Watch City Program gives Waltham kids a chance to compete

In Waltham, football is about more than what happens between the lines. For a group of Waltham High School alumni, it’s a way to give the next generation of athletes a chance to learn and compete, without worrying about whether their families can afford it.

That’s the idea behind the Watch City Program, a free youth sports initiative created by WHS graduates who wanted to give back to the community that helped shape them. The program brings young athletes together for clinics, camps and other activities, giving them a chance to get on the field or basketball court and learn from local coaches — at no cost.

Playing organized athletics today is expensive, regardless of the sport. Families are expected to pay for registration fees, equipment, training camps and more. A Boston Globe survey last month reported that about two-thirds of sports parents spend $2,000 or less annually, while roughly 20% spend $2,000-$5,000 and about 10% spend more than $5,000. These high out-of-pocket expenses are a significant barrier, particularly for lower-income families. 

The Watch City Program wants to even the playing field. 

Founded by Viondy Merisma, a former standout WHS offensive lineman and former Tennessee Titans practice squad player, and former Hawk running back and current Waltham police officer Jason Genece, the program first offered a free basketball clinic at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club in 2017. Since then, organizers have helped hundreds of Waltham kids learn and participate in youth sports.

Opening the gates to sports and beyond

The program’s organizers are committed to making the Watch City Program welcoming and accessible to all the city’s young athletes. Kids develop athletic skills and gain experience in a supportive environment without their families worrying about cost.

“Any funding comes out of the pockets of the alumni involved,” Merisma said. “This is a program many of us could have used growing up, and we’re happy to help. The real payoff is seeing kids from all backgrounds in the community get a chance to participate.”

Working in partnership with Waltham Youth Football, the Watch City Program provides a free, fun and supportive environment for children and teenagers to learn the game, build confidence and work with each other. 

Students entering grades 1 through 12 are welcome. Participants work on skills such as footwork, speed, passing and catching, while also learning offensive and defensive fundamentals. The program provides about $300 worth of football training to each participating athlete at no cost to families. 

The Watch City Program also brings competitive youth football to Waltham’s Leary every year. This spring, its 14-and-under team participated in the New England Youth Tackle Football league. 

But football is only part of the experience. 

“We emphasize the importance of teamwork and community alongside athletic development,” Merisma said. “Our goal is to give the kids guidance and support as they go through school, sports and everyday life.”

For some of the alumni who founded the program, the mission is personal. Opportunities like these were not available when they were students. Now, as successful adults who still call Waltham home, they’re giving back to the community and helping provide today’s young athletes with opportunities they missed out on themselves.