Breaking barriers in youth sports
Our story is one of community, determination, and the belief that every child should have the opportunity to play
Mission Statement
“Sports Save is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering young athletes in underserved communities across Essex County and beyond. Rooted in my own experience growing up in Essex County, I’ve seen how access to sports can dramatically vary between neighborhoods. Soccer has been more than just a game for me, it’s been a source of discipline, resilience, and personal growth.
Our approach is rooted in community partnerships. We work directly with coaches and athletic directors at under-resourced schools to identify students who truly need support. These trusted school leaders help ensure that every piece of equipment reaches the athletes who would otherwise go without.“
Nyle Shehzad, Co-Founder
How It Started
In 2025, as a sophomore at The Pingry School in New Jersey, Nyle and Shehzad founded Sports Saves with a simple yet powerful mission: to collect and redistribute gently used sports equipment to communities in need.
His journey began years earlier with volunteer work at organizations like LPF, IRD Global Foundation, SKM Cancer Hospital, and several local non-profits. What started as required school community service hours, quickly turned into a personal mission—fueled by Nyle’s own journey of setbacks, perseverance, and resilience.
A lifelong soccer player, Nyle was diagnosed in 2023 with Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a joint disorder that left him unable to play for months and required knee surgery. He lost his spot on a national-level club team he’d played for since childhood. Instead of giving up, he trained through recovery and earned a spot on one of New Jersey’s top youth MLS clubs—only to face another devastating injury in a freak accident a year later, requiring a second major surgery and another long road back.
During these periods off the field, Nyle gained a powerful perspective: sports aren’t just games—they’re lifelines. They build confidence, community, and mental strength. During his time off the field, he noticed a troubling reality: while he was fighting to return to the game he loved, countless kids just miles away never had the chance to play at all because of financial barriers.
That realization sparked Sports Saves, which he co-founded with his brother. Their vision was simple but transformative: to level the playing field and give every young athlete the chance to experience the same resilience, joy, and growth that sports had given him. Through every injury, setback, and comeback, Nyle learned that passion and perseverance can turn obstacles into opportunity—and he’s committed to helping others do the same.
Today, Nyle proudly plays for his high school team and has rejoined his former club, preparing for an exciting season ahead. Yet, his greatest victory isn’t on the field—it’s building a platform that gives others the second chances he fought so hard to earn.
