New Balance Donation to Worcester Academy Powers Growth for the School and the Greater Community

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 12, 2024) — Worcester Academy, one of the country’s oldest independent schools, is pleased to announce it has received a transformative multi-year gift commitment from New Balance. 

Thanks to New Balance’s generosity, Worcester Academy will continue its efforts to revitalize facilities and provide spaces designed to take the Academy into its third century as a leading American independent school. 

Worcester Academy will rename its South Campus to New Balance Performance Park which will include the Capozzoli Athletic Center, currently under construction and set to open in 2025. New state-of-the-art turf will be added to the existing Morse Field. The park will also include Worcester Academy’s Performance Center which boasts the school’s black box theater.

Both New Balance and Worcester Academy share a steadfast commitment to creating positive change in their communities, leading with inclusion and global responsibility, and taking a holistic approach to learning and living well. New Balance Performance Park will not only serve Worcester Academy students but will remain open and available for community use. 

The rejuvenation of the site will further progress Worcester’s ongoing renaissance. “The south campus property has long been vital to the City of Worcester, first as a family farm and later as the site of St. Vincent’s Hospital. Since adding Morse Field and the Performance Center, this pivotal parcel has stood still,” says Kevin Breen, Worcester Academy’s Head of School. “Now we are ready to move forward with a complete center that provides athletes and artists first class facilities at New Balance Performance Park.”

"It's an honor for New Balance to be welcomed into the Worcester Academy and Greater Worcester community. Our vision for the relationship is clear - to create synergy between athletic and academic excellence while fostering strong ties with the local community and student body,” says Chris Davis, New Balance’s Brand President, and Chief Marketing Officer. “We're committed to helping create an environment where every student and athlete is accepted and empowered to be the best version of themselves.”

In addition to the park, select Worcester Academy varsity teams will begin wearing New Balance uniforms in the upcoming season, allowing student athletes to reach the height of performance in superior quality athletic gear.

ABOUT NEW BALANCE

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world.  New Balance employs 9,000 associates around the globe, and in 2023 reported worldwide sales of $6.5 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K.  New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.

ABOUT WORCESTER ACADEMY

Founded in 1834, Worcester Academy is an acclaimed independent day and boarding school for grades 6 to 12 and postgraduates. Located in New England’s second largest city, Worcester Academy instills in its students the desire to learn throughout life, to engage passionately with the world around them, and to be honorable persons of strong and resourceful character. Worcester Academy students benefit from an experiential education that expands their perspectives, builds their character, and deepens their understanding through community engagement and real-world application.

CONTACT

For information, contact Sara Port, Worcester Academy director of communications and marketing, at 508-277-3452, or email sara.port@hunan263.com.