Our Story: From Friends to Founders
4 the Friendship was created by four childhood friends - Don Barrington, Dave Billiter, Brady Croft, and Mike Konopka - whose bonds were forged and strengthened through youth sports. From the beginning, the connections we made on the field weren’t just about winning games—they were about building trust, learning from each other, and standing by one another through every challenge. These friendships didn’t fade over time; they grew stronger. We’ve celebrated each other’s successes and offered support when life knocked us down. Together, we’ve shared triumphs, faced hardships, and remained a constant source of strength for one another.
As we reflected on how sports shaped us, we realized how the lessons we learned as kids on the field carried into our adult lives, and how those friendships had been our foundation. We knew we wanted to give back and provide today’s youth with the same opportunities we had - to build lasting friendships and develop the skills that would serve them well throughout life.
What began as a small idea among friends grew into a nonprofit organization with a mission to make a real difference. In our first year, we raised over $25,000, which was proudly donated to youth sports. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and participants, we’re able to help ensure that young athletes in our community have the opportunity to experience the benefits of youth sports - teamwork, discipline, resilience, and, most importantly, the friendships that will stay with them for life.
At 4 the Friendship, we believe that youth sports have the power to unite people from all walks of life, give every child the chance to play, and help them thrive both on and off the field. By supporting young athletes, we’re building stronger communities, nurturing future leaders, and giving kids the tools they need to succeed in life.
Join us as we continue this journey. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to Unite | Play | Thrive, just as we have done for each other over the years.