Volleybird backs Love Serving Autism in long-term racquet sports partnership

Volleybird has launched a long-term partnership with Love Serving Autism that combines financial support, co-branded merchandise and fundraising help to expand therapeutic racquet sports access for people with autism and other developmental challenges. The deal, effective Sept. 1, also aims to support new programming in the Mid-Atlantic as Love Serving Autism marks its 10th anniversary.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives Love Serving Autism a new funding stream and growth support as demand for inclusive sports programming rises. - The agreement is designed to help more neurodivergent children and adults access therapy through racquet sports. - Volunteer and donor outreach tied to the deal could widen the nonprofit’s reach beyond its current network.

What happened: - Volleybird announced a long-term partnership with Love Serving Autism on Sept. 24, 2026. - The agreement took effect Sept. 1, 2026. - Love Serving Autism uses therapeutic racquet sports to support individuals with autism and other developmental abilities. - The nonprofit is marking its 10th anniversary this year.

The details: - Volleybird will make a contribution to Love Serving Autism. - The two groups will develop co-branded merchandise that Love Serving Autism can sell to raise funds. - Volleybird will support fundraising for Love Serving Autism and its Match Point Gala. - Volleybird will make donor and industry introductions for the nonprofit. - Through its relationship with Blue Chip Sports Management, Volleybird will help expand programming into the Mid-Atlantic. - Love Serving Autism was founded in August 2016 by Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, a former collegiate and WTA tour professional and speech-language pathologist. - The nonprofit runs programs in 15 states and internationally.

Between the lines: - Volleybird framed the deal as a relationship, not a one-time donation, which suggests a longer-term strategy around community building and brand alignment. - The Mid-Atlantic expansion points to a broader geographic push for Love Serving Autism as it grows its donor base and program footprint. - Co-branded merchandise gives the nonprofit a revenue source that can scale beyond traditional fundraising events.

What's next: - Love Serving Autism plans to use the new support to reach more families and expand into the Mid-Atlantic region. - Volleybird will continue building the partnership through fundraising, introductions and merchandise sales. - The nonprofit’s 10th-anniversary year is likely to serve as a platform for visibility and donor engagement.

The bottom line: - Volleybird is tying its brand to a cause-driven expansion effort that blends philanthropy, fundraising and growth support for therapeutic racquet sports.