I am writing on behalf of Harvard’s softball players, to bring their plight to those in town who care about our young athletes.
Due to the rebuild of Hildreth Elementary School, the athletes have been without a field to play on this season. A new field location was found, voted for, and the town approved the Ann Lees Road location at Special Town Meeting on Oct. 22, 2018. However, the estimated build time of three days has now turned into three months, and the field is still not near completion.
There have been many setbacks, most due to poor planning, miscommunication, and inexperience. The teams have had to beg and borrow time from other town fields whenever possible, practices have been infrequent. In addition, both Bromfield varsity softball and the town youth league have had to pay to use fields in surrounding towns to host home games. The girls are doing their best to keep morale up, but as we are nearing the end of the softball season and they are still without a field, they are feeling let down and forgotten by their community.
There are so many benefits of participating in youth sports. Regular physical activity in this age range is vital for long-term health and well-being. Participating in youth sports teaches teamwork, social skills, self-discipline, and sportsmanship, all of which are of importance as one grows into adulthood. It also helps to build self-esteem and confidence and has positive social effects on young athletes. As a community, we owe it to our young athletes to offer support and encouragement in their decision to participate in youth sports.
Going forward, I hope all involved parties, town officials, Bromfield Athletic Department, and HYBSA can work together to develop a long term strategy to get this field properly built and maintained.
Melissa Roy
Myrick Lane
