KENTVILLE, N.S. — As demand for the First Tee School Program continued to grow across Atlantic Canada, First Tee – Atlantic faced a familiar challenge: more schools wanted access than available funding could support.
To help meet that demand, the chapter launched the “Adopt a School” initiative, which allows local supporters to sponsor a school by covering the costs of training, equipment, curriculum and lesson plans needed to deliver the program.
The initiative was piloted in 2025 with support from Andrew White, owner of Full Circle Insurance and Investment Solutions, who sponsored Kings County Academy in Kentville, N.S.
“Andrew was the first person I thought of to help us pilot this initiative,” said Steve Healy, development officer for First Tee – Atlantic. “We are grateful for his ongoing support and commitment to introducing more youth to golf through schools in his community.”
First Tee – Canada spoke with White about why he chose to get involved.
White, a lifelong golfer and youth sports coach, said supporting young people has always been important to him.
“I strongly believe in creating opportunities for youth in our community,” he said. “The Adopt a School program brings golf directly into schools by providing equipment and structured programming that introduces students to the game and the life lessons it teaches.”
He said the initiative helps remove barriers that may otherwise prevent young people from trying the sport.
“It gives youth a chance to experience a sport that builds confidence, integrity and perseverance,” White said.
Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience in sport, including as a competitive swimmer, White understands the lasting impact athletics can have on a young person’s development.
“Sport taught me so many lessons and helped shape who I am,” he said. “Giving youth opportunities to learn and grow through sport is something I’m passionate about.”
Although golf was not his primary sport growing up, White discovered it through friends and quickly developed a lifelong connection to the game.
Asked to describe First Tee in one word, White chose “opportunity.”
“The program introduces young people to a sport they may not otherwise have the chance to play,” he said. “When I was growing up, we didn’t have golf in schools. First Tee removes those barriers by bringing the game directly into the school setting and opening it up to everybody.”
White encourages others to support First Tee or participate in the Adopt a School program.
“Getting involved is a simple way to make an impact in your community,” he said. “Golf teaches discipline, perseverance, confidence and integrity, and donations help bring those opportunities to youth who can benefit from them.”
After seeing the impact the First Tee School Program had at Kings County Academy, White has since chosen to sponsor Aldershot Elementary School, helping introduce even more students in his community to golf and the life skills that come with it.
Learn how to get involved at firstteeatlantic.ca/get-involved.