The reasons teenage girls leave sports can be complicated. A new Worcester initiative is tackling one barrier that can be much simpler to fix: having a bra that actually fits.
The Bra Shop last month launched Project Uplift, a program that will provide eligible girls in grades 5 through 12 with free professional fittings, sports and everyday bras and education about proper fit and care.
The program is being offered in partnership with United Way of Central Massachusetts, with support from the Worcester Railers Hockey Club, according to an announcement from The Bra Shop.
Project Uplift grew out of an issue the downtown Worcester boutique says is often overlooked as girls go through adolescence: the discomfort, self-consciousness and practical challenges that can come with not having properly fitting, supportive bras — and the financial barrier some families face in obtaining them.
Research cited in the announcement from Dove and Nike found that nearly half of teenage girls drop out of sports, at twice the rate of boys, with body confidence identified as the leading reason girls stop participating. Breast-related concerns can present another obstacle to participating comfortably in physical activity.
“It’s difficult being a girl navigating adolescence,” The Bra Shop President Stephanie Ramey said in the announcement. “If we can eliminate one hurdle and help young girls feel confident in their bodies and properly supported so they can stay active and involved in sports, we should. Access to a properly fitting bra shouldn’t be a privilege; it’s something every girl deserves.”
Each participant in Project Uplift will receive a private professional fitting, one properly fitted sports bra and one everyday bra at no cost. Participants will also receive instruction on proper fit, support and bra care.
The program is intended for girls whose access to properly fitted bras may be limited by cost. Participants must be referred through a participating school or community organization approved by United Way of Central Massachusetts.
Current partners include the Boys & Girls Club of Central Massachusetts, Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of Worcester, Girls on the Run, Worcester Public Schools and YWCA Central Massachusetts.
“We know that girls thrive when they have the confidence, support, and opportunities to fully participate in their communities,” Anabelle Santiago, manager of United Way of Central Massachusetts Women’s Initiative, said in the release.
“Project Uplift recognizes that something as basic as having the right support can make a meaningful difference in how a girl feels about herself and whether she feels comfortable staying active in sports,” Santiago continued. “This partnership is about removing barriers, building confidence, and making sure every girl has the opportunity to feel supported as she grows.”
The Bra Shop, located at 303 Main St. in downtown Worcester, specializes in professional fittings, inclusive sizing and fit education and says it has served thousands of women and girls from across the region.
The business recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Formerly known as The O Shop, it relocated from Richmond Avenue to a larger downtown location and rebranded as The Bra Shop in November 2025.
The Worcester Railers are providing sponsorship support for Project Uplift, and the program is also seeking donations and sponsorships from individuals, businesses and organizations to expand the number of girls it can serve.
Information about referrals, donations, sponsorships and becoming a participating community organization is available through Project Uplift’s website.
