For Immediate Release: May 19, 2026
Play Ball Media Contacts:
Katie Small; 781-962-0283
Wendy Krayer; 617-283-9720
WPS Media Contact:
Dan O'Brien
Communications Office
Press Release:
Play Ball Foundation to Expand Middle School Sports in Worcester Public Schools
Nonprofit continues statewide growth, now serving 12 cities and 8,000 students
Photo caption: Worcester Public Schools middle school students participate in a WPS districtwide flag football championship game in 2024.
WORCESTER, MA — May 19, 2026 — The Play Ball Foundation, a privately-funded nonprofit that provides free, school-based intramural sports for middle school students in Gateway Cities across Massachusetts, announced its newest partnership with Worcester Public Schools — marking a major milestone in the organization’s expansion in the 2025-2026 school year.
The expansion means that hundreds of Worcester middle schoolers will now have the opportunity to play on a team, wear a uniform, and experience the belonging that comes with organized athletics — often for the very first time.
“Worcester is a proud, tight-knit community where kids show up for one another,” said Katie Small, Executive Director of the Play Ball Foundation. “We’re thrilled to partner with the district to bring the joy and power of sports to even more middle schoolers. Every student deserves the chance to play — regardless of background, neighborhood, or circumstance — and this partnership helps make that a reality.”
Through the new partnership, Play Ball will fund after-school sports leagues for Worcester’s middle schools, including support for coaches, equipment, uniforms, and transportation. The program will launch with baseball, softball and soccer this spring, three of the most popular sports among Worcester’s youth.
“Our new partnership with Play Ball helps bolster our commitment to athletics for all middle school students,” said Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Athletics serve as a vital extension of the classroom, providing an environment where our students can cultivate the resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills essential for their success both in high school and in life.”
The Play Ball Foundation will benefit all WPS schools that serve middle school grades: Burncoat Middle School, Forest Grove Middle School, University Park Campus School, Claremont Academy, Sullivan Middle School, and Worcester East Middle School. Play Ball will expand athletics in a variety of ways, including the creation or expansion of specific sports programming, practice clinics, and resources such as additional equipment.
The expansion into Worcester builds on Play Ball’s growing statewide presence — now serving more than 8,000 middle school students across 12 Gateway Cities, including Boston, Lawrence, Holyoke, New Bedford, Lynn, Salem, Methuen, Quincy, Chelsea, Taunton, Chicopee and now Worcester.
“This is what growth with purpose looks like,” said Small. “Our vision is simple: every middle schooler in Massachusetts should have the opportunity to play — to move, to belong, and to thrive.”
The effort to bring Play Ball Foundation to Worcester was spearheaded by South High Community School staff members Jillian Moriarty and Jane Dowd, in collaboration with WPS Athletics Director David Shea and his department staff.
About Play Ball Foundation
Founded in 2006, the Play Ball Foundation partners with public school districts across Massachusetts to provide access to free, school-based sports leagues for middle school students. By funding coaches, equipment, uniforms, and transportation, Play Ball ensures that thousands of students in Gateway Cities can experience the connection, confidence, and joy that come from being part of a team. Learn more at www.playballfoundation.org.
About Worcester Public Schools
The Worcester Public Schools serves nearly 25,000 diverse learners from preschool through age 22 in the City of Worcester.
###