A Winning Combination
The Roberto Clemente League of Lowell (RCLL) has gone from being the lowest cost recreational baseball league in Lowell to the only free league in the city thanks to support from the Yawkey Foundation.
The League’s promotion of community-minded service, cultural connection, and a love of baseball are a winning combination for the Yawkey Foundation, who granted Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) $20,000 to purchase equipment and team uniforms for RCLL players and subsidize training fees for adult volunteers. The League officially became part of CBA’s program offerings in January 2022.
Baseball practice has begun for 60 youth playing with the RCLL. All are from low-income households and the vast majority are Hispanic. This aligns with the RCLL’s goal to create a safe, enriching environment for any youth ages 7-17 while providing culturally and language-inclusive opportunities especially for Hispanic youth. CBA’s Youth Development Program Manager will connect with RCLL players to offer enrichment and community engagement opportunities.
League leaders and CBA’s Youth Development Coordinator will invite athletes and their families to participate in a growing slate of youth focused activities at CBA, including a daily Teen Program, bi-weekly cultural education activities, and monthly parent education workshops. “Over the years, Coalition for a Better Acre has developed robust youth programming for youth living in our Acre properties and we are proud to now be able to expand this programming to serve league youth. This Opening Day ceremony exemplifies the potential for fun, learning, and developing stronger community connections.
The RCLL has always promoted community service and volunteerism, and CBA is anticipating increased connections with community partners. CBA’s Youth Development Program is closely partnered with grassroots, changemaking organizations (i.e., Lowell Litter Krewe, DIY Lowell), and State Representative Vanna Howard on several on-going community preservation and beautification projects.
The Yawkey Foundation mission is to make significant and positive impacts on the quality of life for children, families, and the underserved in the legacy of Tom Yawkey, former owner of the Boston Red Sox, and his wife, Jean Yawkey.
Photo Caption: The CBA Roberto Clemente League of Lowell celebrated the start of baseball season at Carney Field in North Common on Saturday, May 21st. League volunteers and their families were joined by city leaders [from left to right]: State Representative Vanna Howard, League President Maria Claudio, City Councilor Erik Gitschier, City Councilor Paul Ratha Yem, and City Councilor Vesna Nuon.
