Online commercial sports equipment retailer partners with Charlotte-based nonprofit Playbook for Life to help churches upgrade gym equipment for youth basketball leagues.

(PRUnderground) November 19th, 2025

Institutional Sports Equipment (ISE), a trusted provider of gymnasium and athletic equipment for faith-based organizations and schools, is proud to announce its ongoing collaboration with Playbook for Life. The Charlotte-based nonprofit uses sports as a bridge to engage young people and introduce them to ministry through mentorship and biblical principles. As part of this partnership, ISE Owner Tom Nicotera is personally assisting participating host churches in the Playbook for Life Basketball League with upgrading their athletic equipment to ensure safe, professional play environments.

Founded in 1999, Institutional Sports Equipment has spent over two decades helping churches across the country outfit their activity centers, school gyms, and worship spaces with durable, mission-minded equipment. It is a leading supplier of commercial grade gymnasium equipment for churches, schools, recreational facilities, and municipalities nationwide. With a heart for ministry and a reputation for personalized service, ISE provides solutions customized to each facility. Nicotera is knowledgeable about a wide variety of equipment and helps individuals and organizations select basketball systems, wall padding, bleachers, soccer goals, volleyball systems, and other related products.

This partnership is particularly significant in the current climate, where many young people are seeking purpose, community, and stability. By supporting Playbook for Life and the churches that host its programming, Institutional Sports Equipment is helping meet both spiritual and practical needs in the lives of young athletes.

“Hosting a youth league takes more than just a few basketball hoops,” Nicotera said. “These churches are creating a space where youth feel safe and organizing activities that provide opportunities for growth, connection, and mentorship. Subpar or aging equipment undermines that mission. They need equipment that’s durable and can withstand competition-level play. I am proud to help them create a space where youth want to come to enjoy sports and engage with the ministry.”

Nicotera will work directly with church leaders to assess their current setups and recommend affordable upgrades tailored to each facility’s needs. From breakaway rims and shatterproof glass backboards to Class A wall padding that meets safety and fire code standards, ISE helps clients choose products made for high-use multipurpose spaces like church gyms. It’s an approach that’s not one-size-fits-all, but guided by decades of experience and a deep respect for each church’s mission and stewardship responsibilities.

To learn more about how Institutional Sports Equipment helps churches nationwide choose the right equipment for their facilities, or to speak with an equipment specialist, call 877-272-5430 or visit www.InstitutionalSportsEquipment.com.

About Institutional Sports Equipment

Institutional Sports Equipment helps schools, churches, community centers, and other organizations find the best sports equipment to meet their unique needs. They specialize in commercial-grade products such as wall padding, basketball and volleyball equipment, bleachers, goals, and more.

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Original Press Release.