Sport Psychology Sponsorships
Mental performance support shouldn't only be for elite athletes with resources.
Every athlete deserves to feel seen, supported, and equipped with the mental skills to thrive—regardless of ability, identity, or income. That's why Skadi Sport Psychology funds pro bono workshops, event sponsorships, and individual scholarships for the people and organizations building a more equitable sporting world.
individual athlete support
pro bono workshops
sponsorship support
The Gap We're Closing
Here's the reality of sport psychology today: the athletes who could benefit most from mental performance support are often the ones least able to access it.
Cost is one barrier. But it's not the only one. Athletes from historically excluded communities—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, para-athletes, athletes in bigger bodies—often enter sporting spaces that weren't built with them in mind. Events without inclusive policies. Organizations without anti-discrimination protections. Cultures where belonging feels conditional.
We believe mental health, identity safety, and belonging are inseparable from performance. So we put our resources where our values are.
Who This Is For
We prioritize applications from:
Event directors seeking pro bono workshops or sponsorship support
501(c)(3) organizations serving athletes from historically excluded communities
Race organizers committed to implementing evidence-based DEI practices
Individual athletes experiencing financial hardship
You don't need to be a 501(c)(3) to apply. Grassroots initiatives, informal teams, and individual events are welcome.
Organizations We’ve Supported
Our Eligibility Criteria
We prioritize organizations, events, and initiatives that demonstrate:
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Trans girls and women are welcome to compete in girls' and women's fields
Non-binary categories are explicitly designated for non-binary athletes (not used as a "catch-all")
Clear, publicly available policies regarding transgender athlete participation
Self-identification is respected; if additional criteria are required, they must be clearly communicated well in advance of the event and evidence-based
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Zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, discrimination, and harassment of any kind
Clear, publicly available inclusivity and anti-discrimination statements
Established internal procedures for responding to incidents of discrimination or harassment
Designated person (other than event director) responsible for incident reporting
Consequences for violations are clearly stated and consistently enforced
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We prioritize events and organizations that incorporate characteristics identified in our peer-reviewed research:
Community Guidelines:
Use of gender-neutral language
Pronoun sharing encouraged
Behavioral expectations clearly communicated
Post-event feedback mechanisms
Clear Policies & Procedures:
Public inclusivity statements
Communications plan for social media moderation
Incident reporting protocols
Staff Training:
Ongoing education on equity and inclusion best practices
Training on transgender and gender non-conforming athlete policies
Pre-event education for participants, staff, and volunteers
Athlete Experience:
Equal attention to finishers across all paces and abilities
Categories aligned with athlete identity
Accessible facilities and accommodations
Event Structure:
Equal prize pools across fields
Equal race distances and durations across genders
Inclusive cutoff times and support for all finishers
Wheelchair-accessible facilities
Race apparel in all sizes (2XS to 4XL)
Equitable Opportunities:
Scholarships and grants for marginalized participants
Priority registration for underrepresented athletes
Training camps and clinics for new participants
Equipment loans or gear libraries
Collaboration & Learning:
Partnerships with grassroots organizations serving underrepresented communities
Engagement with BIPOC/transgender/non-binary owned vendors
Consultation with diverse community members
Explicit promotion of diversity in marketing materials
4. Mission Alignment
Serve athletes from historically excluded communities in sport
Address systemic barriers to sport participation
Prioritize mental health and holistic athlete development
Demonstrate commitment to long-term culture change, not performative allyship
Why Skadi
Skadi Sport Psychology is a mission-driven practice offering evidence-based mental health therapy, performance coaching, workshops, and online courses tailored to the unique needs of athletes. Under the leadership of Dr. Erin Ayala (Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant), we serve adolescent and adult athletes virtually in 42 states, plus in-person sessions in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Our practice conducts empirical research on gender, microaggressions, trans athletes, and DEI in sport. We've contributed to amicus curiae briefs supporting trans athletes, published peer-reviewed research on inclusion in sport, and actively advocate for policy changes that create safer, more equitable sporting environments.
When you partner with us, you're working with a team that doesn't just talk about equity—we study it, fund it, and show up for it.
How to Apply
The application takes a few minutes. Here's what to expect:
Tell us about yourself or your organization—your mission, your community, your current DEI practices
Share your specific request—the type of support you need, your timeline, and how it will advance equity in your community
Show your commitment—trans-inclusive policies (or willingness to implement them), anti-discrimination procedures, and your track record or plan for inclusion
Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Pro bono workshop slots are limited to one per month. Expect a response within 2-3 weeks. Priority goes to organizations serving athletes with the highest needs.
Our Philosophy
This work is grounded in our core values:
Social Justice: We uphold the principles of fairness, inclusion, and equity within the athletic community. We work tirelessly to create opportunities for all athletes, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Authenticity: We believe in the power of showing up as our authentic selves. We model vulnerability, accountability, and courage in all our partnerships.
Health and Wellness: We prioritize long-term, holistic wellness for athletes—recognizing that mental health, identity safety, and belonging are inseparable from performance.