NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA. — Aidan Finn and Queenie Xiao, competing for Staten Island-based Trident Aquatic Club, turned in stellar performances in the pool at the Eastern Zone Swimming Championships.

Finn, swimming in the 12-under division, copped first place in the 200-meter backstroke, second in the 100 backstroke and 50 freestyle, as well as fifth in the 200 IM.

The Little League World Series is in full swing, and the excitement is building for the final teams who represent thousands of kiddos who play youth baseball each year. Congratulations to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on winning the Little League Softball World Series Championship.

The backbones of each of those teams are the coaches, volunteers who donate their time to helping kids develop a love of the game. Today, we celebrate a few of the many “ESPNers” who have stepped up to the plate and served as coaches for their local Little League teams.

And a reminder — you don’t have to be an expert at baseball (or any sport for that matter) to be a youth sports coach. The best coaches prioritize fun and building skills that will last a lifetime. Check out more resources for parents and youth coaches at TakeBackSports.org, ESPN’s central hub for its youth sports initiative, Take Back Sports.

THE LINEUP

KEVIN CONNORS, COMMENTATOR

“Youth sports are one of the best vehicles for kids to grow as individuals. My single biggest responsibility as a coach is to foster a love of the game through patience and positivity, and in that environment — the magic I’ve witnessed when a child succeeds — is indescribable! Winning is important and motivating kids to work hard and achieve a common goal is a healthy part of their development. But nothing compares with seeing a child’s confidence and sense of accomplishment grow. Those are the victories I’ll remember far more than any score, for as long as I coach.”

DREW GALLAGHER, COORDINATING PRODUCER

“It is important for me to be a coach because I think my coaching philosophy of emphasizing fun, teamwork and skills development can help kids build a long-term love of baseball, one that continues even after their playing days are over. Plus, the extra time I get to spend with my kids is incredibly valuable – we are building memories that we will carry with us forever.”

LESTON GREEN, JR., LEAD VIDEO EDITOR

“My favorite part of coaching Little League is game time. For these kids, baseball is going to be one of the hardest sports they ever play in life. Seeing all the hard work we put in during practice come together during a game is special. I got the chance this season to see my son hit a walk-off grand slam for the win. That’s a moment we will share forever.”

RICK MACE, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING & ACQUISITIONS

“I didn’t intend to be a coach when my kids started playing but was asked if I could help during my son’s first year. That led to 13 years in the dugout for baseball and softball with my son and daughter. Over that time, I learned that there were more important things in youth coaching than wins and losses. My two goals each year were to help every kid leave as a better player than they started and for them to have enough fun they wanted to come back and play again next year.”

ADAM WHITLOCK, SR. DIRECTOR, REMOTE TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

“I have absolutely enjoyed connecting with the community. It has been a wonderful experience for my daughters and my family. Games are fun. The sense of community is important. Providing a safe, structured and positive environment for the children has invaluable. Watching my daughters and their teammates work at their craft, improve and participate in state championships and several Eastern regionals over the last 7-8 years has been truly amazing.”

DUBLIN, Va. — Renovations are underway at what will become one of the largest and most versatile indoor sports and event complexes in Virginia and the future hub for recreation, athletics, and entertainment in Pulaski County.

“This project represents a transformational investment by the Board of Supervisors in the health, recreation, and economic future of our county,” said Jonathan Sweet, Pulaski County administrator. “We are excited to see construction beginning and look forward to what this facility will mean for Pulaski County families, athletes, businesses, and the visitors it will bring from around the country.”

Built to meet the needs of both Pulaski County citizens and visitors, the Sportsplex will house youth sports, adult leagues, competitive tournaments, and a range of community and professional events throughout the year.

Located at 3994 Pepperell Way, the new 165,000-square-foot Sportsplex will offer high-quality multisport indoor courts, indoor turf fields, cardio and strength rooms, a golf institute, a

6,300-square-foot indoor playground, a full-service restaurant with catering, a one-fifth mile walking track, and much more.

“This is more than just a building,” said Shay Dunnigan, director of Pulaski County Parks and Recreation. “It’s a hub for connection, competition, and community. We are committed to creating a space that serves all ages and interests year-round.”

The Sportsplex will be managed by both Parks and Recreation and Sports and Entertainment with Parks and Recreation managing all community wellness initiatives at the facility, including recreational sports and programming, and Sports and Entertainment overseeing large-scale athletic tournaments and revenue-generating events to help cover the cost of operating the facility. Construction is expected to conclude in late summer or early fall 2026, with the building opening to the public shortly afterward.

“The dual-purpose approach that the county is taking with this building is a win-win for everyone”, said Tim Miller, executive director of Pulaski County Sports and Entertainment. “The

local community gets a world-class facility that might otherwise not be possible, and the region gets a state-of-the-art facility that can host major tournaments and events, while also contributing to the local economy.”

Pulaski County procured ZMM Architects and Engineers to serve as the project’s architectural and engineering firm. Over the past eight months, ZMM worked closely with county leaders to develop the renovation project and bring the vision of the Sportsplex to life through thoughtful design, planning, and collaboration.

The lowest of nine competitive bids came in under $13.5 million. The county let the contract with R.L. Price, and subsequently signed a value-engineered change-order lowering the cost by

$1.3 million for an adjusted construction renovation cost of $12.2 million. The county sold

$10.75 million in bonds on the open market. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors planned this project for numerous years and successfully saved and assigned $2.289 million for a total of

$13.039 million in funds available for this project and purpose.

For questions about local Sportsplex initiatives and other general inquiries, please contact Pulaski County Parks and Recreation by calling (540) 994-2587 or emailing sdunnigan@pulaskicounty.org.

For questions about nonlocal Sportsplex initiatives, contact the Pulaski County Sports and Entertainment Authority by calling (540) 994-2526 or emailing tmiller@pulaskicounty.org.

About Pulaski County Parks & Recreation:

Pulaski County Parks and Recreation enhances the community’s quality of life by providing safe, accessible, and inclusive parks, facilities, programs, clubs, and special events for all ages. The department manages parks, trails, and facilities, offering year-round activities that promote active lifestyles and community engagement. From youth sports and adult leagues to festivals, programs, and classes, Parks and Recreation is committed to creating opportunities that bring people together and strengthen our community.

About the Sports & Entertainment Authority:

The Pulaski County Sports & Entertainment Authority was created in 2024 in order to oversee a growing list of facilities, including Calfee Park, the Pulaski County Motorsports Park, and the new Sportsplex, and to establish the county as a premier destination for sports and entertainment, where world-class facilities, outdoor recreation and adventure, and rich history combine to help create memorable experiences that drive economic growth.

Knoxville plans to sell a piece of Chilhowee Park, site of the annual Tennessee Valley Fair, to the Emerald Youth Foundation so the nonprofit can build a sports complex on the city’s east side.

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.

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.

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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.”

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.”

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