Thursday, October 1, 2026
79 ° Clear
79 ° Clear
As one of the premier associations for youth sports in Lower Bucks County, the Langhorne Athletic Association (LAA) adheres to its motto: building character, competition, and community through youth basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer. The nonprofit organization’s dedicated volunteer coaches, parents, and game day support staff work tirelessly year-round to provide affordable sporting opportunities for children and teens from neighborhoods in Langhorne and Neshaminy as well as nearby communities.
“We provide soccer, baseball, softball and basketball for kids starting at age five through high school, with programs ranging from in-house leagues to competitive travel teams,” said Joe Pino, president of the association and former director of basketball.
LAA has grown significantly over the past several years. Currently, there are more than 2,300 boys and girls across its basketball, baseball, and softball leagues, with participation continuing to rise across programs – led by girls’ basketball, which has become the association’s fastest-growing division. The youth soccer league, called Langhorne United, was founded in 1987 and offers intramural programs in the fall and spring in addition to year-round travel teams. The baseball, softball and soccer leagues practice and play at their primary home field of Middletown Community Park, while basketball practices and games are held at gymnasiums throughout the Neshaminy School District.
Student athletes participate from local public, private and parochial schools such as: Maple Point Middle School, Poquessing Middle School, Carl Sandburg Middle School, Bucks County Technical High School, Neshaminy High School, Holy Ghost Preparatory School, Tawanka Elementary School, Walter Miller Elementary School, Pen Ryn School, Albert Schweitzer Elementary School, Herbert Hoover Elementary School, and Our Lady of Grace School.
While basketball is in season now with active games, the soccer, baseball, and softball divisions often have indoor training opportunities or options to join indoor leagues throughout the year. LAA emphasizes skill development, teamwork, safety, and sportsmanship in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“LAA is completely volunteer-run, and parents at every level have stepped up to make these programs possible for kids across the community,” Joe said. “Families want their kids engaged – whether through sports, social connection or simply being part of something bigger. That experience builds camaraderie, confidence and important life lessons, whether you win, lose or draw.”
The association also saw the leagues grow after the Covid-19 pandemic passed. “COVID taught us a lot, especially about the importance of youth sports,” Joe said. “While registrations declined during the pandemic, participation increased significantly afterward as families were eager to reconnect, get active, and be part of their community again,” he noted.
The association’s mission is not only creating athletes but also supporting kids as they go through some of their most important years of development. “This is really about the community coming together and watching kids grow over time,” Joe said. “We don’t get kids involved because we think they’ll be the next great athlete, but because sports builds character, confidence and friendships. It also gets kids off screens, moving, and engaged in their community – and most importantly, enjoying the experience.”
As more student athletes participate, Joe said working with the current and new board members becomes extremely important for the continuing growth of the organization. “It’s an exciting time as we look ahead to the next five to 10 years. We’re always focused on improving the experience for our athletes and families, and continuing to strengthen the organization as it grows.”
The executive board members include: Joe Pino, president; Brian Philips, vice president; Jason Jacobsen, vice president; Chris Haist, treasurer; Mike Czyzewski, assistant treasurer; Dan Sweetser, board member; and Kevin Riley, board member. The program directors include: Chuck Goodnow, intramural baseball director; Steve Humiston, travel baseball director; Dana Puskas, basketball director; JJ McCaw, intramural softball director; Kevin Robinson, travel softball director; and Lamar Frye, soccer president.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with the Langhorne Athletic Association has several opportunities to explore. Volunteers are always needed to help coach or manage teams or to support overall activities at games and practices.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, sponsorships and donations are welcomed and put to good use within the daily operations of the leagues. The LAA sponsors are promoted in various ways and reach parents, players and fans as well as receiving game-day visibility, website, social media presence, and digital shoutouts. There are sponsorships available for all the sporting leagues ranging from primary sponsors to mid to lower tier options.
To find out more about volunteer opportunities or to donate or become a sponsor, visit langhorneaa.org.
