Hi!

My name is Riley Brennan. I am in the 8th grade at Ipswich Middle School. Something about me is I love to play softball. Softball has taught me teamwork, confidence, and how to keep trying even when things get difficult. I want to help kids in Ipswich be able to have the same fun and life changing experiences I have had. Right now, the Ipswich youth softball program (Ipswich Travel Softball) is lacking younger players, especially in the 8U and 10U age groups. Enrollment in our spring league is down 33% from 2024. If we want the program to stay strong in the future, we need to build interest and excitement for the sport early.

One challenge the program is facing is families not wanting to commit to the price of softball and the time aspect of it. This is unfair to kids because kids should be able to try out the sport and see if they are interested in it.

My sister Taylor, our friend Abby, and myself have an idea that we think will make Ipswich awesome. Our idea is to host two Ipswich Youth Softball Fundamentals Clinics along with our coaches and teammates where younger players can learn the basics of softball in a fun and supportive environment. Players would rotate through stations learning skills like throwing, catching, hitting, fielding, and base running. Older players and volunteers would help run the stations and encourage the younger athletes. These clinics would give the kids a feel for the sport and see if they want to pursue this sport in the future.