North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. today announced that the Roseville Sports Group of North Newark has received a $5,500 grant to help defray the costs of running its Little League program.

Councilman Ramos said the grant will help the group pay for field maintenance and repair, insurance costs, uniform costs and equipment costs for little league program, which serves more than 500 players.

“The Roseville Sports Group is one of our city’s premier recreation programs and I am proud to be able to help them,” said Ramos, who represents who proposed funding the organization. “It’s a small investment from the city to ensure some 500 children have an opportunity to participate in a healthy and safe activity.”

The Roseville Sports Group runs the North Newark Little League and plays at Kasberger Field. The sports complex, which includes baseball fields as well as a soccer field, was recently renovated with artificial turf and lighting under the leadership of Councilman Ramos.

“I would like to thank Councilman Ramos for taking the lead, as well as, the City of Newark in helping us to acquire these much needed funds,” said Vincent DeVincentis, the president of the Roseville Sports Group. “They will enable our organization to continue to administer a first rate youth baseball and softball program and to do so on well maintained and safe home fields that our participants can be proud of. These funds represent an investment in our future. It is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. “

The grant came from a 2012 settlement of a lawsuit between the City of Newark and the Hess Corporation that dedicated $7 million to health and education programs and $5 million for other programs that directly benefit the city.