SPRING, Texas – Parents in a local youth softball league say they were left confused and concerned after learning the organization they’ve supported for years is no longer a registered nonprofit.
Families involved in the Spring Area Youth Softball League say they began asking questions after noticing ongoing issues with field conditions and equipment.
“We’ve noticed the field’s overgrown. The scoreboards aren’t working. Multiple things here need to be fixed,” said coach Michael Flores. “And we started asking questions, where are the funds going?”
That question prompted a closer look.
Records show the league had identified itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for years, despite losing that status in 2021. After KPRC 2 News’s Rilwan Balogun sent questions to league leadership, its sponsor page and donation information were removed within an hour.
Board member Mark Orneales said the loss of status stemmed from missed filings and communication breakdowns with previous leadership.
“I think the last filing was in 2017. 2018 and 2019 didn’t get filed, and in 2021 that’s when our status was revoked,” Orneales said. “We didn’t know because it was sent to an old P.O. box.”
Orneales added the current board believed everything had been handled.
“We just assumed it was still going on that it got filed and we were good,” he said.
Parents, however, say that explanation raises more questions especially when it comes to how money has been used.
“I want to see where the investment is,” said parent Jesenia Torres. “Where are they reinvesting funds into the program?”
Families say they’ve paid registration fees and participated in fundraisers but haven’t seen improvements reflected at the park.
“We’re spending, and I’m rounding, about $120 for registration, plus another $200 fundraising,” Flores said. “I’m fine with that, but I want to see the park. I want to see the fields maintained.”
Torres also worries about the broader impact on the kids.
“We’re still required to have our forms in order for this to be an organization,” she said. “The ones that get jeopardized out of this would be our kids.”
Despite their concerns, many parents say they are not ready to walk away.
“This park is special to us,” Torres said. “We want families to know this is a space where young girls can play and grow. We want it to last for generations to come.”
League leadership says they are now working to correct the issue and have refiled for nonprofit status, though it’s unclear when that process will be complete.
In the meantime, parents say they will continue showing up but with a renewed call for transparency and accountability.
“You can’t just fix paperwork and say everything’s fine,” Flores said. “There’s years that need to be addressed.”
You can look up any 501(c)3 by visiting the state comptroller’s office and searching the organization’s name.