Next Generation Disc Golfers on the Rise with EDGE Program
Date Published
The Educational Disc Golf Experience (EDGE) program has been a beacon of innovation in introducing disc golf to the next generation. Founded in 2001 as a non-profit organization, EDGE provides schools with comprehensive disc golf curriculum and equipment packages, sparking a love for the sport among students.
Thanks to the generous support from the USDGC, Innova, and funding from the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), the EDGE grant program has successfully reached all 50 states. According to David Shope, EDGE Coordinator, "The number of school partners we've gained since our inception is staggering. The number of students exposed to disc golf through EDGE is simply incalculable."
In just three years alone, EDGE has provided an impressive 25,000 discs and nearly 40 permanent courses to school campuses nationwide. Each year at the USDGC, hundreds of students flock to the EDGE Village, where they can hone their skills and learn from experienced players.
The enthusiasm of these young participants is palpable, as volunteers and competitors alike share in their excitement. For Chris Roberts, one of the many dedicated EDGE Village volunteers, "It's a highlight of our week to see these students get involved with disc golf." Shope extends his gratitude to these selfless individuals who dedicate their time to sharing the joy of disc golf with the next generation.
For Shope, the true potential of the EDGE program lies in its ability to enrich education and foster talented young players. He confesses, "My ultimate dream is to hear a winner at the USDGC proudly claim that they were introduced to the sport through their school." With over two decades of dedication, EDGE continues to push boundaries, empowering students with a lifelong appreciation for disc golf.
To learn more about the EDGE program and its mission, visit EDGEdiscgolf.org.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/edge-links-disc-golf-next-generation