Connect with us
https://yoursportsnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/call-to-1.png

Rec Sports

Hampton basketball program keeps kids active—and cool

HAMPTON, Va. — On a steamy summer day in Hampton’s Wythe neighborhood, young players hit the court for a few lively games of basketball—all part of a program meant to keep kids active and engaged during the summer. The event was organized by Stop and Pop Youth Sports Charities Incorporated, a nonprofit that has been […]

Published

on


HAMPTON, Va. — On a steamy summer day in Hampton’s Wythe neighborhood, young players hit the court for a few lively games of basketball—all part of a program meant to keep kids active and engaged during the summer.

The event was organized by Stop and Pop Youth Sports Charities Incorporated, a nonprofit that has been serving the community for more than two decades.

Organizer Jamen Mainor said it’s personal for him.

“I grew up here, and it’s just something that I can just take pride in giving back to—things that we probably didn’t have when I was a kid,” Mainor told News 3’s Jay Greene.

The organization’s work goes beyond basketball.

“It include[s] auto maintenance, includes different things like theatrical. We have a stage in there for them to do different activities and things,” Mainor added.

Despite Monday’s hot and humid weather, the games continued—alongside precautions to protect kids from the heat.

“We have water in our, you know, buckets here for them, and they can have that to hydrate and keep going,” said Mainor. “And then after a while, if we start seeing indications of heat fatigue, we pull them off to the side, have them sit down and cool off.”

Those steps align with advice from medical professionals. Dr. Michael Poirier, chief of emergency medicine at CHKD in Norfolk, said staying hydrated is key.

“You need to be really, really careful to make sure that they maintain their hydration,” Poirier said.

He added that symptoms like vomiting, flushed skin, unresponsiveness, or altered mental status are signs a child needs to get out of the heat immediately.

The Virginia High School League also sets heat safety guidelines for student athletes. When the heat index is below 89 degrees, practices can continue as normal with regular water breaks. But when it rises to 105 degrees or more, all outdoor activities should be canceled.

As the sun began to set and temperatures eased, the games at the shaded neighborhood court continued—right where the kids wanted to be.

“So this is a unique court. And of course, with us having the trees right next to it, we have great shade,” Mainor said.

Even in the middle of an intense game, Mainor said his volunteers are there to step in when kids need to rest.

“So you got to be the one that tells them, ‘Hey, you know, time to sit down for a second, take a little break, get some water in you, you know, and then come back out to play,’” he said. “The court ain’t going nowhere. You’ll be able to play again.”





Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

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

Rec Sports

Egypt’s Sports Minister unveils national youth and sports strategy for 2025-2032

Egypt on Tuesday launched its first National Strategy for Youth and Sports for 2025–2032, a comprehensive plan aimed at developing the two sectors to serve over 61% of the country’s population, the Ministry of Youth and Sports said. The strategy was launched under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, in partnership with United Nations […]

Published

on


Egypt on Tuesday launched its first National Strategy for Youth and Sports for 2025–2032, a comprehensive plan aimed at developing the two sectors to serve over 61% of the country’s population, the Ministry of Youth and Sports said.

The strategy was launched under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, in partnership with United Nations organisations in Egypt, the cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Centre, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport. The launch coincided with International Youth Day.

In a recorded message, Prime Minister Madbouly said the state is determined to turn the strategy into a “tangible reality” through careful monitoring, integration between entities, and investment in the capabilities of its youth, whom he described as “the true wealth of Egypt.”

Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhy, said that work on the strategy began in 2019 and overcame challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and global changes. He stated it was the first national strategy of its kind for the youth and sports sectors in Egypt.

“The strategy represents a major step in developing the youth and sports sectors in cooperation with civil society institutions, to serve more than 61% of the population,” Sobhy said during the launch event.

He explained that the plan is based on four main pillars: the integrated upbringing and development of youth; promoting sports and physical activity as a lifestyle; enhancing athletic competition and achieving leadership; and improving governance in the youth and sports sectors to boost their contribution to the economy and sustainable development.

“The main goal of the national strategy is the optimal investment in the energies and potentials of Egyptian youth, turning them into a driving force for sustainable development,” Sobhy added.

In her own recorded message, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, said that despite global challenges, the government has set ambitious development goals under its action programme and Egypt’s Vision 2030, with investment in youth energies being a strategic necessity for achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic development.

The launch event was attended by the Minister of Education, Mohamed Abdel Latif, as well as former ministers, heads of authorities, ambassadors, university presidents, public figures, and representatives of civil society, the private sector, and youth and sports federations and clubs.

 



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Pete Carroll hopes youth movement has Raiders on the right path

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Pete Carroll has made it clear since his introductory news conference in January that he intends to win now, and he and the Raiders have taken steps to be more competitive, such as trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith. But Carroll also has been forthright that rookies will get the opportunity […]

Published

on


HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Pete Carroll has made it clear since his introductory news conference in January that he intends to win now, and he and the Raiders have taken steps to be more competitive, such as trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith.

But Carroll also has been forthright that rookies will get the opportunity to play, pointing to his own history with first-year players at Southern California and with the Seahawks.

Advertisement

And, so far, Carroll has been a man of his word, with rookies and other young players getting the chance to make a big impact in training camp and in Thursday’s preseason opener at Seattle.

The latest depth chart that was released Tuesday underscored that commitment.

Seven rookies are on the two-deep, including running back Ashton Jeanty, wide receiver Dont’e Thornton and cornerback Darien Porter on the first team. All three were drafted this year in the first four rounds. Eight second-year players — four on each the first and second team — also populate the depth chart.

“I’m not hesitant to play young guys,” Carroll said. “We’ve almost forced them into it and forced to feed them until they show us who they are, what they’re all about and how much they can handle. It isn’t all on them. It’s on us to make sure that we ask them to do things that they’re capable of doing at this time.”

Advertisement

Carroll used this plan at USC and Seattle.

He took over a Trojans program coming off a 5-7 season and by the second year had USC back on track. USC went from 6-6 in Carroll’s first season in 2001 to a run of seven consecutive years of at least 11 victories, winning a pair of national titles.

The Seahawks won nine games over two seasons when Carroll was hired in 2010. He needed three years to get moving in the right direction, but then the Seahawks won double-digit games eight of nine seasons with two Super Bowl appearances and one championship.

He faces a similarly heavy build in Las Vegas. The Raiders not only come off a 4-13 season, they haven’t won a playoff game since appearing in the Super Bowl in the 2002 season.

Advertisement

“We’re moving in a good direction now,” Carroll said. “I can feel it. This is how it’s supposed to feel, according to what I’ve experienced. I couldn’t tell you what’s going to happen, but I do know they’re going to be together, and I do know they’re going to play for one another.”

Most of the youth movement was expected on offense. Brock Bowers put together perhaps the greatest season for a rookie tight end, and linemen Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze started as first-year players. Plus, Jeanty as the sixth overall draft pick arrived in Las Vegas this year knowing he would be a major focus of the offense.

“We want to run the ball, so I’m going to try my best to make this offense run,” Jeanty said. “We’ve got great receivers, great tight ends, a great quarterback, and it’ll start with the run game.”

Not as expected were the emergence of Thornton, Porter and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu. All three are listed on the first team.

Advertisement

Laulu has the burden of stepping in at the spot expected to be filled by Christian Wilkins before the Raiders released him over a dispute about his recovery plan for a broken foot. Thornton wasn’t even the first receiver Las Vegas drafted this year — Jack Bech, who is running second team, went in the second round. Porter took advantage of a cornerbacks room with more questions than answers and hasn’t let go of the spot.

“It was a bit intimidating at first,” Porter said, “but now I embrace it every single day.”

Personnel updates

Powers-Johnson returned to practice Tuesday after sitting out Sunday with a rib injury. Defensive tackle Adam Butler also was back after going home to tend to a family matter.

Advertisement

Guard Alex Cappa remained out with a rib injury.

Waiting on the NFL

There hasn’t been an announcement on whether Smith and defensive end Maxx Crosby will be fined for making obscene gestures to Seahawks fans before Thursday’s game. One fan held a sign that read: “Bigger Bust — Geno Or JaMarcus Russell?”

Carroll defended his quarterback’s actions.

“Did you see what the sign said?” Carroll asked a reporter. “Next question.”

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

New mobile sports equipment trailer launches in Rochester for youth | Local

Leadership Greater Rochester and its community partners introduced the Youth Connections Sports Trailer, a new mobile resource aimed at expanding access to sports equipment and play opportunities for youth across the city. ROCHESTER, Minn. — Leadership Greater Rochester and its community partners introduced the Youth Connections Sports Trailer, a new mobile resource […]

Published

on


Leadership Greater Rochester and its community partners introduced the Youth Connections Sports Trailer, a new mobile resource aimed at expanding access to sports equipment and play opportunities for youth across the city.



ROCHESTER, Minn. — Leadership Greater Rochester and its community partners introduced the Youth Connections Sports Trailer, a new mobile resource aimed at expanding access to sports equipment and play opportunities for youth across the city. The launch event took place Tuesday at Franklin Elementary School.

The trailer, filled with free sports equipment, will make recreational activities more accessible by visiting parks, neighborhoods, and schools. It aims to reduce barriers often faced by young people due to the high costs of sports equipment and limited access to recreational resources. Kayla Betzold, City of Rochester Sustainability Coordinator and project lead, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “This trailer helps bring opportunity directly to them — in parks, neighborhoods, and schools — with no cost and no strings attached.”

Rochester Parks & Recreation will manage the trailer, allowing local organizations to reserve it for events and programming through the city’s rental system. The trailer’s development was supported by over 20 local businesses and organizations, including the Mayo Clinic, Minnwest Bank, Scheels, and the Minnesota Twins Community Fund.

Kristin Roertvet, Executive Director of the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “For so many young people, they don’t have access to sports equipment. It’s expensive. It’s hard to come by,” Roertvet said. “This trailer makes that happen by making it easy for kids.”

The launch event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an equipment unboxing led by the Minnesota Twins Community Fund and Island Impact. It also offered youth engagement opportunities during the Safe City Nights event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information or to reserve the trailer for a community event, visit the website here. 



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

MVLA girls youth soccer team wins national title | Sports

Local youth soccer club Mountain View Los Altos (MVLA) has been crowned national champions at the girls U16 level after winning a prestigious Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) soccer tournament in Richmond, Virginia. The ECNL Girls National Finals Championship held July 18-21 saw eight teams from across the country in the U16 bracket compete, with […]

Published

on


Local youth soccer club Mountain View Los Altos (MVLA) has been crowned national champions at the girls U16 level after winning a prestigious Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) soccer tournament in Richmond, Virginia.

The ECNL Girls National Finals Championship held July 18-21 saw eight teams from across the country in the U16 bracket compete, with MVLA beating Utah Royals FC Arizona 1-0 in the quarterfinals, Penn Fusion SA 1-0 in the semifinals and Kansas City Athletics 3-1 in the finals. Chloe Miller opened the scoring for MVLA in the finals, with Sophie McCarthy doubling the lead and Isabella Bertolucci making it 3-0 for MVLA. Kansas City Athletics cut the lead to 3-1 late in the second half but could not bring it any closer. 





Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Former treasurer accused of stealing over $20K from Webberville sports program

INGHAM COUNTY, Mich. — A former treasurer is now under investigation for allegedly stealing from a kids’ sports program in Webberville, while local law enforcement plans a fundraiser to help the organization recover. The former treasurer of the Webberville Junior Athletic Association is accused of embezzling over $20,000. The alleged embezzlement occurred over a six-year […]

Published

on


INGHAM COUNTY, Mich. — A former treasurer is now under investigation for allegedly stealing from a kids’ sports program in Webberville, while local law enforcement plans a fundraiser to help the organization recover.

  • The former treasurer of the Webberville Junior Athletic Association is accused of embezzling over $20,000.
  • The alleged embezzlement occurred over a six-year period, according to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office.
  • Local law enforcement is organizing a fundraiser on August 23 to help the nonprofit recover.

I spoke with local law enforcement about the investigation and their efforts to help the program.

WATCH: Former treasurer accused of embezzling from Webberville youth sports organization

Former treasurer accused of stealing over $20,000 from Webberville youth sports program

According to Captain Andrew Daenzer at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, the former treasurer of the nonprofit, Webberville Junior Athletic Association, is accused of stealing thousands from them and using it for herself.

“The former treasurer actually came to the other members of the board and admitted to embezzling some of the funds,” Daenzer said.

This admission led to the Sheriff’s Office launching an investigation.

“Our sheriff’s office, deputy, and detective bureau are looking into exactly how much money was taken,” Daenzer said.

He tells me the woman is accused of embezzling more than $20,000 over a six-year period. He says the money was supposed to be used for concession stand items for youth sports events in the community.

“The organization is very low on funds,” Daenzer said.

With that being said, Daenzer tells me local law enforcement took it upon themselves to help raise money for the nonprofit.

“We have a deputy with a huge heart that happens to be assigned to the Webberville area,” Daenzer said.

The fundraiser is at Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on August 23, and he says everything that is raised will go to the association.

“He feels bad for these kids, like I think we all do,” Daenzer said.

I reached out to the Webberville Junior Athletic Association for a comment, and they said the board members don’t want to comment at this time because it’s an active investigation.

In the meantime, Daenzer tells me the detectives will soon submit the case to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office for review, but if anyone has information, they’re asked to contact Detective Kelly Bowden at 517-676-8253.

Here is more information regarding the fundraiser:

August 23 from 1–3 p.m. at Magic BJJ, located at 2824 East Grand River Avenue, Suite E, in Lansing.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Want more FOX 47 News? Here’s how you download our Roku app

How to download FOX 47 News on your Roku device

You can also see the latest news from across our mid-Michigan neighborhoods by liking us on Facebook or following us on X.





Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

UCLA stars Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Gabriela Jaquez host camp for kids

THOUSAND OAKS, California  — Jaime Jaquez Jr., who is preparing for his third season in the NBA with the Miami Heat, and his sister Gabriela Jaquez, a standout player for the UCLA Bruins and the Mexican national basketball team, set aside their own workouts to lead others through some familiar drills. The siblings recently hosted a […]

Published

on


Jaime Jaquez Jr., who is preparing for his third season in the NBA with the Miami Heat, and his sister Gabriela Jaquez, a standout player for the UCLA Bruins and the Mexican national basketball team, set aside their own workouts to lead others through some familiar drills.

The siblings recently hosted a summer camp for about 180 participants ages 6 to 16 at the Sports Academy facilities in Thousand Oaks. The three-hour camp aimed to promote basketball skills, discipline and a passion for the sport among children and teens. Some participants traveled from other states to attend the camp.

“It’s good to come back and give something back to the community, especially in a place where we grew up. Being able to do this is special,” said Jaime, who grew up in Camarillo, shone for four years at UCLA and has represented Mexico in international tournaments.

Gabriela Jaquez teaches camp participants how to shoot a basket.

Gabriela Jaquez teaches camp participants how to shoot a basket.

(Nash Boorman, Courtesy of Electrolit)

During the event, Jaime recalled his childhood playing basketball “from dawn to dusk” on the local courts in his hometown.

The camp was also a source of inspiration for families.

“It’s exciting to see Latino players succeed, one in the NBA and another possibly in the WNBA,” said Armando Castillas of Oxnard, who attended the camp with his children, Logan, 6, and Emma, 10.

In addition to leading the camp, the Jaquez siblings are focused on their upcoming professional challenges.

Jaime is looking for a season of redemption after a difficult year with the Heat, having been named to the all-rookie team 2023–24.

“It has always been my goal to win championships,” said Jaime, who noted that he preferred to focus entirely on improving with the Heat before making any commitments to the Mexican national team.

For her part, Gabriela recently returned from competing in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Chile with the Mexican national team. In the tournament, Mexico faced the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. Gabriela averaged 12 points per game, ranking as the 10th-best scorer in the tournament, and was recognized as the Rising Star of the competition. She had previously played for Mexico, which also helped her adapt to FIBA’s physical style of play and perform better with UCLA.

“It was an excellent opportunity. Playing at that level helped me a lot, especially physically,” said the 6-foot guard, who looks forward to her third season with the Bruins.

“I’m extremely proud to see her play for Mexico. I hope she can continue on that path and keep growing,” Jaime said of his sister.

Both players are now preparing for their respective seasons with clear goals: Jaime is looking to take the Heat further in the playoffs, while Gabriela has her sights set on a national championship with UCLA.

A group of children with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Gabriela Jaquez during the UCLA sibling's' camp.

A group of children with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Gabriela Jaquez during the UCLA siblings’ camp.

(Nash Boorman, Courtesy of Electrolit)

“The goal is to win championships with UCLA,” Gabriela said. “We’ve already made it to the Final Four, and I think we have the talent to go even further.”

This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.



Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending