March 28, 2022

For Immediate Release 

WATERTOWN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2022 YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE GRANT AWARDS    

Watertown Community Foundation is pleased to announce the grantees of this year’s Youth Sports Program League Grants. The WCF Youth Sports League Grant Program provides financial support to youth sports leagues to reduce costs as barriers to participation. With support from The Bilezikian Family Foundation and NESN, this year’s grantees include Watertown/Belmont Football and Cheerleading League, Watertown Youth Hockey, Watertown Youth Baseball, and a special grant to The Challenger Division of Little League, a program for developmentally and physically challenged youth (age 8-21), that helps them enjoy the full benefits of baseball in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.

 WCF aims to serve Watertown youth from kindergarten through high school, their families, and the volunteer coaches who run the leagues. Many children cannot participate in organized sports due to the cost and many coaches assume the added burden of paying players’ fees themselves. The goal is to allow greater participation in team sports of all kinds for all youth regardless of their ability to pay.

 “A good portion of these families are from low-income households, and many are unable to afford the program…this generous grant is greatly appreciated by these deserving families,” said Joe Connors, President of the Watertown/Belmont Football and Cheerleading League.

 “Youth sports leagues teach children athletic and social skills, foster community among families, and attract and retain families in Watertown. The cost of entry and associated fees present a substantial barrier for many families and is the number one challenge for each league. WCF’s grant program will provide financial assistance to those who need it and ensure that children who wish to participate are able to do so,” added WCF co-president Lauren Unsworth.

 For questions, please contact Jan Singer at jan.singer@watertownfoundation.org.   

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About Watertown Community Foundation 

The Watertown Community Foundation, a public, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, works to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown – now, and for future generations. To accomplish this, WCF raises funds from individuals, families, businesses, and foundations; awards grants to nonprofits and community projects; and builds networks of donors, grantees, program participants, and stakeholders. 

WCF Board of Directors:

David Siegel and Lauren Unsworth, Co-Presidents; Albrik Avanessian; Emily Barclay; Jennifer Davis; Eleanor Donato; Eileen Hsu-Balzer; Heather Leary; Mary Ann Mulligan; Antonia O’Hara; Anthony Paolillo; Maria Panaggio-Phillips; Christine Parker; Lora Sabin; Robert Shay; Felicia Sullivan: Curtis Teixeira; Elaina Themistos; Donna Tuccinardi; Darshna Varia; and Kathryn White.  Student Board Interns: Mona Houjazy; Alishba Amin