Connect with us

Rec Sports

A Day With #WeRideTogether | Psychology Today

Recently, I had the privilege of spending a day with the remarkable team behind #WeRideTogether, a movement working to end sexual misconduct in sport. #WeRideTogether is more than a nonprofit; it’s a call to action. Born to confront the pervasive issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports, the organization is reshaping what safety, […]

Published

on


Recently, I had the privilege of spending a day with the remarkable team behind #WeRideTogether, a movement working to end sexual misconduct in sport.

#WeRideTogether is more than a nonprofit; it’s a call to action. Born to confront the pervasive issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports, the organization is reshaping what safety, accountability, and healing can look like in athletic spaces. Their mission is clear: Every athlete deserves to train, compete, and thrive in an environment free from abuse. Through survivor-centered storytelling, education, and stigma-smashing advocacy, they’re creating the cultural shift our sports systems so desperately need.

What unfolded that day was not just a conversation; it was a reckoning. A reclamation. And, most importantly, a reminder that change isn’t just possible: It’s already in motion.

Harrowing Statistics

More than half of all athletes experience some form of abuse during their lifetime, most often at the hands of someone they know, such as a coach, trainer, or teammate (Hartill et al., 2021). Rates of sexual violence in sport alone have been estimated as high as 14 percent (Lang et al., 2023).

And yet, we still lack a widespread, coordinated investment in preventing sexual misconduct in sport. These numbers are not just statistics, they’re a call to action. They underscore the urgent need to continue confronting abuse in athletic spaces with honesty, accountability, and sustained commitment to cultural change.

A Survivor’s Narrative

Olympic swimmer Margaret Hoelzer courageously shared her story of early childhood sexual abuse and how its impact echoed throughout her athletic career. She spoke of the armor she built: an unrelenting drive to be strong, flawless, and victorious. But no podium finish could replace the parts of her that were taken too soon. “I could cry into my goggles,” she once said, “and no one would notice.”

Today, strength means something different. For Margaret, it’s about transforming pain into purpose. It’s about speaking the unspeakable so that others feel less alone, and so the silence that shields abuse begins to crack.

Intersectionality and Power Imbalances

Dr. Tyler Miles, early in her career as a clinical and sport psychologist, spoke with a clarity and conviction that many never reach, even after decades in the field. She tackled the issue of emotional abuse and child exploitation in sport through a powerful lens of intersectionality, reminding us that certain identities are more vulnerable to harm and less likely to be believed if they come forward. She explained how power imbalances are woven into the very fabric of sport culture. Passion like hers doesn’t just inspire, it catalyzes change.

Trauma-Informed Sport Environments

I spoke about how abuse can echo across a lifetime, often in ways survivors don’t fully recognize or have language for until much later. There is no “perfect” victim; trauma takes many forms. It can surface as behavioral challenges, emotional dysregulation, or nonadherence to rules, frequently misread or dismissed.

In sport, the very qualities we celebrate—intense emotional bonds, high access to authority figures, and close physical proximity—can become dangerous when safeguards are absent. Young athletes are regularly placed in situations we’d flag as inappropriate in any other setting: one-on-one time with unfamiliar adults, unsupervised overnight trips, fast-tracked intimacy without earned trust.

Success should never come at the cost of safety.

The Team That Made It Happen

Carrie Kehring, president of #WeRideTogether, spoke with the raw power of lived experience. Her daughter’s story of sexual abuse—and the systemic failures that followed—fuel Carrie’s fight for justice. She knows all too well the betrayals survivors endure: from sport governing bodies to law enforcement to the communities that should have protected them. Injustices that would break most people. But not her. “And that’s why I’m going to change it,” she said. To that, I say: You already have.

Our host, Caroline Culbertson, held the space with grace, strength, and compassion, facilitating a conversation that was anything but easy. The women of #WeRideTogether—Michaela Callie, Kathryn McClain, Madison Smith, and Annelise Ware—brought fierce intellect, radical gentleness, and a shared commitment to truth-telling. Together, they created an atmosphere where even the hardest truths could be named without shame.

Emily Sheehan, an award-winning filmmaker and the day’s producer, and Caleb Hanson, the director who offered much-needed humor and groundedness, are sure to shape this into a story that demands to be seen and heard.

The #WeRideTogether Victim Experience series is set to launch in the coming months. Follow their work. Support their mission. This is how change takes root.

Real Change

So, what does real change look like?

  • It looks like naming the truth: Perpetrators are solely responsible for sexual violence, regardless of their title, accolades, or reputation.
  • It looks like sport communities rising to the challenge of creating trauma-informed environments, where everyone understands consent, can recognize grooming behaviors, and knows how to intervene and report safely.
  • It looks like believing survivors first. Always. The investigations, the evidence, the procedures—they matter. But before any of that, we believe. Because the cost of disbelief can haunt a survivor for a lifetime.
  • And to every survivor reading this: It’s never too late to speak your truth. It’s never too late to reclaim your story.



Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rec Sports

K-State’s Manning Selected for Athletes in Action Tour

Kansas State men’s basketball player Taj Manning will join the Athletes in Action international tour to the Czech Republic from June 28 to July 11. Manning, a rising junior from Grandview, Missouri, will be part of a team made up of eight college players from across the country. The group will play exhibition games against […]

Published

on


Kansas State men’s basketball player Taj Manning will join the Athletes in Action international tour to the Czech Republic from June 28 to July 11.

Manning, a rising junior from Grandview, Missouri, will be part of a team made up of eight college players from across the country. The group will play exhibition games against the Czech Republic’s U20 and U23 national teams.

In addition to competing, the team will participate in community outreach, including a youth basketball camp and a coaching clinic during the trip.

Manning has played in 22 games for the Wildcats, including 14 starts during the 2023-24 season as a redshirt freshman.

Athletes in Action is a faith-based organization that partners with college athletes to provide sports tours and leadership development opportunities with an emphasis on service and cultural exchange.



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Chargers player hosts free youth camp in Chula Vista

Hundreds of kids learn from pro athletes at Eastlake High School event. CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers safety Tony Jefferson hosted a free youth football camp for approximately 300 children in Chula Vista on Sunday. The event, held at Eastlake High School, Jefferson’s alma mater, provided local kids aged 8-16 with an opportunity […]

Published

on


Hundreds of kids learn from pro athletes at Eastlake High School event.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers safety Tony Jefferson hosted a free youth football camp for approximately 300 children in Chula Vista on Sunday. The event, held at Eastlake High School, Jefferson’s alma mater, provided local kids aged 8-16 with an opportunity to learn from NFL players and college athletes.

Jefferson, a Chula Vista native, organized the camp through his charitable foundation in partnership with NFL Flag San Diego and Hard Count. The one-day event offered young boys and girls a chance to participate in drills and receive coaching from professional athletes.

“I just remember when I used to go to these camps, how excited I was and how motivated I was after I was at the camp, and I thought that’s something I definitely want to do once I had the opportunity to do,” said Jefferson.

The camp featured a range of activities, including hurdles and agility exercises, designed to improve the participants’ football skills. In addition to Jefferson, San Diego State University defensive end Trey White, also an Eastlake High School alumnus, helped coach the young athletes.

“It’s full circle right now, I actually went to a Tony Jefferson camp when I was younger too, full circle moment at Eastlake too,” said White.

For many of the young participants, the camp represented a unique opportunity to learn from professional athletes. Kaloi Duhart, 13, plays on two flag football teams and was excited to participate.

“This is probably like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not common that football players organize big events like this, and I’m just glad I get to learn from somebody like him,” said Duhart.

Jefferson emphasized that the camp’s goals extended beyond improving athletic skills. He stressed the importance of character development and leadership.

“We want to build character. Character is a huge component to be successful in whatever you do, like I said, not just sports,” said Jefferson.

The event also featured Kenny Stills, Jefferson’s college teammate and competitor, who graduated from La Costa Canyon High School. Stills shared his own experience of being inspired by professional athletes as a youth.

“I remember being their age and having an opportunity to see Jr Seau to work out at the beach and the impact that that had on me and how it humanized how he was as a person and inspired me to be like that during my career path,” said Stills.

The young athletes at the camp appeared to be absorbing the lessons and inspiration provided by the professional players. Kingston Van, one of the participants, reflected on the impact of the experience.

“It feels good. It’s giving me the challenging mindset to not give up even if it’s hard,” said Van.

As the event concluded, Jefferson expressed his hope that San Diego residents would continue to support the Chargers, despite the team’s relocation to Los Angeles.

“I get it, you know, the team leaves, but we’re just up the road and we’re still the Chargers and I love you guys and I know you love me back. So come back on board, baby, come back,” said Jefferson, adding, “I love you, San Diego.”



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Family honors slain son’s dream with new youth sports league

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — The family of Mekhi Courtney, a 22-year-old man tragically killed in a shooting last year, is turning their pain into purpose, a nonprofit youth sports league inspired by his dream. On Sunday afternoon, family and friends of Courtney hosted the first-ever registration day for SETT Bidness, a new football and cheerleading […]

Published

on


The family of Mekhi Courtney, a 22-year-old man tragically killed in a shooting last year, is turning their pain into purpose, a nonprofit youth sports league inspired by his dream.

On Sunday afternoon, family and friends of Courtney hosted the first-ever registration day for SETT Bidness, a new football and cheerleading league at Seven Oaks Park.

Before his death in May 2024, Mekhi and his best friend had started planning their own youth league to give back to their community and mentor young athletes. Sadly, Courtney was gunned down in the parking lot of The Landing Apartments in Forest Acres. Authorities confirmed evidence of a shooting, but say no calls were made to report it.

Now, Mekhi’s mother, Tamika Courtney, is taking the lead to ensure her son’s mission moves along.

“I just want to accomplish a lot of his dreams and goals,” said his mother Tamika. “With him passing at 22 he was unable to do those things, so I just want to do them now with him watching over us.”

SETT stands for “Setting Examples to Teach”, a motto the Courtney’s mother says he and his friends lived by. The program aims to provide not only athletic opportunities but also mentorship, structure, and life skills.

Registration for the 2025 season is still open, and SETT Bidness is actively seeking sponsors to help cover fees for children whose families may be struggling financially.

Click this link to the organization’s website



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Youth baseball roundup | News, Sports, Jobs

AABA Altoona Area Baseball Association MAJOR LEAGUE W-L Holsinger’s Plumbing 17-3 Sheetz 15-4 Park Home 15-5 Leonard S. Fiore 14-5 John Sisto Law Office 11-8 Masonic Lodges 9-10 Marana Electric 9-11 Locker Room 5-16 Drenning Delivery 5-16 ARC 0-20 MONDAY Sheetz 3, Drenning Delivery 0: Multiple hits–Miller 2 (S); WP–Connolly, LP–Dryburg; SO–Connolly 14 (S), Dryburg […]

Published

on


AABA

Altoona Area

Baseball Association

MAJOR LEAGUE W-L

Holsinger’s Plumbing 17-3

Sheetz 15-4

Park Home 15-5

Leonard S. Fiore 14-5

John Sisto Law Office 11-8

Masonic Lodges 9-10

Marana Electric 9-11

Locker Room 5-16

Drenning Delivery 5-16

ARC 0-20

MONDAY

Sheetz 3, Drenning Delivery 0: Multiple hits–Miller 2 (S); WP–Connolly, LP–Dryburg; SO–Connolly 14 (S), Dryburg 4, Ehredt 3 (DD)

Marana Electric 4, Masonic Lodges 1: Multiple hits–Gority 2 (ME), K. Replogle 2 (ML); WP–Hileman, LP–K. Replogle; SO–Hileman 7, Woodring 2 (ME), K. Replogle 2, Muth 2 (ML)

John Sisto Law 9, LS Fiore 3: Multiple hits–Irvin 3, Goodman 2 (JS), Matthews 2 (LSF); WP–Irvin, LP–Kraft; SO–Irvin 6 (JS), Kraft 3, B. Wolfe 2 (LSF)

Locker Room 10, ARC 5: Multiple hits–Pyzowski (LR), Anderson 2 (ARC); WP–Stere, LP–Dukeman; SO–Stere 7, Weyant 3 (LR), Dukeman 3, Berwager 7 (ARC)

WEDNESDAY

LS Fiore 8, Marana Electric 4: Multiple hits–Woodring 2, Gority 2, Ross 2 (ME); WP–Garcia-Hershey, LP–Pincin; SO–Kraft 3 (LSF), Pincin 5, Woodring 1 (ME)

Holsinger’s Plumbing 18, John Sisto Law 8: Multiple hits–Carter Klausman 3, Johnston 3 (HP), Cobbler 2 (JS); WP–Carter Klausman, LP–Goodman; SO–Carter Klausman 3, Perretta 1 (HP), Goodman 2 (JS)

Drenning Delivery 6, Locker Room 4: Multiple hits–Sprouse 2 (DD); WP–Carey, LP–Buechele; SO–Pincherri 6, Carey 3 (DD), Pyzowski 2 (LR)

Park Home 14, ARC 4: Multiple hits–Roland 2 (PH); WP–Gamber, LP–Britton; SO–Gamber 2, Nedimyer 1 (PH), Britton 1, Dukeman 2 (ARC)

THURSDAY

Holsinger’s Plumbing 12, Masonic Lodges 2: Multiple hits–Farabaugh 2, Johnston 2 (HP), Muth 2 (ML); WP–Johnston, LP–McGeary; SO–Johnston 6 (HP), McGeary 2 (ML)

SATURDAY

John Sisto Law 9, Masonic Lodges 7: Multiple hits–Irvin 2, Cobler 2, Goodman 2 (JS); WP–Pyo, LP–McGeary; SO–Kustaborder 6, Pyo 5 (JS), Muth 5, K. Replogle 3, McGeary 3 (ML)

Park Home 11, Locker Room 1: Multiple hits–M. Williams 2, Muccitelli 2 (PH); WP–M. Williams, LP–Lutz; SO–M. Williams 2, McMullen 2 (PH), Lutz 2 (LR)

MINOR LEAGUE W-L-T

Altoona Honda 14-0-0

Gority Brothers 12-1-0

ERA Sports 9-6-1

Reliance Bank 8-7-0

Altoona Kiwanis 6-8-0

Altoona Mirror 5-8-1

Begin With Us 4-6-2

Cabinetree 4-9-1

Underground Sports 4-11-1

Redline Nutrition 3-13-0

MONDAY

Gority Brothers 15, Altoona Mirror 8

Altoona Kiwanis 8, ERA Sports 6

WEDNESDAY

ERA Sports 10, Underground Sports 7

Altoona Honda 12, Altoona Mirror 3

THURSDAY

Gority Brothers 9, Altoona Kiwanis 1

ERA Sports 8, Reliance Bank 5

Altoona Honda 10, Redline Nutrition 0

Begin with Us 12, Underground Sports 2

SATURDAY

Altoona Honda 13, Altoona Mirror 3

Redline Nutrition 10, Begin with Us 8

Altoona Honda 11, ERA Sports 7

Reliance Bank 10, Altoona Kiwanis 7

AIYBL

ALTOONA INDEPENDENT

YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE

MAJORS DIVISION W-L

Sheetz 13-1

Sylvan Veterinary 10-4

Makdad 6-8

Cumming Motors 6-8

Fiore True Value 0-14

MONDAY

Sheetz 22, Makdad 9: Multiple hits–Burk 4, Murphy Lingenfelter 3, Leo Fanelli 3, Myers 3, Ryan 3, Luca Fanelli 2, Wilkins 2, Kaack 2 (S), Marchi 3, Thomas 2, McNair 2 (M). WP–Luca Fanelli (S). LP–Grealey-Nyce (M). SO–Luca Fanelli 2, Wilkins 1, Leo Fanelli 2 (S), Rhoa 2 (M).

Cumming Motors 6, Fiore True Value 2: Multiple hits–Lewis 3, Delasko 2 (CM), Tomchick 2 (FTV). WP–Delasko (CM). LP–Wilt (FTV). SO–Delasko 5, Novak 3, Giger 4 (CM), Wilt 4, Brawley 2 (FTV).

WEDNESDAY

Sylvan Veterinary 7, Fiore True Value 6: Multiple hits–Gunnett 2 (SV), Brawley 4, Weyant 3, Wilt 3 (FTV). WP–Schiappa (SV). LP–Tomchick (FTV). SO–Schiappa 7, H. Coble 3 (SV), Tomchick 4 (FTV).

Makdad 13, Cumming Motors 4: Multiple hits–Thomas 3, Shock 2, Marchi 2, Grealey-Nyce 2 (M), Delasko 3 (CM). WP–Baker (M). LP–Giger (CM). SO–Baker 3, Thomas 4 (M), Giger 7, Novak 1, Noel 2, Delasko 3 (CM).

MINOR LEAGUE (AAA) W-L-T

Makdad AAA 10-2-1

Altoona First Savings Bank 8-5-0

C&J Cabinets 7-5-2

Martin Oil 4-8-1

Cesare Battisti 2-11-0

RESULTS

C&J Cabinets 14, Altoona First Savings Bank 6

PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND

Martin Oil 17, Cesare Battisti 15

MINOR LEAGUE (AA) W-L

Stone Cellar 14-1

First Frontier Blair County 12-3

ERA 10-5

Subway 5-10

Stuckey Subaru 3-12

Sweet Frog 1-14

RESULTS

ERA 11, Subway 2

First Frontier Blair County 12, Sweet Frog 5

Stone Cellar 10, Sweet Frog 0

Stone Cellar 13, ERA 3

First Frontier Blair County 11, Subway 5

ERA 11, Stone Cellar 5

Subway 3, Stuckey Subaru 1

PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND

ERA 12, Sweet Frog 2

Subway 6, Stuckey Subaru 1

EAST END

EAST END YOUTH LEAGUE

MAJOR LEAGUE W-L

Greenwood Meadows 20-0

Cumming Motors 17-3

Burgmeier Hauling 14-7

Kabello Contracting 9-10

Penn Med 9-11

Dean Patterson 6-13

Sheetz 3-17

Caporuscio’s Plumbing 1-18

RESULTS

Penn Crest 11, Dean Patterson 8: HR–McDowell (PM), Multiple hits–McDowell 3 (PM), Ronan 2, Wentz 2 (DP), WP–McDowell, LP–Wentz, SO–McDowell 4, Nagle 4, (PM), Wentz 3, K.Pfahler 5 (DP)

Burgmeier Hauling 6, Penn Med 5: HR–Ritchey (BH), Multiple hits–Koehle 2 (BH), Bongiorno 3, McDowell 2 (PM), WP–Koehle, LP–McConnell, SO–Koehle 8 (BH), McConnell 4, Riley 3 (PM)

Cumming Motors 14, Kabello Contracting 10: HR–P. Holland (CM), Multiple hits–P. Holland 3, H. Holland 2 (CM), WP–H. Holland, LP–Tanneyhill, SO–H. Holland 6, McGraw 2, Nedimyer 3 (CM), Tanneyhill 2, Green 2, Hall 3 (KC)

Burgmeier Hauling 18, Caporuscio’s Plumbing 6: Multiple hits–Farabaugh 4, Chaplin 2 (BH), Rogers 2 (CP), WP–Judy, LP–Endress, SO–Judy 2, Irwin 4, (BH), Endress 6, Parshall 4, Rogers 3 (CP)

Cumming Motors 16, Dean Patterson 1: Multiple hits–H. Holland 3, Porta 2, P. Holland 2, WP–P. Holland, LP–Welch, SO–P. Holland 3 (CM), Welch 1 (DP)

Dean Patterson 17, Penn Med 13: Multiple hits–K. Pfahler 2, Ronan 2 (DP), McDowell 3 (PM), WP–Welch, LP–Nagle, SO–Wentz 1, Welch 4, S. Pfahler 1, (DP), McDowell 4, Nagle 1, (PM)

Greenwood Meadows 12, Sheetz 0: HR–Wentz (GM), Multiple hits–Pike 2, Wentz 2 (GM), Ulrich 2 (SH), WP–McGinnis, LP–Billotte, SO–Wentz 3, McGinnis 8 (GM), Billotte 3, Wyant 2, (SH)

Burgmeier Hauling 14, Kabello Contracting 5: HR–Ritchey (BH), Multiple hits–Koehle 3, Ritchey 2 (BH), L. Wolfe 2 (KC), WP–Farabaugh, LP–Bordack, SO–Judy 4, Ritchey 6 (BH), Bordack 3, L. Wolfe 4 (KC),

Cumming Motors 19, Sheetz 3: HR–Moyer, P. Holland (CM), Multiple hits–Moyer 2 (CM), WP–Coury, LP–Ulrich, SO–Coury 4, (CM), LE. Ulrich1, (KC),

Greenwood Meadows 15, Caporuscio’s Plumbing 0: HR–Wagner (GM), Multiple hits–Pike 2, Winterburn 2, Wentz 2, Wagner 2 (GM), WP–Thrower, LP–Endress, SO–Thrower 5 (GM), Endress 2 (CP)

MINOR LEAGUE STANDINGS W-L-T

Barton Plumbing 17-0-0

Furrer Beverage 14-4-0

Penn Crest 11-5-1

First Stop Shop 10-7-0

Mattas Motorsports 8-10-1

Reliable Tire 5-12-0

Kettle Inn 2-15-0

Grace Builders 2-17-0

RESULTS

Barton Plumbing 7, Penn Crest 2

First Stop Shop 6, Reliable Tire 1

Penn Crest 8, Reliable Tire 3

Barton Plumbing 10, First Stop Shop 7

Furrer Beverage 5, Kettle Inn 0

Mattas Motorsports 5, Grace Builders 0

Reliable Tire 13, Grace Builders 8

First Stop Shop 8, Kettle Inn 3

Mattas Motorsports 7, Kettle Inn 6

BELLWOOD-ANTIS

Bellwood-Antis Youth LEAGUE

MAJOR LEAGUE W-L

Martin Oil 15-4

Eagles 13-6

Caracciolo’s 11-9

Parson’s 7-12

Messner’s 3-15

MONDAY

Parson’s 3, Messner’s 2: Multiple hits–T. Hatfield (P). SO–Zendek 12, Wright 1 (M); Saylor 3, L Hatfield 5 (P)

WEDNESDAY

Eagles 3, Carraciolo’s 2: HR–Clabaugh (E). Multiple hits: none. SO–N. Burroughs 3, B. Burroughs 12, Pullara 1 (C); Clabaugh 9, D Learn 3 (E)

THURSDAY

Martin Oil 14, Parson’s 10: HR–L. Hatfield 2 (P); Schmitt (MO). Multiple hits–T. Hatfield, L. Hatfield, Saylor (P); Plummer, Schmitt, Hartman (MO). SO–Saylor 1, T Hatfield 3, L Hatfield 1 (P); Smith 2, Plummer 2, Schmitt 7 (MO)

Caracciolo’s 13, Eagles 3: Multiple hits–N Burroughs (C). SO–Gates 3, Crist 2, Peterman 3 (E); N. Burroughs 8 (C).

SATURDAY

Eagles 8, Carraciolo’s 1: Multiple hits–N. Burroughs, Showalter (C); Clabaugh (E). SO–B. Burroughs 7, Pullara 2 (C); Clabaugh 10, Peterman 1 (E)

Martin Oil 12, Parson’s 1: HR–Schmitt (MO). Multiple hits–T. Hatfield (P); Smith, Kelley (MO). SO–Smith 5 (MO); Wiser 4 (P).



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

The Youth Sports Arms Race | Webster Kirkwood Times

We have transitioned from a play-based approach in youth sports to a competition-based approach, and it’s not because that’s best for our kids. I say this as someone who grew up playing club sports, and who has an 8 year-old son playing a year-round club sport. I revere sports for the lasting impact they have […]

Published

on








downs

We have transitioned from a play-based approach in youth sports to a competition-based approach, and it’s not because that’s best for our kids. I say this as someone who grew up playing club sports, and who has an 8 year-old son playing a year-round club sport. I revere sports for the lasting impact they have had on my life, but I also refuse to ignore the negative effects this shift toward elite sports is having on our kids. 

The need for unstructured play time for kids has been widely studied, and researchers agree that it’s paramount to child development. This wide open space helps children learn social skills, develop creativity and build resilience. But when we’re shuttling our kids to three practices a week and games on the weekends, we’re minimizing those blocks. 

These demanding schedules also affect the entire family. Family dinners are rushed (or nonexistent), vacation funds get siphoned into travel tournaments, parents’ friendships and hobbies fizzle and marriages become strained because they’re stretched too thin. 

In “Take Back the Game,” author Linda Flanagan emphasizes that, “until at least puberty, children should not specialize in one sport.” Early sports specialization is when kids dedicate more than eight months a year to one sport before adolescence. 

A recent National Council of Youth Sports report states that “athletes specializing early are more than twice as likely to experience injuries as their peers playing multiple sports.” 

Most club sports have shifted toward this year-round approach though, which makes it nearly impossible to balance out kids’ motor development with additional sports. 

For those of you who are mentally arguing that club sports provide important lessons that support child development, let me be the first to agree. Club sports teach kids valuable lessons in sportsmanship and cooperation. 

I believe that club sports should still exist, but should be limited to a season. This would help lower costs, which would democratize access to elite sports, and it would help establish balance for kids and families. 

The current “more, earlier, faster” model of youth sports is lucrative, but it’s not developmentally appropriate for our kids. The National Council of Youth Sports was created to establish safeguards for college athletes, but there are currently no comparable regulatory organizations overseeing youth sports. Each sport may have its own national governing body, but this disjointed approach lacks the authority to establish protections for all kids. 

As a parent, I want my kids to play club sports because they help build character, but the literal and figurative price tag is escalating. I’m afraid our kids are becoming the collateral damage of this panicked race to the top; unless universal limitations are established, the youth sports arms race is going to continue.



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

David R. Somerville | News, Sports, Jobs

DAVID SOMERVILLE David R. Somerville, 76, of Latrobe, passed away on June 19, 2025, at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital. He was born on Aug. 31, 1948, in Lock Haven, Pa., a son of the late Robert D. and Carol (Miller) Somerville. David was a member of Latrobe Community Ministries, where […]

Published

on



DAVID SOMERVILLE

David R. Somerville, 76, of Latrobe, passed away on June 19, 2025, at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 31, 1948, in Lock Haven, Pa., a son of the late Robert D. and Carol (Miller) Somerville.

David was a member of Latrobe Community Ministries, where he sang in the choir and attended Sunday School every Sunday. He loved music and enjoyed attending many summer concerts in Ligonier.

He was a model train enthusiast and was a member of the Train Collectors Association and had previously worked for Brady’s Train Outlet.

He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching all Penn State sports and local youth sports, sharing old football stories, enjoyed golfing with his golf league and was proud of being able to participate in, and finish, the Presque Isle Marathon many years ago.

David loved getting to know others and having conversations with them. He was such an easy person to be able to talk to and within a few minutes of meeting someone he could have their whole life history.

Prior to his retirement, he had worked for Prudential, as well as served as a local District Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts. He also contributed his time and did volunteer work for CORE.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathy (Ritchie) Somerville; and his sister, Cindy Schick.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda (Campbell) Somerville; his children, Susan Glista (John), David Somerville (Tricia) and Mark Somerville; his step-sons, Giles Campbell, Justin Campbell and Douglas Campbell; his grandchildren, Noah, Xavier, Jonah and Amelia Somerville and Cameron Campbell.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the Hartman-Graziano Funeral Home, Inc., 1500 Ligonier St., Latrobe, Pa.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 26, at 11 a.m., at Latrobe Community Ministries, 440 Main St., Latrobe.

Everyone please go directly to the church. Private interment will take place in Unity Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas Starzl Transplantation Institute at 200 Darragh St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, the center where David had his liver transplant 24 years ago; the Boy Scouts of America, Westmoreland ­Fayette Council at 2 Garden Center Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601; or to the Latrobe Community Ministries at 440 Main St., Latrobe, PA 15650.

To post an online condolence, please visit www.hartman-grazianofuneralhome.com.




Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending