Athlete-led. Community-powered.
Confidence starts with movement.
SWFL Sharks athletes bring high-energy, fun-filled team competitions and evidence-backed youth programs directly to schools and communities across Southwest Florida.
Strength that lasts beyond the game
A 501(c)(3) charitable organizationOur Mission
To inspire the next generation through movement, teamwork, and positive role models.
By bringing engaging, athlete-led programs into schools and communities, we create experiences that encourage participation, celebrate effort, and inspire young people to believe in what they can accomplish.
Our story
The Sharks FinsUp Foundation was founded by the athletes and leadership of the SW Florida Sharks — a United Grid League team bringing our culture of strength, unity, and resilience off the GRID and into Southwest Florida communities.
Our athletes come from all backgrounds — NCAA D1 gymnasts, CrossFit Games athletes, firefighters, teachers, and Olympic weightlifters who found purpose in movement. Together, they show kids that strength has no single look or size: it is a mindset that builds lasting confidence, resilience, and pride.
Our flagship programs
Two fun-filled, on-site experiences that get kids moving, laughing, and discovering just how capable they really are.
01 / MOVEMENT + TEAMWORK
Race Day with Sharks is a hands-on, school-based program where SW Florida Sharks athletes take over a PE class and turn it into a co-ed team race experience.
Boys and girls compete together on the same team through fast-paced relay-style races inspired by the United Grid League format. The program combines movement, teamwork, and competition to build confidence, respect, and collaboration.
02 / Strength + sisterhood
Made for This is an on-site team experience where the Lady Sharks join your team's practice to train and push the pace alongside young female athletes.
The session concludes with honest team huddles and one-on-one conversations where the Lady Sharks openly discuss the unspoken pressures girls face in sports—from overcoming self-doubt and owning their physical strength to building the confidence to believe in their own power before anyone else defines it.
In the field
Grounded in evidence
Dr. Howard C. Stevenson's PLAAY framework
Preventing Long-term Anger and Aggression in Youth
Our programs integrate the PLAAY framework, an evidence-backed methodology focused on de-escalation, emotional regulation, and positive engagement. Through our partnership, we apply these principles in movement-based environments to support awareness, self-control, and healthy responses under pressure.
Our promise to schools
We believe every child deserves a chance to have fun, make memories, and experience the joy of teamwork.
01
We bring all the equipment and run the entire session from start to finish, so teachers and coaches can simply cheer alongside their students.
02
Every Race Day and Made for This visit is fully funded by our donors and sponsors. Schools and families never see an invoice.
03
Every race and huddle is designed for all fitness levels and backgrounds. No cuts, no benchwarmers—every student participates.
How it works
Step 1
Choose Race Day With Sharks or Made for This and a PE period or team practice that works for you.
Step 2
Our athletes arrive early with all the equipment and set up the full session.
Step 3
A high-energy, all-abilities session that every student can join.
All visiting athletes are background-checked, vetted, and programs are covered by comprehensive general liability insurance.
Be part of the difference
Every donation keeps Race Day With Sharks and Made for This free for schools, youth clubs, and families across Southwest Florida — bringing athlete role models and high-energy experiences to the kids who need them most.
BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY PARTNER?
Sponsor a school or community event and put your name behind the kids of Southwest Florida.
Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 39-5090046.
Questions & answers