​​​​Free workshops aim to keep Brampton youth active and engaged through sport

BRAMPTON, ON (September 26, 2025) – Today, in partnership with Jays Care Foundation and the Blue Jays Baseball Academy, the City of Brampton hosted free baseball skill development workshops designed to inspire and empower youth in Brampton.

Young athletes in Brampton sharpened their baseball skills with former Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero at Baseball Day in Brampton. Credit: City of Brampton

Approximately 200 children and youth aged five to 16 had a chance to hone their baseball skills, learning core moves including hitting, throwing and catching, while also building teamwork skills, confidence and resilience. The event featured a special appearance from former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero, as well as games, a live DJ and local food vendors. 

​Former Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero signs autographs for workshop participants at Baseball Day in Brampton. Credit: City of Brampton

Each participant received a complimentary baseball glove and other giveaways, made possible through the Mayor’s Sports Fund. The Fund, supported by proceeds from Brampton’s annual Charity Golf Tournament, raised more than $300,000 this year. These funds help provide free equipment for workshop participants and expand opportunities for Brampton youth to stay active.

Brampton is home to more than 153,000 youth, making it one of Canada’s youngest cities. This partnership underscores the City’s commitment to helping young people stay healthy and active by creating opportunities to learn from professionals and take part in sport at the grassroots level.

​For more information about the recreation opportunities for youth in Brampton, visit brampton.ca/registerforprograms

Baseball in Brampton Highlights

• 90 baseball diamonds across the city, including lit, tournament-ready fields.
• “Field of Dreams” at Terry Miller Recreation Centre offers an upgraded, fully accessible baseball diamond, developed in partnership with Peel District School Board and Jays Care Foundation.
• The City offers Batting Cages at Brampton Fairgrounds and Flower City Community Campus.
• Recreation offers baseball summer camp and skills and drills programs, welcoming over 500 youth participants. 
• Home to the Brampton Minor Baseball Inc., one of Ontario’s largest organized baseball leagues. 
• In 2024, approximately 37,537 hours of field time were booked across 107 bookings, 90 tournaments, 58 seasonal groups and two affiliated youth groups.

Quotes

“Brampton is proud to partner with Jays Care Foundation and welcome Ricky Romero to our city for this one-of-a-kind opportunity. These workshops are about more than just baseball; they’re about building healthy habits, confidence and community. This event reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping youth active and inspired. We’re also proud to provide baseball gloves and other giveaways through the Mayor’s Sports Fund, which raised over $300,000 this year at my annual golf tournament in support of local charities.” 
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Jays Care Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for children and youth to thrive through sport. We’re excited to partner with the City of Brampton to deliver these clinics and help young athletes build important life skills that extend far beyond the diamond.” 
- Peter King, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation​