The past several years has been very challenging for youth especially those within the inner city community. The lives of our youth have been greatly impacted by the pandemic of the coronavirus and as a result of the dramatic racial tensions that have resurfaced in the country. In an authentic effort to foster open dialogue and a mutual respect for all human persons within the community and recognize full palyer potential, Doug Hill of Blueprint Basketball and Fr. Jonathan have come together to form a varsity level summer league The main purpose of this league is more than the development of athletic skill, rather the goal is to strengthen the relationships that have already begun to develop between local businesses/orginzations/elected officials and the youth of our community.
Doug, as always, brings his knowledge of basketball along with his upbringing to continually motivate and challenge the players on and off the court. Fr. Jonathan as pastor, has continually offered a safe space for the young people to grow in new ways providing opportunities and experiences that have not perhaps been yet recognized. Fr. Jonathan also serves as a chaplain for the WPD and WFD which allows opportunities for him to assist in positive relationship building between the many within the community.
The funds raised during this basketball league will go directly towards youth community programming at St. Bernard’s Gym. The discipline gained through sports greatly assists all youth in growing into the human persons they are called to be. St. Bernard’s is excited to provide the opportunity for our youth to cultivate, grow and mature not just physically but to engage fully all aspects of the human person. As St. John Paul II stated, “playing sports has become very important today, since it can encourage young people to develop important values such as loyalty, perseverance, friendship, sharing and solidarity.”
Thank you to all those who are sponsoring this great league and assisting our youth. If you would like to be a sponsor you can click here.
Where: St. Bernard's Gym
St. Bernard’s Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish
236 Lincoln St.
Worcester, MA 01605.
Cost: $100 per student. Financial assistance will be provided for those in need.
Registration: You can register online by clicking here.
Ages & Gender: This is a HS Mens Varsity level league.
Teams: Their will be only 8 teams in the league consiting of up to 10 players on a team.
Uniforms: Professional Jersey tops will be provided for the players to keep and must be worn in order to play each game
Dates: Games will be played on the following Saturday/Sunday's of July & August at 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm
July 15/16
July 22/23
July 29/30
August 5/6
August 12/13
August 19/20
August 26/27
September 2/3
Parking & Entrance: The church parking lot is located to the left of the church and you can gain access to the gym through the Harlow Street entrance.
Schedule: The schedule will be posted once the teams have been compiled.