April 1, 2025

For Immediate Release 

Reducing Financial Barriers for Youth Who Want to Play Ball

$8,500 in Grants Will Ease Youth Registration Fees in Five Watertown Sports Leagues

Watertown, MA, April 1, 2025 — For the fifth year, the Watertown Community Foundation has awarded Youth Sports Leagues Grants to five of Watertown’s youth sports leagues so any child who wants to play ball can participate, regardless of ability to pay.  Grantees include Watertown’s Challenger Baseball Program, Youth Baseball and Softball Program, Youth Basketball Program, Youth Football and Cheer Program, and Youth Hockey. 

Many children cannot participate in organized sports due to the rising cost of registration fees and equipment.  Launched in 2020 with support from The Bilezikian Family Foundation, NESN, and Arsenal Yards, the Foundation has awarded more than $40,000 since the beginning of the grant program to provide financial assistance for more than 350 student athletes.

Participation fees can range from $125 - $1600 per athlete.  While many youth sports leagues ease the burden for athletes with pre-owned equipment, other sports need funding to replace equipment or make sure every player has the personal safety equipment they need, like mouth guards for football. This grant helps reduce this financial burden for families who need it.

“Watertown’s sports leagues do so much for our student athletes,” said Executive Director Tia Tilson.  “We know that rising registration fees and equipment costs can put playing a league sport out of reach for some families.  By removing the financial barrier to play, we know that any young person who wants to, can take the field – with all the great physical, mental and emotional benefits that come along with it.”

About Watertown Community Foundation 

Through the power of transformative giving, the Watertown Community Foundation advances and supports positive change for the people who live and work in Watertown, Massachusetts. We envision a welcoming community where people of all backgrounds can thrive, connect, and contribute to the strength and resilience of our city.  Started with funds from the sale of the Arsenal property in 2003 and grown by local giving and grants, the Foundation has awarded more than $3,000,000 in grants to end food insecurity, keep people housed, educate kids, lift-up the arts, sustain the environment, and break down barriers to bring people together.  See our list of 2024 grantees here.

WCF Board of Directors: Lauren Coughlin Unsworth and Mary Ann Mulligan, Co-Presidents; Albrik Avanessian; Emily Barclay; Ninos Hanna; Eileen Hsü-Balzer; Nathalie Highland; Heather Leary; Kathryn Madden; Jennifer Nicholson, Anthony Paolillo; Dwayne Parmley; Leah Pennino; Lora Sabin; Robert Shay; David Siegel; and Felicia Sullivan.

Media Contact: Tia Tilson                     
Watertown Community Foundation                                                                                                      
tia.tilson@watertownfoundation.org