS Athletic Scholarship — awarded to local rising college freshmen committed to playing NCAA or NAIA athletics.
At its core, the project is built around three goals: making sports (and its gear) more accessible to communities, creating meaningful service opportunities for local student bodies, and supporting student-athletes as they pursue their academic and athletic futures.
Whether you're a student looking to bring this kind of program to your own school, a school official interested in partnering with us, or simply someone with an idea for expanding what ReadySetPlaySports can do, getting started is as simple as reaching out. We're always glad to share what we've learned and have new projects get off the ground.
New here? Welcome — we're glad you found us. Been with us since the start? Thank you for helping this grow into something bigger than we imagined.
Curious to see where we are?
A huge thank you to our community partners
— PlayItAgain Sports Santa Barbara
— Miner's Ace Hardware Goleta
— Avionics Maintenance West Inc. Santa Barbara