About
A meeting of the minds is a powerful phenomenon that can create change in the most powerful way.
EAP was born out of the passion of four moms, whose elementary-age children, the majority being daughters, were involved in sports. The team witnessed firsthand the transformative role that sports played in their children's lives - igniting joy, bolstering confidence and self-esteem, fostering skills, instilling a sense of purpose during this pivotal stage of development.
Driven by the belief that every young person, regardless of their circumstance, should have access and opportunities to experience the tremendous benefits of sports, the EAP team set out to raise funding, gather equipment and engage community support to make this a reality. The journey started with a bake sale and small equipment drive.
Ten years later, EAP has served and impacted over 6,300 local youth from under resourced communities in the Merrimack Valley, with its primary focus being in Lawrence, MA. Funding has been allocated for equipment, uniforms, sports fees, transportation, camps/clinics, as well as local, regional and national showcase events. The team has dedicated its efforts to partner with local sports organizations, schools, coaches and other groups to break down the barriers that prevent youth from participating in sports and providing high quality opportunities and programming that will set them up for success on the playing fields, courts, classrooms and in life!
"We are firm believers that sports and active play serve as gateways to enhanced physical and mental well-being, while fostering invaluable skill development. They empower young people, propelling them towards a path of flourishing and achievement. Our commitment lies in guaranteeing that every youth interested in sports and physical activity shall have the opportunity to participate in them and reap all the incredible benefits they offer.” The EAP Team
EAP strongly believe sports and active play can serve as powerful catalysts for change, impacting every facet of a young persons life.
Engaging in consistent sports and activities improve physical and mental health and well being, helps prevent obesity and chronic disease, fosters resilience, and enhances cognitive abilities, leading to improved academic achievement. It creates inclusive environments, fostering teamwork and communication skills while leveling socioeconomic barriers. The long-term impact of sports sets the stage for lifelong health, leadership development, and a brighter future. Sports and active play truly have the remarkable ability to transform lives, providing young individuals with the tools they need to thrive and succeed in all aspects of their lives.
And the stats don’t lie….
The World Health Organization states that physical activity through play helps prevent childhood obesity, which affects over 340 million children and adolescents worldwide.
The Journal of School Health reports students who participate in regular physical activity, including play, are more likely to have higher grades and standardized test scores.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is essential for children's healthy brain development. It promotes executive function skills, including problem-solving, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility.
Research published in the Journal of Applied School Psychology found that play-based physical education programs contribute to positive social development, including improved peer relations, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills.
According to a study in the journal Early Childhood Research Quarterly, playful learning experiences support early literacy, numeracy, and language development in young children.
EAP mission is to unlock the extraordinary potential within every youth in Lawrence and beyond. We are committed to partnering with individuals and organizations who serve the youth of the community and invest in high quality sports, physical activity and youth development programs that consistently support the physical, emotional and social well-being of young people and create positive environments where they can grow, thrive and succeed.
Our Players
Michelle Adamic
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Janine Ceraso
Co-Founder
Nancy Phillips
Co-Founder
Tracy Sportelli
Co-Founder
Bryan Thomas
Team Photographer
Mission
EAP mission is to unlock the extraordinary potential within every youth in Lawrence and beyond. We are committed to partnering with individuals and organizations who serve the youth of the community and invest in high quality sports, physical activity and youth development programs that consistently support the physical, emotional and social well-being of young people and create positive environments where they can grow, thrive and succeed.
Play Matters
EAP strongly believe sports and active play can serve as powerful catalysts for change, impacting every facet of a young persons life.
Engaging in consistent sports and activities improve physical and mental health and well being, helps prevent obesity and chronic disease, fosters resilience, and enhances cognitive abilities, leading to improved academic achievement. It creates inclusive environments, fostering teamwork and communication skills while leveling socioeconomic barriers. The long-term impact of sports sets the stage for lifelong health, leadership development, and a brighter future. Sports and active play truly have the remarkable ability to transform lives, providing young individuals with the tools they need to thrive and succeed in all aspects of their lives.
Partnering to break down barriers and level the playing for local youth to participate in sports and physical activity.
Connecting over 6,300 local youth to positive, active and healthy programming.
Awarded over 285 EAP All Star Scholarship's to youth and teams within the community