Two years ago, The Play Ball Foundation's partnership with Methuen Public Schools started with a single email from Ryan Middlemiss, a PE teacher and varsity boys' basketball coach in Methuen Public Schools.
After seeing firsthand the impact The Play Ball Foundation was having in Lawrence Public Schools, Ryan believed Methuen middle school students deserved the same opportunity to play sports, build confidence, and feel connected to their schools and community.
On Sunday, May 18th, we celebrated what that one email helped create.
In partnership with Superintendent Lisa Golobski Twomey, Methuen Public Schools, and an incredible community of teachers, coaches, families, and supporters, more than 1,000 middle school students are now participating annually in free after-school intramural sports leagues through The Play Ball Foundation's partnership with Methuen Public Schools.
What has been built in Methuen is about far more than sports. It is about creating access and opportunity. It is about belonging, confidence, leadership, teamwork, and community. It is about making sure every middle school student has the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.
A huge thank you to our partners who continue to believe in this mission and invest in young people, including New Balance, Franklin Sports and Sal's Pizza. Your support is helping create life-changing opportunities for middle school students across Massachusetts.
We are deeply proud of what this partnership has built in Methuen over the past two years, and incredibly excited for the impact it will continue to have on students for years to come.
Methuen High School alumni and Boston 25 Sports reporter, Mike Raimondi emceed the event. Coverage can be seen here.
