BOSTON ~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Human Services Cabinet have announced the opening of applications for the Let's Play Boston Community Sports Grant. This program, included in the fiscal year 2026 annual operating budget, will provide a total of $250,000 to support community-based youth sports organizations in providing high-quality and engaging athletics programming for Boston youth between the ages of 8 and 18.

The main goal of this grant is to increase the variety of youth sports programming in the city and provide a positive outlet for young people when they are not in school. Applications for this initiative are now live and aligned with Mayor Wu's Connect, Learn, Explore program. This program reflects her commitment to empowering Boston's youth by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore and find their passions.

Mayor Wu stated, "Access to enriching athletics programs is vital to our role in ensuring Boston's youth lead happy and healthy lives outside of school hours. I am proud to partner with various high-quality youth sports programs throughout our city that keep Boston's kids growing and having fun."

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Neighborhood sports leagues often serve as the first exposure to sports for young athletes in the city. These volunteer-led organizations play a crucial role in providing a diverse range of young people with opportunities to stay active, bond with friends, and develop character.

Chief of Human Services José F. Massó emphasized the importance of community sports leagues by stating, "Community sports leagues are a great way for youth to stay healthy, active, and connected to their peers. In addition to the health benefits, youth sports provide opportunities for children to learn communication, leadership, and resilience."

The Human Services Cabinet will distribute grants of up to $5,000 to support increasing access to sports opportunities for Boston youth. The funds can be used towards reducing or eliminating registration fees, purchasing new equipment or uniforms, or covering rental space costs. The grant funding will support fall, winter, and spring sports and must be used by June 30, 2026.

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Last year, the Let's Play Community Sports grants funded 55 grantees, serving a total of 7,274 youth. This included over 1,600 first-time program participants. The majority of grantees (60 percent) used the funds to reduce the cost of registration for families, while others used it for equipment, uniforms, or program space. Programs in every neighborhood received awards.

Jeff Hammond, President of the Brookline-JP Patriots Pop Warner Football & Cheer and a recipient of last year's grant, expressed his gratitude for the Let's Play Boston Youth Sports Grant. He said, "The Let's Play Boston Youth Sports Grant is very helpful. It has opened opportunities for our local youth to be involved in something that was not available to them in the past."

The Let's Play Boston Initiative aims to increase participation among youth who have been historically underrepresented in youth sports, improve the quality of coaching in the city, and enhance the variety and quality of sports offered by city departments. With this grant program, Mayor Wu and the Human Services Cabinet are working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse sports community for Boston's youth.

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