Nineteen summer sports programs that expand access for local youth were just awarded surprise grants!
“I was like, ‘Wait, I didn’t apply for this,’” Frantz Pierre, founder of the nonprofit Cann I Strive, said with a smile. “But this is great, any support is really appreciated.”
A total of $10,000 from our Cambridge WINS grant program was awarded to support community sports ranging from baseball and football leagues to summer camps to family roller skating. Local leaders in Cambridge’s youth sports scene received funding awards through a surprise grant round, empowering their programs to continue increasing access to youth sports. We appreciate the work our grassroots athletic programs are doing for kids on and off the field.
“The Foundation’s WINS program is all about helping ensure all Cambridge youth with a desire to participate in summer sports have that chance to play,” said Cambridge Basketball Lab’s Matt Meyersohn, who helped found WINS in 2022 with CCF along with fellow Cantabrigian, Joe Bradlee. “We’re excited to see these 19 fantastic programs make summer more fun for local youth and build bridges in our community.”
Cambridge native and mental health specialist Frantz Pierre said too many youth in our city are in deep need of mentorship and social-emotional supports—and sports can help fill gaps.
“The structure and family dynamic of sports teams are powerful,” said Frantz, who’s working on a new basketball series bringing together kids and fathers and father-figures. “Sports teach you discipline, how to win and lose, brotherhood and sisterhood. And a good coach plays such an important role in a young person’s life.”
Summer 2024 grant recipients are:
- Bridge Basketball
- Cambridge Babe Ruth
- Cambridge Girls Youth Softball
- Cambridge Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading
- Cambridge Youth Summer Baseball
- Cann I Strive
- Central Cambridge Youth Baseball
- Comewoki Summer Enrichment
- CRLS Boys Basketball Summer League
- CRLS Boys Soccer Preseason
- CRLS Girls Soccer Preseason
- Friday Night Hype: Summer Series
- Ladies Invitational Team Enterprise
- North Cambridge Little League
- Pink Sunday Youth Girls Flag Football
- Resilience Sports Foundation
