The Doc Wayne Athletic League was founded in 2002 as part of Justice Resource Institute (JRI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. It was found by former JRI President, Susan Wayne in memory of her brother, Eli (Doc) Wayne.

The mission of the Doc Wayne Athletic league is to offer youth whose lives have been disrupted an opportunity for competitive team sports, with an emphasis on sportsmanship, inclusion, personal growth, and entertainment.

The league currently offers organized team sports to approximately 300 youth throughout Massachusetts. Our players are often in out-of-home placements, and involved with the Department of Social Services, Department of Youth Services, Department of Mental Health or the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The majority of our players will never have the chance to play organized sports due to the life circumstances they are facing.

The average age of a Doc Wayne athlete is between the ages of 12-18. Both males and females play, however nearly all of the divisions of Doc Wayne are gender specific. We currently run four divisions throughout Massachusetts and continue to grow. The first division established by Doc Wayne in 2002, the Metrowest Girls Division, offers over 90 girls from six different teams four seasons of sports, including Basketball, Soccer, Softball, and Flag Football. In Southeastern Massachusetts, we offer a co-ed softball league for 40 youth and an additional Basketball League for 30 youth. Our Boston Metro boys division offers Basketball, Flag Football, and Softball to 80 boys. Lastly, our newest division, the Allen Hall Division, located in the Metrowest Area, offers approximately 75 males three seasons of sports, including Basketball, Wiffle Ball, and Zone Football.

Each youth whom participates receives a uniform and the equipment needed to play. Equipment is collected at the end of each season, however the youth are allowed to keep their jersey’s/uniforms. There is no cost to participate, and the only criterion required from the youth is good sportsmanship. At the end of each season every player receives a trophy and/or awards for participation, and additional awards are granted for exemplary sportsmanship, athleticism, and effort.

The League works with schools and local resources to gain access to playing fields and gyms. Both town fields and public high schools have allowed the League to use their fields free of charge. Other community based agencies have allowed the League to use their gyms at modest cost. The parents and caregivers of all players receive game schedules and are encouraged to come to games and cheer for their kids.

If you would like to donate sporting equipment, sponsor a team, volunteer or for more information about The League, please contact Mia Demarco at mdemarco@jri.org or Meghan Murphy at mmurphy@jri.org or 617.450.0500.