ACCESS Project’s Youth and Cops basketball comes to a close, more events planned through summer
LYNNWOOD—The ACCESS Project’s weekly Youth vs Cops basketball character building events came to a close on Tuesday, June 17, but its founder Wally Webster II says similar sporting events are planned through the summer – including volleyball, soccer, and flag football. ACCESS Project founder Wally Webster II, sharing how the last several months changed his […]
LYNNWOOD—The ACCESS Project’s weekly Youth vs Cops basketball character building events came to a close on Tuesday, June 17, but its founder Wally Webster II says similar sporting events are planned through the summer – including volleyball, soccer, and flag football.
ACCESS Project founder Wally Webster II, sharing how the last several months changed his life for the better by breaking down trauma barriers he had with law enforcement from his youth. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
The ACCESS Project was started in 2022 as a collaborate movement bringing together government officials, educators, faith leaders, community organizations, and wellness professionals to support and uplift youth in Snohomish County.
One of the initiatives the ACCESS Project sponsored was to create a Cops versus Youth Basketball Game, an event purposefully designed to build trust, foster meaningful relationships, between law enforcement officers and youth.
“I love this because I’m a basketball guy,” Lynnwood City Councilman David Parshall, and former basketball coach, told the Lynnwood Times. “One of the reasons I liked coaching, both girls and boys, is that I knew how important it was to help keep some of these kids in school, work hard in their classes, and stay out of trouble.”
Lynnwood City Councilman David Parshall (holding ball) and referee Dio Boucsieguez gearing up to start a basketball match between youth and cops on June 17, 2025. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
Refereeing several of the games was Lynnwood City Council candidate Dio Boucsieguez who told the Lynnwood Times on Tuesday that he had a “wonderful” time and thanked Webster for the opportunity.
“Seeing the kids get to know to the cops and vice versa over the course of the games made me happy,” said Boucsieguez. “Developing good relationships with our police is exactly what our Lynnwood boys need to keep them busy with good fun and out of trouble. I’m looking forward to refereeing more games in the future.”
Since April, youths have been squaring up with local law enforcement officers at Lynnwood’s Trinity Lutheran Church every Tuesday. Through that time many of the participants shared that they felt more connected with local law enforcement officers and were able to dispel feelings of fear toward them, now seeing them as just people.
“I feel more connected with the cops in my community. I feel more comfortable with them, and I’m no longer scared,” said Sai, one of the youths participating in the event.
The program particularly aimed to attract individuals who were introverted or lacked mentors who they could confide in with life’s challenges.
Deputy Marquies Moses, with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office, shared that when the program first started there was some hesitancy among kids, and parents alike, believing that it was a setup to take the kids away. But they made it an effort to ensure the kids, and parents, knew that law enforcement were there to just have fun and be a continued support system for the kids.
“This place gave me somewhere to go every Tuesday to play basketball. It gave me a chance to meet police officers and learn to not be scared of them like I used to be,” said Axel, another youth basketball player.
Marisa, a mother whose child was involved in the program, shared that among people of color there is often a disconnect between community members and law enforcement, that often when they “see something they just keep quiet.”
“This is a really good program. Giving our kids the confidence in our authorities is really, really, important, because they feel safe and they feel like they have someone they can call on just in case,” said Marisa.
Adam attempting a three-point sot the basketball match between youth and cops on June 17, 2025. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
A.J. Burke, Lynnwood Police Officer, said that when he was younger, he probably wouldn’t have joined a program like this because he lacked the life lessons and support at home to see “everyone as people.”
“What I hope everyone got from this is being able to see Police Officers as just people. People that you can talk to, just like your uncles, or cousins, or big brothers, your dad. We all go through the same things. When we’re on the court we’re all equal and that’s how it should be,” said Burke. “I’m not here to jam you up or get you in trouble, I’m here to help so come talk to me.”
Officer Luther Russell, with the Mountlake Terrace Police Department, added that at the end of the day cops take off their uniforms and spend time with their families, just like many of the youths who were playing basketball through the ACCESS Project’s program.
“We’re trying to be the stop before something bad happens. I don’t want to see your name on an arrest report. I don’t want to have to be the one who brings you to jail – that would literally break my heart,” said Russell. “Because when I look at you all I don’t just see some juvenile who wandered in off the street, I see my kids and other kids out there.”
Russell added that if there’s one takeaway, he hopes the kids walked away from the program with, it’s integrity matters; It’s doing the right thing when no one is watching. He also encouraged the kids to find a purpose in their lives because they only have one youth, and one life, to live.
Many of the police officers playing ball with the youths gave their personal cell phone numbers to the kids so they could be reached if they ever needed to talk or need a first contact before dialing 911.
“This event touched my heart. It touched my heart because I grew up in the rural south under Jim Crow. The laws were enforced by the Ku Klux Klan and most of the time the police officers were police officers during the day and clansmen during the night,” said Webster. “I was taught to fear in order to survive. To have this meeting, and this union between youth and police officers, helped me to dispel these emotions and those fears in a constructive way.
The purpose of the event, Webster added, was to provide youth with someone who they could call to prevent a criminal activity.
“There is a major difference between a video scenario and life. You cannot do what you see on TikTok, shut the screen off, and go to bed. If you do those same things in life, it will impact your life forever and ever. Think of the relationships you have with your friends, your community, with officers, with other adults who care about you so that you will have a long, productive life,” said Webster.
Back in April, Webster and the ACCESS Project’s Youth vs Cops basketball program was recognized by the Snohomish County Council with a resolution sponsored by Snohomish County Councilman Jared Mead.
On May 14, 2025, the Snohomish County Council unanimously passes a resolution recognizing the Cops versus Youth Basketball Games led by the Access Project and its founder, Wally Webster II. (L-R) Snohomish County Council members Megan Dunn and Strom Peterson, Lynnwood Municipal Court Judge Valerie Bouffiou, ACCESS Project founder and CEO Wally Webster II, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Marquies Moses, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Bureau Chief Mike Martin, and Snohomish County Council members Jared Mead, Sam Low, and Nate Nehring. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
DVIDS – News – Jerry Arrington: Shaping Fort Belvoir Lives Through Youth Sports
Jerry Arrington, Fort Belvoir’s Youth Sports Director, has quietly built a nearly 30-year legacy rooted in mentorship, inclusion, and giving military children a place to grow. With a warm smile and unwavering conviction, he has shaped lives far beyond wins and losses.Arrington’s journey began with a football scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern […]
Jerry Arrington, Fort Belvoir’s Youth Sports Director, has quietly built a nearly 30-year legacy rooted in mentorship, inclusion, and giving military children a place to grow. With a warm smile and unwavering conviction, he has shaped lives far beyond wins and losses. Arrington’s journey began with a football scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He later served seven years in the Army and gained sports management experience in Frankfurt, Germany. He joined Fort Belvoir’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team in 1995, leading Adult Sports. But in 2003, he found his true calling—Youth Sports—starting a remarkable chapter that reshaped the community. Shifting his Focus In those early days, Fort Belvoir’s sport offerings catered mainly to adults. Fields were prepped by hand, and volunteers filled gaps. But as the installation transformed into a family-centered post, Arrington met the moment. “If the Soldier’s kids are taken care of, the Soldier can take care of the mission,” Arrington said. “That’s always been my guiding principle.” Starting with two staffers and three sports—basketball, baseball, and soccer, Arrington cultivated a thriving youth program. It now includes seven employees and a robust lineup of clinics, leagues, and physical education initiatives. Field support, fitness instructors, and creative offerings like competitive cheer and preschool targeted Start Smart were added, helping children at every stage. Meeting Kids Where They Are More than a director, Arrington is a mentor to his largely young, developing staff. His assistant director, Rishad, has worked alongside him for nearly 19 years. “I teach by example. I’ve done every role on this team,” Arrington said. “I want my staff to be well-rounded, understand the job, and be good people—in the office and out in the world.” Leo Duran, Fort Belvoir’s Child and Youth Services Program Operations Specialist, said Arrington’s influence expands far beyond policy or playbooks: “For over two decades, Mr. Arrington has built more than sports programs, he has built character, teamwork, and resilience in every child enrolled in Fort Belvoir CYS,” Duran said. “His legacy goes beyond sports programs that he manages, as he continues to impact countless lives. He leads with heart, honor, and commitment to our families.” Growing a Program for Success That philosophy drove one of his most inclusive offerings: Homeschool PE. Recognizing not every child wants to compete on a team, Arrington introduced age-specific sessions blending movement and play. “We disguised physical activity as play,” he says. “They’re doing fitness, they just don’t know it.” His advice to parents is simple and heartfelt: “Don’t force your child into a sport they don’t want. Just give them a chance to belong.” Arrington’s legacy is woven into Fort Belvoir’s evolving identity—from a soldier-focused base to a vibrant family community. His compassion remains in the friendships nurtured, the families supported, and the leaders he has mentored. George Dickson, MWR director, said Arrington stands out for his enduring contributions. “Jerry Arrington has been a dedicated sports and fitness professional for over four decades working both in adult sports and Child and Youth Sports over the last two decades. He works tirelessly ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality sports experience that promotes growth, teamwork, and resilience,” Dickson said. “Jerry has ensured Fort Belvoir’s Youth Sports have become a model of excellence for military-connected children. Jerry’s favorite line is, ‘it’s all about the kids.”
Date Taken:
07.21.2025
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07.29.2025 08:18
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Replay Sports Cards to donate 1 million cards to Chicago youth
Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Piñeiro drops off a Replay Gives Back donation at the Boys and Girls Club in Charlotte, N.C. This week, Replay Sports Cards will donate 1 million cards to more than 40,000 youth in Chicago to “grow the hobby” of card collecting. Photo by Replay Sports Cards July 28 (UPI) — A […]
Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Piñeiro drops off a Replay Gives Back donation at the Boys and Girls Club in Charlotte, N.C. This week, Replay Sports Cards will donate 1 million cards to more than 40,000 youth in Chicago to “grow the hobby” of card collecting. Photo by Replay Sports Cards
July 28 (UPI) — A national sports card franchise plans to donate 1 million cards to more than 40,000 youth and teens in Chicago to “grow the hobby” of card collecting and “spark the sense of wonder in a kid opening their first pack.”
Replay Sports Cards, which is dedicated exclusively to card collecting, will make the donation this week at the 2025 National Sports Card Convention in Rosemont, Ill. The convention runs from Wednesday through Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
“We’re passionate about growing the hobby and making it more accessible,” said Mike Martin, co-founder of Replay. “Too many children are priced out of collecting today, and we want to change that.”
“Replay Gives Back” will donate the cards to youth-focused organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago and Noah’s Arc Foundation.
“The excitement of opening a pack of cards is timeless, and Replay Gives Back is our way of sharing that joy with kids who’ve never had the chance,” said Brent Schepel, co-founder of Replay. “It’s about inclusion, generosity and building the future of the hobby, one card — and one child — at a time.”
While Replay encouraged convention attendees and collectors to bring their unwanted cards, the company has already taken in more than 1.5 million trading card donations — including Upper Deck, Topps and Pokémon — since launching the campaign last November.
“We’re seeing a tidal wave of new interest in sports cards, and we built Replay to meet that wave with the infrastructure and innovation today’s collectors expect,” said Mike Weinberger, co-founder and president of franchising for Replay.
“But none of it matters if we don’t bring new generations into the hobby. At its core, Replay Gives Back is about expanding access,” Weinberger continued.
“Sparking that sense of wonder in a kid opening their first pack,” Martin added, “there’s nothing like it.”
Pete Buttigieg wades into trans athlete debate & ‘fairness’
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered one of the most carefully worded responses yet to the debate over transgender youth participation in sports on Monday morning in an NPR interview. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate’s email newsletter. “The approach starts with compassion,” Buttigieg, who is […]
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered one of the most carefully worded responses yet to the debate over transgender youth participation in sports on Monday morning in an NPR interview.
Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate’s email newsletter.
“The approach starts with compassion,” Buttigieg, who is gay, told Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep. “Compassion for transgender people, compassion for families, especially of young people who are going through this, and also empathy for people who are not sure what all of this means for them.”
Related: Supreme Court to decide whether states can ban transgender women & girls from sports
Asked whether a parent concerned about their child facing a trans kid in girls’ sports “has a case,” Buttigieg said, “Sure.” But he rejected blanket policies like the federal bans being enacted by the Trump administration, saying, “These decisions should be in the hands of sports leagues and school boards and not politicians, least of all politicians in Washington trying to use this as a political pawn.”
Buttigieg’s remarks came days after Rahm Emanuel, former President Joe Biden’s ambassador to Japan, former mayor of Chicago, and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, told Megyn Kelly that “a man can’t become a woman,” a comment that directly contradicted party orthodoxy and sparked fresh divisions over how Democrats should approach transgender rights.
“I think most reasonable people would recognize that there are serious fairness issues if you just treat this as not mattering when a trans athlete wants to compete in women’s sports,” Buttigieg told NPR.
The political stakes are high. A June 2025 Gallup poll found that 69 percent of U.S. adults believe trans athletes should only be allowed to play on teams matching their gender assigned at birth, including 91 percent of Republicans, 66 percent of independents, and 45 percent of Democrats. Support for transgender athletes’ inclusion has declined steadily since Gallup first asked the question in 2021.
Related: What does the science say about transgender women in sports? Related: New study shows that sports help transgender teen’s mental health
Since returning to the Oval Office in January, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders eliminating federal recognition of gender identity, banning trans military service, restricting access to gender-affirming care, and prohibiting transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams.
The United States Supreme Court will weigh in on the legalities of banning transgender people from sports by next summer. The court has agreed to hear two cases involving transgender athletes next term, which begins in October.
LGBTQ+ rights groups have warned that such bans are not only discriminatory but also dangerous. A July 2025 fact sheet from GLAAD noted that fewer than 10 transgender student-athletes are competing among the NCAA’s 510,000 athletes. It also pointed to documented cases of cisgender girls being falsely accused of being trans, harassed, or subjected to invasive screening, consequences not limited to trans youth.
Related: Gov. Gavin Newsom faces backlash over comments he made about transgender student athletes
In March, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fellow Democrat, received harsh backlash for telling far-right operative Charlie Kirk that trans kids’ participation in sports is “deeply unfair.”
Pressed on Trump’s repeated slogan, “No boys in girls’ sports,” Buttigieg declined to echo the rhetoric. “I think that chess is different from weightlifting, and weightlifting is different from volleyball, and middle school is different from the Olympics,” he said. “So that’s exactly why I think that we shouldn’t be grandstanding on this as politicians. We should be empowering communities, organizations, and schools to make the right decisions.”
Watch Pete Buttigieg discuss trans athletes on NPR’s Morning Edition below.
ECNL GIRLS ANNOUNCES ROSTERS FOR ECNL GIRLS CONFERENCE CUP
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RICHMOND, Va. (July 28, 2025) – The ECNL Girls is excited to announce the rosters for the 2025 ECNL Girls Conference Cup at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California, August 4-8. The ECNL Conference Cup is an exciting opportunity for top players within the ECNL Selection […]
RICHMOND, Va. (July 28, 2025) – The ECNL Girls is excited to announce the rosters for the 2025 ECNL Girls Conference Cup at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California, August 4-8.
The ECNL Conference Cup is an exciting opportunity for top players within the ECNL Selection Program. 120 of the top rising U16-U18/19 girls players from across the country will be placed into eight different teams for a mini-game competition played over the course of three days. Each team will combine players from different ECNL Girls Conferences, geographically linked to represent different areas of the country. The top four teams will advance into the semifinals with the winners of those two games meeting in the championship game to determine the 2025 Conference Cup Champion.
Players were selected for the Conference Cup by ECNL player identification staff through a combination of scouting and recommendations based on performances over the past several months, including performances in National Selection Games throughout the 2024-25 ECNL National Events schedule.
To view the full schedule for the week, click here.
To view a full list of the rosters for the ECNL Girls Conference Cup, click here.
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About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.
The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.
The ECNL Commitment:
We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
U.P. Athletes Compete for Sports Illustrated’s ‘Youth Athlete of the Year’ | Sports
Three U.P. Student-Athletes are finalists for Sports Illustrated’s ‘Youth Athlete of the Year’ award. The Sports Illustrated contest is determined by public voting. “We’re searching for an exceptional young athlete who represents everything we love about sports: a dedication to greatness, fierce competition, and a commitment to their teammates and competitors alike. The champion will appear […]
Three U.P. Student-Athletes are finalists for Sports Illustrated’s ‘Youth Athlete of the Year’ award. The Sports Illustrated contest is determined by public voting.
“We’re searching for an exceptional young athlete who represents everything we love about sports: a dedication to greatness, fierce competition, and a commitment to their teammates and competitors alike. The champion will appear in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated and receive $25,000 to set them up for a bright future.”
Lauren Adams of Norway, Elliott Kraemer of Norway, and Braylin Calhoun of Munising are among the contenders for a spot in the contest’s Top 20.
Calhoun, a Munising native, is currently leading his group in the competition. He’s a member of the National Honor Society and an active participant in his church community. Although he’s only preparing to enter 8th grade, Braylin is already making waves on the AAU basketball circuit, standing out among some of the top talent in the state, and beyond.
Want to vote for Braylin and learn more? Click here!
Adams, a Norway native, is currently in second place in her group in the competition. A standout in both basketball and track, she was named Skyline Conference Player of the Year on the court, earned First Team All-State honors, and was selected to the All-U.P. Dream Team. In track, Adams was a two-time state champion in her events.
Want to support Lauren and learn more? Click here!
Elliott, a Norway native, is currently 11th place in his group in the competition. Kraemer was a standout multi-sport athlete for the Knights, helping Norway’s baseball team to an undefeated season and a deep playoff run.
Want to support Elliott and learn more? Click here!
You can use your Free Daily Vote once every 24 hours, and you can cast votes by donation for your favorite athlete at any time.
Voting for the TOP 20 ends Thursday the 7th of August at 10PM ET.
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