SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts — American International College (AIC) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Western Mass Youth Sports, designating AIC as the official home for all Western Mass Youth Sports programming and Play 4 Her Flag Football activities. The partnership reflects AIC's deep commitment to serving the broader community and creating an open, welcoming campus where youth and adults throughout Western Massachusetts can access world-class athletic facilities.
Western Mass Youth Sports has quickly become a growing leader in youth athletics in the region, serving more than 300 young athletes across Western Massachusetts in sports including basketball, flag football, and more. Through this new partnership, all Western Mass Youth Sports events, practices, and competitions will be hosted on the AIC campus, giving young athletes access to premier collegiate-level facilities and a vibrant, supportive environment.
"American International College is more than an institution of higher learning — we are a community anchor. This partnership embodies our belief that our campus should be a resource for everyone in Western Massachusetts," said
Rob Kearney, AIC's Director of Athletics.
A highlight of the partnership is AIC's role as the official host of Play 4 Her Flag Football, a program dedicated to expanding opportunities for young women and girls in the sport. By providing a premier home for Play4Her, AIC continues its tradition of championing inclusivity and equal access to athletic opportunities for all members of the community.
AIC has long recognized that its campus is a shared resource for the region. The Department of Athletics is committed to breaking down barriers to sport participation and ensuring that young people across Western Massachusetts — regardless of background — have the opportunity to compete, grow, and thrive in a safe, supportive, and professionally maintained environment.
"Play 4 Her was built on the belief that females deserve the same opportunities, visibility, and support in sports as anyone else. Partnering with AIC gives our athletes a place where they can compete, grow, and see what the next level looks like. This partnership isn't just about having a place to play — it's about building a pathway and a community that empowers the next generation of female athletes," said Chelsea Lester, CEO of Western Mass Youth Sports Inc. and Play 4 Her Sports Inc.
This partnership with Western Mass Youth Sports is the latest step in AIC's ongoing effort to build meaningful bridges between its campus and the surrounding community, strengthening Springfield and the wider Western Massachusetts region through the unifying power of athletics.
About American International College
American International College is a private, coeducational institution located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Founded in 1885, AIC offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines. The AIC Department of Athletics competes at the NCAA Division II level and is committed to developing student-athletes of character while serving as a welcoming resource for the broader Western Massachusetts community.
About Western Mass Youth Sports
Western Mass Youth Sports is a community-based youth athletic organization serving over 300 young athletes across Western Massachusetts. Offering programming in sports including basketball and flag football, Western Mass Youth Sports is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality athletic experiences that promote teamwork, discipline, and personal growth in the next generation of athletes.
