The Play It Forward Tournament

Play hard. Play with purpose. Play it forward.
Hosted by Hudson Heat
*Established 2026*
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AT USA SOFTBALL
The Play It Forward Tournament is more than a weekend of competitive softball — it’s an opportunity to compete with purpose.
Each team that registers for the tournament selects a cause they are playing for, such as a charity, nonprofit, or community organization that matters to them. A portion of the proceeds from each division is donated to the champion team’s chosen cause (with the potential to expand to additional finalists in future years).
This tournament was created to remind our athletes, families, and communities that the game we love can be a platform for something bigger. We believe in playing hard, competing the right way, and giving back along the way.
How It Works
-
Teams register and declare a cause they are playing for
-
Teams compete in a competitive USA Softball of NH tournament hosted by Hudson Heat
-
A portion of each division’s proceeds is donated to the winning team’s cause
-
Athletes learn that effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship can make a real impact beyond the field
Play hard. Play with purpose. Play it forward.
Why Play It Forward?
✔ Competitive softball in a positive, community-focused environment
✔ A meaningful experience for players and families
✔ An opportunity to support causes that matter to your team
✔ A tournament designed to build character — not just champions
This is a tournament athletes remember long after the final out.
Causes We’re Playing For
(Updated annually — causes selected by participating teams)
2025 Causes:
-
Cause Name — Team Name
-
Cause Name — Team Name
-
Cause Name — Team Name
Past Champions
(Building tradition year after year)
2026 Play It Forward Champions
2026 Runner-Up
Tournament Details
-
Host: Hudson Heat
-
Location: Hudson, NH
-
Age Divisions: Divisions will vary by year
-
Format: 3 Game Pool Play; Single Elimination
-
Awards: TBD
-
Cause Donation: Portion of division proceeds donated to winning team’s selected cause
Join Us
Whether you’re playing for a local charity, honoring someone special, or supporting a cause close to your heart, the Play It Forward Tournament gives teams a chance to compete for something bigger than a trophy.
We’re proud to host a tournament rooted in competition, community, and character.
Cause Eligibility Guidelines
To ensure transparency and accountability, all team-selected causes must be a legally registered nonprofit organization or recognized charitable foundation (such as a 501(c)(3) or equivalent).
Causes must be able to accept donations directly and provide basic verification if requested.
Personal fundraisers, GoFundMe campaigns, and informal collections are not eligible at this time.
Hudson Heat reserves the right to approve all causes prior to the tournament.
Make a Donation
The Play It Forward Tournament gives anyone in our community the opportunity to support charitable causes through youth softball — whether you’re connected to a team or simply believe in giving back.
To contribute, please visit our Zeffy donation page.
Donations may be directed in one of two ways:
Play It Forward General Fund: Donations to the General Fund are distributed evenly across all tournament divisions, helping support multiple nonprofit organizations selected by participating teams.
Division Champion’s Cause: Donations may also be directed toward the champion team’s selected cause within a specific division (such as 10U, 12U, 14U, etc.). If a division champion has not yet been determined, donations will be held and applied once results are final.
Every Gift Makes an Impact
All contributions support the mission of the Play It Forward Tournament — encouraging young athletes to compete with purpose and use the game of softball as a way to give back to their communities.
Donations are collected and distributed in accordance with tournament guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness.