OXFORD – They are the silent supporters behind the schools’ athletes.

The Oxford Hills Athletic Boosters raise money year-round to pay for equipment and uniforms. They fund 100 percent of youth programs that feed into school sports at the middle school and high school.

There’s just one problem: Their numbers are dwindling.

“If the athletic boosters dies, you’re going to see some sports canceled at the high school,” said David Ivey, the boosters club president. “There’s a core group of about seven people” who do most of the work, he said. “We need more help.”

A meeting of the athletic boosters will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the presentation room at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School to brainstorm ways to bring more parents and others into active membership in the club, Ivey said.

The boosters have two main fund-raising areas, both of which have proven very successful over the years. They operate the concession stand at all of the home basketball and football games, and also sell food and drinks at wrestling matches, cheering competitions and other sports-related events.

The boosters also sell a 50-50 raffle called the 500 Club involving $100 tickets and several small drawings and one large drawing. The prizes are pretty impressive, considering the $50,000 that’s being raised, Ivey said.

He said people would be surprised to learn how much sports-related expenses are not covered under the school budget. The boosters bought new cross country uniforms at the high school last year, and are buying skiing uniforms this year to replace uniforms that are between 10 and 15 years old.

Funding the youth programs at SAD 17’s elementary schools takes a huge commitment of time, talent and money, said Ivey. But the youth programs give kids what is often their first exposure to team sports, and serve as feeder programs for the middle school.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the boosters club or contributing to its efforts is asked to call Ivey at 539-8120, or Reggie Olmstead at 527-2491.