Rec Sports

Football Association breaking barriers to get youth involved in sport – HighRiverOnline.com

The Greater Okotoks Football Association is raising awareness of programming in the area with a try-it event this weekend. On Saturday (May 3), youth between seven and 14 can try on equipment, throw and catch footballs, play games, and learn to tackle during the Football 101 drop-in event. Parents will get to ask questions about the program […]

Published

3 months ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Greater Okotoks Football Association is raising awareness of programming in the area with a try-it event this weekend.

On Saturday (May 3), youth between seven and 14 can try on equipment, throw and catch footballs, play games, and learn to tackle during the Football 101 drop-in event.

Parents will get to ask questions about the program and safety precautions.

“It’s an opportunity to reduce barriers for those who are considering football. We’re going to have a lot of activities for the kids, but we’re also going to provide information to families,” said Darren Krause, president of the Greater Okotoks Football Association.

A significant concern Krause hears from families about football is safety.

“We would love the opportunity to be able to chat with parents about some of the different coaching techniques that are being used, and the advances in equipment that really go that extra step towards protecting players,” he said. “Most of all we just want people to come out, have fun, and experience the game of football.”

During the event, youth will be able to throw to target, dive, tackle, and catch passes.

“We’re also going to have an area where kids can play the game and have a whole heck of a lot of fun,” Krause said. “It’s a game that we all know and love very much, and we just want more kids involved in the Okotoks area.”

Football 101 runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 3 at the field house in Aldersyde.

For information on spring programming, visit the Foothills Eagles Football Club website here.

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Rec Sports

Community Impact Fund — NIKE, Inc.

At Nike, we’re powering the future of youth sport by investing in local, grassroots organizations around the world that are driving positive, lasting change and making play possible for all youth in their communities—starting in the cities where we live, work and operate. A big part of how we bring that vision to life is […]

Published

4 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A big part of how we bring that vision to life is through the Nike Community Impact Fund (NCIF), a program that empowers employees to fuel change in their communities by getting involved in the grant selection process. This employee-led, neighborhood-focused approach allows us to support organizations that we’re confident can make a big impact on their communities—because no one knows what their neighborhood needs better than the people who live and work there.

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Rec Sports

Minnesota summer baseball has big American Legion tournament

There was a remarkable baseball tradition played out in our midst over the past five days, and it came with an excellent bonus. “I don’t think we had a rain delay in the tournament,” Jim Peck said. “Every game went off as scheduled.” Larry Addington looked at the field down below as a pair of […]

Published

4 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

There was a remarkable baseball tradition played out in our midst over the past five days, and it came with an excellent bonus.

“I don’t think we had a rain delay in the tournament,” Jim Peck said. “Every game went off as scheduled.”

Larry Addington looked at the field down below as a pair of visiting teams from Nebraska were about to start Tuesday at the 9 a.m. semifinal and said: “That doesn’t happen often.”

Peck nodded and said: “It might be a first.”

The Gopher Classic was started officially by Peck and his recruited partners and volunteers as a 16-team American Legion tournament in 1977. It grew rapidly from there and for more than two decades it has been the largest Legion tournament in the country:

Ninety-six senior teams (19-and-under) guaranteed five games apiece in bracket play over a three-day period; then, the 16 bracket winners playing down to a champion, with the trophy handed out by mid-afternoon on Day 5.

You wonder how it is possible to organize this chaos, and then you realize this is Minnesota, where the grassroots baseball people — facing the challenges of soccer, being so much easier for a 10-year-old to play without causing family embarrassment, and lacrosse, where you can swing a stick without hitting anything — are extremely united with baseball as the underdog of modern youth sports.

Peck, now 85, and his many helpers have been able to keep lining up 16 quality baseball fields for a three-day weekend of bracket play in the middle of summer.

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Rec Sports

Build Together, Play Together: 40 Years of Park and Recreation Month | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Launched in 1985, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month! Every July, communities across the United States celebrate Park and Recreation Month — a time to honor the people and places that make our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and more connected. For 40 years, Park and Recreation Month has lifted up the […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Launched in 1985, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month!

Every July, communities across the United States celebrate Park and Recreation Month — a time to honor the people and places that make our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and more connected. For 40 years, Park and Recreation Month has lifted up the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — plus thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who help care for our country’s local, state, and community parks.

Here in Philadelphia, our parks and recreation system is one of the largest in the nation. Each year, our public parks, trails, playgrounds, pools, and recreation centers welcome millions of visitors. These spaces give residents places to play, exercise, gather, and relax — all while helping keep our city greener, healthier, and stronger.

This year’s national theme, Build Together, Play Together, reminds us that parks and recreation services are more than just spaces — they’re community cornerstones. Together, we build and maintain accessible, inclusive, and sustainable spaces that deliver real benefits for families, neighbors, and neighborhoods.

Park and Recreation Month is also a time to celebrate the programs that help communities thrive. From youth sports leagues and after-school activities to nature walks, summer camps, and cultural events, our city’s recreation centers and parks create countless opportunities for residents of all ages to connect, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Elisa Ruse-Esposito, Park Stewardship Administrator, shared her appreciation9 for our dedicated Park Friends Groups and volunteers: “Volunteers have always been a vital part of our Parks & Rec family. Your dedication is the foundation of everything we do, and during the challenging times, your hard work and support mean more than ever. Thank you for showing up for Philly.”

Through the hard work of park and recreation professionals, Philadelphia continues to expand green spaces, plant more trees, maintain safe playgrounds, and offer affordable programming that enriches lives. Each playground swing, basketball court, community garden, and hiking trail is a testament to what we can do when we invest in our shared spaces and come together to care for them.

This July, we invite everyone to celebrate by getting outside, enjoying your local park or recreation center, and sharing what these spaces mean to you. Whether you’re attending a free community event, cooling off at a city pool, tending a community garden, or playing with your family at a local playground — take a moment to appreciate the people and places that make it all possible.

Join the national conversation and show how parks and recreation help your community Build Together, Play Together by using #BuildTogetherPlayTogether in your posts and photos.

Together, we can honor our park and recreation professionals, support our union workers, and continue building a stronger, greener Philadelphia — for everyone.

This link directs you to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Instagram page.

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Rec Sports

See photos from former Butler star Ethan Morton’s youth basketball camp at Butler High – Butler Eagle

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton, middle, leads a team huddle group cheer during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle Rob McGraw Former Butler boys basketball star Ethan Morton hosted three days of youth basketball camps at his old stomping grounds, offering […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Rob McGraw

Former Butler boys basketball star Ethan Morton hosted three days of youth basketball camps at his old stomping grounds, offering kids in grades 3-8 a chance to learn skills from a former NCAA Division I player.

Morton, who graduated from Colorado State in the spring and spent four years at Purdue, held his second annual youth camp at Butler High School Monday through Wednesday.

Related Article: Former Butler basketball star Ethan Morton paying it forward with youth camp. Here’s what to know

Related Article: Meet the Butler Eagle’s Top 25 male athletes of Butler County between 2000 and 2025, ranked 1-25

Gino Savannah takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Gino Savannah, right, passes the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton talks with campers during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Chase Hutchison, left, and Jaxson Cook practice hoop shots during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Miles Hunt and Ryan Banko try and make a basket during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Miles Hunt dribbles the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Conner Hohn takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Nate Gilkey, right, helps Ethan Morton, middle, with a demonstration during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Noah McCormick with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Connor Hohn with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Gino Savannah, left, Jace Sanders and during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Colton Franklin, right, tries to block a pass by Noah McCormick during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Gino Savannah takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Gino Savannah, right, passes the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton talks with campers during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Chase Hutchison, left, and Jaxson Cook practice hoop shots during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Miles Hunt and Ryan Banko try and make a basket during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Miles Hunt dribbles the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Conner Hohn takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Nate Gilkey, right, helps Ethan Morton, middle, with a demonstration during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Noah McCormick with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Connor Hohn with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Connor Hohn with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton, middle, leads a team huddle group cheer during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Gino Savannah, left, Jace Sanders and during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Noah McCormick with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Colton Franklin, right, tries to block a pass by Noah McCormick during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

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Rec Sports

After winning state tournament, Orcutt 13U All-Stars prep for regional | Youth Sports

After going 4-0 and winning the championship at the Central California Babe Ruth 13U State Tournament in Lompoc earlier this month, the Orcutt 13U All-Stars squad has its collective eyes on the Pacific Southwest Regional. The double elimination regional tournament will take place July 20-26 at Price, Utah. If the Orcutt All-Stars play defense there […]

Published

7 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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Rec Sports

Cowboys star Micah Parsons gives back to Harrisburg community in 3rd annual youth camp | NFL

HARRISBURG — Even when the red carpet was rolled out for Micah Parsons in the form of a high school jersey retirement, the former Harrisburg cougar, Nittany Lion and Dallas Cowboys superstar made Tuesday all about the kids. Returning to his alma mater for the third annual Lions Den Football Camp and Charity Carnival at […]

Published

7 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Returning to his alma mater for the third annual Lions Den Football Camp and Charity Carnival at Harrisburg High School’s Severance Field, the NFL edge rusher who starred for the Cougars in 2016 and 2017, threw together another day filled with quality coaching, group photos, swag, food trucks and more.

The event was once again free to the public, and with 300 registrations for his youth football camp — and another 50 for sister Shatara’s girls basketball camp, a new addition this year — it was a day well spent for the community Parsons still calls home.

“It means a lot because we’re having success, we’re doing it the right way. We’re just hoping to have continued success and continuous impact with the kids, and that means more,” Parsons said. “You see a lot of these kids who were here last year and it’s like, ‘Oy yeah’ and they just keep getting better and better.”

Parsons picked up his fourth Pro Bowl nod this season since his explosive NFL debut as the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end is coming off a 43-tackle (30 solo), 12-sack campaign in which he also forced two fumbles and had a pass defense.

He was also in the company of Donte Kent, a fellow Harrisburg alum who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft, at Tuesday’s camp.

“This is where I’m from. I’ll say it later during my little speech I have to give, it takes a village. It takes me, it takes their parents, it takes these coaches, the high school kids, they look up to all of us,” Parsons said. “I remember when I was in sixth grade and I used to watch Zayd Issah, Drew Scales, Zack Kuntz, those guys and I was at those Friday night lights camps and I was like, ‘Bruh, I can’t wait to be just like them.

“Just to be in this position, I know (the kids) are thinking the same thing and giving them something to look at and reason to be out here and be active and showing them resilience.”

With kids of various age groups donning No. 11 Cowboys jerseys, navy blue Penn State gear matching the man of the hour himself, and even a splash of No. 23 for Parsons’ varsity kit, the ripple effect he’s left since graduation — Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, two First-team All-Pro selections and poised to potentially be the highest paid defender in the NFL — has never been stronger.

That was apparent as early as 7 a.m. when Parsons worked out with dozens of Harrisburg-area high school, college and NFL players at Reservoir Park alongside Susquehanna Township Athletic Director Lance Deane, Parsons’ personal trainer.

Harrisburg athletic director and head football coach Calvin Everett, who’s been coaching the Cougars since 2011, oversaw Parsons when he was the PennLive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons after transferring in from Central Dauphin. To see one of his former players achieve national stardom and make the effort each summer to give back to his own, is an invaluable tradition from Everett’s lens.

“It’s great for Micah to come back and show love back to the community. It’s just good for our community and our program, we all love and appreciate Micah,” Everett said. “It’s inspiration, that’s the biggest thing. I hope that they’re all inspired by everything that’s going on right here. This whole atmosphere is awesome. It’s positive, everyone’s excited, so that’s the biggest thing.”

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— Follow Evan Wheaton on X/Twitter @EvanWheaton