Meet our youth founders
PlayForward CT was built by student athletes who know firsthand the lifelong friendships, confidence, and lessons that team sports create. Learn more about the high school athletes from Connecticut driving our mission forward.
Riley Belmonte, founder
A 16-year-old athlete from West Hartford, Connecticut, Riley Belmonte has been playing soccer since she was very young. Experiencing the positive power of youth sports firsthand sparked her idea to create PlayForward CT so no athlete is left on the sidelines. Within the organization, Riley guides our overall initiative and focuses primarily on collecting soccer and lacrosse equipment donations.
Dahlia Smith, co-founder
At 16 years old and hailing from Canton, Connecticut, Dahlia Smith brings her deep passion for volleyball to our team. Believing that every young person deserves access to teamwork and positive competition, Dahlia helps steer our outreach programs and leads our equipment donation efforts for both volleyball and lacrosse.
Jessica Bonnell, co-founder
A 16-year-old student at Canton High School, Jessica Bonnell is an avid ice hockey player who knows how vital proper equipment and team support are for athletic success. Jessica heads our hockey equipment collection alongside lacrosse drives, ensuring young athletes get the gear required to step onto the ice with pride.
"Every young athlete deserves the chance to play, grow, and pursue their goals. Your circumstances should never determine your ability to get in the game."
Riley, Dahlia, and Jessica — Founders of PlayForward CT