Providing equitable access and opportunities for youth to play sports
The Play Ball Foundation invests in schools in high need communities to provide equitable access to team sports, which empower middle school youth.
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The Play Ball Foundation believes that all middle school students should have the opportunity to play team sports.
We believe that sports are good for kids, and that being on a team and playing can improve school engagement, social-emotional learning, and youth development. Play Ball's commitment to our partner communities and our innovative support structure can be the catalyst for positive change and expansion of athletic opportunities.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
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WHAT WE DO
Play Ball partners with Gateway communities in Massachusetts (Boston, Holyoke, Lawrence, New Bedford, Lynn, Salem, Methuen and Chelsea) to fund and support school-based sports leagues for more than 5,000 middle school students.
By working with school districts to create school-based sports leagues, the Play Ball Foundation helps to make a difference in the lives of middle school students. We work with school districts because they know and have access to their students in their communities. Through Play Ball Foundation-funded leagues, the relationships between students and teachers are strengthened and school engagement is increased so they can be successful in school and beyond.
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Quality after-school sports leagues are an important vehicle for school engagement and youth development in middle schools.
While these programs are widely available in suburban schools, they are critically lacking in many high-need urban districts. Play Ball surveys show that for 65% of the students engaged in Play Ball-funded sports leagues, this is their only opportunity to play sports.
WHY WE DO IT
For most of my students, this was the first time they ever played organized baseball.
LIONEL FLORES JR.
Coach & Teacher at Lilla G. Frederick Middle School, Boston, MA
OUR PARTNERS
The Gilson Family Foundation
