Rockdale community raises over $7,000 for youth sports as population grows

ROCKDALE, Texas (KBTX) – As the city of Rockdale continues to grow, the community is investing in the next generation by raising over $7,000 to fund youth sports.

The money will be split between five recreational leagues: softball, baseball, aquatics, cheer, football and soccer. City councilman David Melton recognized they needed to support more activities and wanted to give the small community a new outlet for fun.

“Like a lot of communities, the kids here say that there’s nothing to do, and so we wanted to promote the various leagues,” he said.

Rockdale’s population is on the rise, bringing in new businesses, new families and a need for more activities. Melton said youth sports and other recreational programs are something families look into when considering a move.

“They’re going to want to know about what kind of things their kids can be involved in when they get here,” he added.

A study from the University of Chicago found children who participate in sports are less likely to fall into risky behaviors.

Melton worked with The East Bell Taphouse, a locally-owned bar, to set up a fundraiser as a way to support those programs. He said seeing the Rockdale community come together to support their youth was gratifying. Some small businesses donated items for a silent auction, others chose to donate outright.

As more families come to the area, Corey Vornkahl, owner of The East Bell Taphouse, said this signals “new investments coming in, and resources and revenue.”

Vornkahl grew up in Milam County and chose to move back to the area to raise his family. He isn’t just a business owner, he’s a father too. Investing in Rockdale’s youth sports also means investing in his children.

“Next year will be her first year in t-ball, softball. So we’re excited for that,” he said about his daughter.

He wants to see the city’s resources keep up with its growth, and is proud to be a part of making that happen.

“Since we’ve been open, that’s what we try to do. It’s one of our things, we want to just give back to the community,” Vornkal said.

Some of those funds will likely be used to open doors for lower-income athletes. How the programs use the money is ultimately up to them, whether it’s for new uniforms or updated equipment.

Some sports, like football and cheer, have a registration fee to join the team, Melton said. They’re looking at offering scholarships for young athletes in need, to ensure that any child who wants to participate in sports doesn’t get held back by the cost.

“When you see them right there at the ball fields playing and participating, it’s a good feeling to know that money has been used to allow as many as possible to participate,” Melton said.

The councilman also founded Rockdale Earth Day, a nonprofit focused on beautifying the community.