Classmates hit court, thanks to teamwork!

It’s a sunny Sunday, and Methuen High’s Klimas Field House is packed with hundreds of enthusiastic middle schoolers and their teachers, counselors and administrators working together – learning, exercising, building relationships and having fun!
None of these kids or adults mind being “in school” on a weekend, thanks to a 3-year partnership between the nonprofit Play Ball Foundation and Methuen Public Schools. This year, the free intramural middle-school basketball league – where kids represent their school – has about 240 players. The goal is giving children – many who’ve never played on a team before – the positive experience of participating in sports as well as the social-emotional learning, school engagement and youth development that comes with it.

Program coordinator Ryan Middlemiss, who is also a Methuen High phys-ed teacher and the school’s varsity basketball coach, discovered the impressive program while working/coaching in Lawrence. Thanks to an e-mail he sent Play Ball in 2023, the partnership has blossomed into a middle-school mecca of sports opportunity for thousands of kids. There’s volleyball and flag football in the fall; basketball, soccer, field hockey and wrestling in the spring. Play Ball has invested $100,000 in Methuen. That money covers uniforms and equipment, as well as stipends for school staff who coach and referee games – allowing players to participate for free.

And that called for a BIG celebration at MHS’ field house last month, where the intramural basketball teams heard from Play Ball Executive Director Katie Small and local leaders about this incredible – and flourishing – program. There were inspirational speakers, free pizza from Sal’s, and loads of freebies from New Balance and Franklin.

There are 28 spring teams (16 for basketball) and 21 coaches, as some lead multiple teams. The program thrives on giving kids opportunities AND the connection with school staff in an extracurricular environment.

“Whatever some kids’ home situation is – single parent, accessibility, financial – they have barriers to this type of opportunity. Providing kids an opportunity to be on a team, to work with other people, is paramount in their development,” Middlemiss explained. “These coaches know the kids. We definitely strive to find the kids that this opportunity would be something they’ve never had and that would be great for them to experience. Having, say, 3 kids who’ve never played before on a team that wins a championship – it’s an experience they’ll always remember, builds their confidence, impacts their work habits … that far outweighs getting the trophy. Play Ball really provides those types of opportunities. It can carry (these kids) a long way.”

Tenney player Dasi Aina’s eyes light up while talking about her 5th/6th-grade hoops team: “Seeing your friends is the best part. Sometimes games are hard because the Timony girls have a lot of tall sixth-graders. But Coach Chris makes it fun!”

For Ian Milan, this is his first time on a basketball team – and he loves it. Of his Timony 5th-6th-grade teammates, he said, “We have a nice chemistry!”

This is Jocelyn Duran’s third year on a Play Ball team. She says the Timony 7th/8th-grade girls have had their ups and downs this season, but “It’s fun to meet new people.”

Timony math teacher Steven Flint values the program. This is his third year as a coach, and he’s doing double-duty leading his school’s 7th/8th–grade girls team and the 5th/6th-grade boys team.

“It’s really awesome and everyone puts in a lot of work,” he said. “But it’s great getting to know the kids in two different environments.”

The hoops season lasts about 6 weeks, followed by playoffs. There’s a weekly after-school practice, held at the child’s school, so no need for transportation. Weekend games are played at MHS.

“Any of these coaches who’ve done it love it. They want to come back every year, so that makes it a lot easier,” Middlemiss said. “A coach saying, ‘Hey, come try this’ goes a long way in their relationship. It’s a tool for a teacher, having a well-rounded relationship (with a student).”

Over the past 2 years, Marsh School counselor Ally Harradon has coached girls volleyball (grades 5-8); girls flag football; boys and girls soccer (5-8); field hockey (5-8); and girls basketball (5-8).

“For many players, it has given them the confidence to step outside of their comfort zone and try something new. Most importantly, being part of a team has helped them build friendships, learn trust and accountability, and understand the importance of working together toward a common goal,” she said. “Students are more excited to come to school every day, they are showing more compassion and support toward their peers, and their self-confidence has grown tremendously.

“Beyond the game itself, the program teaches important life skills that our players carry with them off the court. They learn discipline, time management, communication, leadership, perseverance, and how to handle both success and adversity with a positive attitude. Overall, the basketball program has helped our students grow not only as athletes, but as confident, responsible young people,” Harradon said.

During last month’s celebration, Play Ball’s Katie Small thanked the coaches for their dedication to the program, calling them “mentors, role models and trusted adults in the lives of these students.”

To the kids, she said, “This celebration is for YOU! All of us at Play Ball Foundation are incredibly proud of the energy, grit, teamwork, heart and school pride you bring to practices and games every single day!”

Acting Superintendent Lisa Golobski Twomey noted that the district strives to build students’ sense of belonging and community.

“At our Play Ball competitions on weekends, this is one of the places where this is most evident. Reffing your games are staff members, teachers, associate principals; your coaches are staff and community members. People in the stands every weekend that sit beside your parents are teachers within your school buildings that come to support you,” she said. “It’s also a joy to hear you all cheer so loudly and passionately for your teammates and your peers within and outside of your school.”

“We just want this to be positive,” Middlemiss said. “Kids always want to win and compete, but there’s none of that (pressure). You’re playing with your classmates. Everybody has bought into that. It’s a good feeling.”