The busiest and most impactful people in our nation’s schools? A strong case could be made that athletic directors are the ones who keep the engines running in our nation’s schools – particularly for the more than 8.2 million participants in high school sports.   

Starting Friday, about 2,500 leaders of high school and middle school athletic programs will make their way to the Tampa Convention Center in Florida for the 56^th annual National Athletic Directors Conference co-sponsored by the NFHS and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).

Their mission? Professional development is at the top of the list for most meeting attendees. High school athletic directors are entrusted with key leadership roles, and continuing their education helps to provide a safe and fun experience for student-athletes in their schools.

Attendees at this year’s conference have signed up for almost 1,900 Leadership Training Institute courses sponsored by the NIAAA. The 59-course topics address legal issues, as well as marketing and promotion, technology, sports medicine, mental health, hiring and mentoring coaches, emergency management, managing athletic fields and equipment, building positive culture and many more.

In addition to leadership training opportunities, 48 workshops will be offered in six sessions during the five-day conference. While there are a few workshops on topics that are making national news headlines, such as NIL Impact on High School Athletics, most of the sessions focus on ways that athletic directors can continue to emphasize the education-based nature of high school sports and other activities.

Our nation’s athletic directors are aligned with state high school associations to keep high school sports educationally focused. Athletic directors in our nation’s schools want to protect opportunities for other students, promote school and team unity, and maintain the community-based nature of high school sports.

In line with this philosophy, following are some of the workshop topics at this year’s conference: Developing and Implementing Effective Emergency Action Plans, Proactive Strategies for Partnering with Parents, Title IX Updates and Best Practices, Aligning Middle and High School Athletic Programs, Mental Health and Wellness, How to Celebrate Success of Student-Athletes/Teams/Coaches, Getting Back to the Basics of Education-based Athletics for Parents, Competing with Character: Sportsmanship in Interscholastic Athletics, among many others.    

The NFHS and our member state associations, along with the NIAAA, are focused on keeping high school sports unique, and the nation’s high school athletic directors are the key individuals in our schools to maintain the educational focus. With youth leagues and travel teams geared toward specialization and winning, and college sports now driven by money and success, there is a push by some for high school sports to “be like the others.” 

There’s a reason that participation in high school sports continues to rise every year – and for the overwhelming majority it has nothing to do with NIL or transferring to another school to join a winning program. As a result, the National Athletic Directors Conference continues to focus on the educational aspects of sports and other activities in our nation’s schools – because the main reason most students are involved in school activities is to participate with their friends and be part of the school’s team in the community where they live.  

High school athletic directors work long hours and are not in the limelight, but they are the heart and soul of education-based programs. We salute these individuals and encourage school administrators and school boards to support athletic directors in their schools.

The success of organized sports in an education-based setting in our nation’s schools for more than 100 years has been due in large part to these individuals. Local schools depend on athletic administrators to lead their programs, our member state high school associations depend on these individuals, and the NFHS and NIAAA look to athletic directors for leadership at the national level.

Collectively and collaboratively, we can meet the challenges ahead to protect and promote education-based sports and activities.

Read all NFHS Voice columns here.

ORDA’s Senior Manager of Sport Strategy and Engagement Kris Cheney-Seymour, middle, smiles with a group of young skiers at Mount Van Hoevenberg.
(Provided photo — ORDA)

LAKE PLACID — The state Olympic Regional Development Authority recently announced an expanded slate of community cross-country skiing programs and events for the 2025-26 winter season at Mount Van Hoevenberg. These feature new offerings and returning favorites; the lineup is designed to make Nordic skiing more accessible for participants of all ages and abilities while complementing the venue’s daily skiing and year-round activities.

These community programs and events are available in addition to daily skiing and other activities available to all visitors:

Youth Skiing Programs are offered for two different age groups to provide area youth with safe opportunities to discover cross-country skiing as a healthy and fun recreational alternative.

¯ Wee Ski — for youth ages 3 to 6 (with an adult), this 11-week program provides a playful setting for youth to take their first strides on cross-country skis. From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from Saturday through Feb. 21. Single-day options are also available.

¯ Pathfinders — for youth ages 7 to 12, this 12-week program offers dynamic opportunities for more independent skiers to develop skills and discover more. From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday through Feb. 28.

¯ Through a collaboration with the New York Ski Educational Foundation and other partner organizations, MVH also offers additional skiing opportunities.

Snowboomers is a weekly guided ski session that provides camaraderie, coaching and fun for active adults aged 50 and older. From 1 to 3 p.m. each Thursday from Thursday through March 12. Free for season pass holders, while the $28 non-passholder drop-in fee includes a trail pass as well as equipment rental if needed.

ADK Tour De Ski is a citizen race series offering both youth and adults a chance to explore six different cross-country ski venues across the North Country with events of multiple distances throughout the winter months. The series begins on Sunday.

Full Moon Parties are guided group ski adventures for all ages that explore the MVH trails at night while allowing everyone to ski their preferred distance at their own pace. Includes bonfires and an apres ski party with live music inside the Mountain Pass Lodge. Tickets are $6 per person with parties on Saturday, Jan. 3, Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28.

Lake Placid Loppet is a long-standing traditional celebration of Nordic skiing that provides events for all ages and abilities. The event’s signature 50K and 25K races are on challenging courses, while a Citizen’s Series provides three shorter distance events (2, 7.5 and 13K) on relatively flat terrain for those newer to the sport or looking for a simpler experience. All races can be skied using either the classic or skate technique. Start times vary from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 25.

In addition to youth-skiing classes, MVH will offer cross-country ski lessons for all ages and abilities through Discover Cross-Country Skiing, as well as a biathlon experience combining Nordic skiing with marksmanship. For visitors interested in the venue’s Olympic heritage, guided Legacy Tours are also available and the Mountain Pass Lodge features an indoor climbing center for year-round adventure.

Cross-country skiing at MVH officially opened for season pass-holders Nov. 15 and for the general public on Nov. 28. Season passes for the 2025-26 winter are available now and can be purchased online through the MVH website or in person at the Mountain Pass Lodge. Daily conditions reports for the Nordic ski trails at MVH are available on the venue’s website.

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Spectate and Recreate

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In addition to community skiing and lessons, MVH will host several elite international events this winter.

The venue will welcome the International Biathlon Union Cup from Feb. 26 to March 1 and March 4 to 7, featuring sprint, pursuit, individual and mixed relay races at the recently upgraded biathlon stadium. From March 19 to 22, the Lake Placid Finals, the Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup, will bring the world’s fastest Nordic skiers to the venue for the season’s culminating cross-country ski event — the first time the U.S. will host the World Cup Finals since 2001. These marquee competitions complement MVH’s full winter calendar of youth programs, recreational skiing, lessons and guided tours, with full event schedules and ticket information available on the venue’s events page.

Apply for the Naturally Fun Scholarship

Income verification is due at the time of application approval. To save time, upload your required documents with your online application. Once approved you will receive an award letter with registration details. This scholarship is valid for 12 months from the date of the award letter.

Accepted Documentation to Verify Arlington Residency and Income:

• Current Federal Income Tax Return
• Proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement)
• If you did not file taxes, submit a brief explanation of your financial situation, including income/support sources (e.g., official verification letters). For questions, call 817-459-5474.

Income Eligibility

Annual incomes are subject to change based on HUD guidelines.

Household Members / Annual Income (Less Than)

• 1 member – annual income less than $22,400; not exceeding $59,750
• 2 members – annual income less than $25,600; not exceeding $68,300
• 3 members – annual income less than $28,800; not exceeding $76,850
• 4 members – annual income less than $32,000; not exceeding $85,350
• 5 members – annual income less than $34,600; not exceeding $92,200
• 6 members – annual income less than $37,150; not exceeding $99,050
• 7 members – annual income less than $39,700; not exceeding $105,850
• 8 members – annual income less than $42,250; not exceeding $112,700

Important Information

Each recipient is responsible for the remaining payment after the scholarship discount is applied. Scholarships cannot be used for rentals, private swim lessons, or activities outside of the listings above. Memberships are non-refundable. Explore our website for details on facility hours, fitness class schedules, aquatic programs, and to register for activities.

For more information, call the Administrative Office at 817-459-5474.

In addition to the scholarship program mentioned above, the Arlington Parks & Recreation Department has multi-child discounts for our camp and after-school childcare programs. For more information, please email us.

FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason Athletics is celebrating its annual Sue Collins National Girls and Women in Sports Day along with Homecoming on January 31 at the women’s basketball game against Saint Louis with a Youth Sports Carnival. 
 

Come early and attend a pre-game sports and games carnival on the concourse, consisting of sports-oriented games like Double Shot Basketball, Softball Toss, Kick & Score Soccer, and Skee Ball! The games will be run in partnership with the George Mason Panhellenic Council and sororities, as well as several Patriots women’s sports teams. The student-athletes will be available to meet and teach each sport to fans, as well as sign autographs!
 
Doors to EagleBank Arena will open at 2 p.m. for the pre-game festivities held around the concourse for all patrons. 
 
The women’s basketball team will also honor alumni of the program for their contributions and commitment as players, coaches, and alumni with an on-court recognition. Any alumni planning to attend should register HERE. 

About National Girls and Women in Sports Day

NGWSD began in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports. NGWSD is celebrated annually across all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and other celebratory activities. NGWSD is organized by the members of the National Girls & Women in Sports Day Coalition. 

Playing for the first time at Old Trafford, JJ Gabriel looked every bit at ease, scoring the only goal of the game to send Manchester United into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Gabriel sized up the lay-off from Nathaniel-Junior Brown, after a sharp turn and cross by Jariyah Shah, and opened his body to sidefoot the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the 18-yard box. It was a shot of precision and speed.

He set off on a knee-slide celebration in front of the 1,378 crowd, many of whom would doubtless have turned up on Tuesday hoping to see a goal from this young talent attracting such a buzz.

Gabriel has been a key member of Darren Fletcher’s under-18s side this season, despite playing three years up. He has now scored 10 goals in 11 games, including a hat-trick of supreme quality in the 7-0 demolition of Liverpool at the end of November.

And yet, at kick-off in last night’s FA Youth Cup tie against Peterborough United, Gabriel was only 15 years, two months and three days old, making him the youngest Manchester United player to ever feature in the competition, according to online database Transfermarkt. Omari Forson had been 15 years, four months and 23 days when he played in December 2019.

United will have to search their own records for confirmation, but it is safe to say Gabriel stands out in the club’s long history of academy development.

Playing in the Youth Cup at such an age is rare, no matter the club, because until last season, the Football Association (FA) had a lower limit of being 15 years old by September 1 of the season involved. The FA then removed the rule, meaning Max Dowman, for instance, could play in the competition for Arsenal in January at 15 years and 18 days.

Dowman later faced United at the Emirates Stadium in the quarter-finals in February, on the night Gabriel travelled with the visitors while aged just 14. His presence was notable as he warmed up with his older team-mates before watching them win 3-2 after extra time, a sign of the esteem in which he is held at the club.

At their training complex, he is regarded as the best player in the country to be born in 2010 and has earned comparisons to Phil Foden of Manchester City and England with the way he takes the ball on the turn. Gabriel himself grew up with a fondness for Neymar, and he certainly carries a particular grace on the pitch reminiscent of the Brazilian when he broke through.

Gabriel’s trip to north London for that Arsenal match nine months ago came during a period when his future was up in the air, the summer just gone being a point in his academy life when, according to the regulations, he could have left United. At one stage, his exit appeared inevitable.

He made three Under-18 Premier League appearances while still 14 last season, scoring three goals, but at the start of the summer, he and his family informed United they were planning to move on and thanked people at the club for all they had done. Neighbours City were among the teams seriously interested. Europe’s top sides are tracking him.

But United organised an emergency meeting in June, the day after Gabriel returned from holiday, and were able to change his mind. Matt Hargreaves, United’s director of negotiations, made an important intervention, and Jason Wilcox, the director of football, presented the pathway and aims of the club. That renewed care and clearer plan swung matters.

Gabriel and his father, Joe O’Cearuill, who guides and coaches his son, were invited to watch the opening Premier League game of the season against Arsenal from the Old Trafford directors’ box. Joe, a former professional himself with two senior appearances for the Republic of Ireland, spent the 2006-07 season at Arsenal, training with the likes of Jack Wilshere and being in the squad for Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial game in July 2006, which marked the official opening of the Emirates.

The youngster was in the directors’ box again for the visit by West Ham United last week, meeting Sir Alex Ferguson, and he has also had more meaningful interactions with the current United head coach. More than once, he has trained with Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad, holding his own due to his tight control and two-footedness, and captain Bruno Fernandes has been especially welcoming, calling Gabriel by his name and chatting to him.

Having tried to shield Gabriel from too much outside attention as he progressed through the age groups, United released photographs for the first time of him training with the senior side at the end of November, including one in an Instagram carousel advertising kit offers for Black Friday, marking a shift in approach.

Gabriel and his family are happy in the new academy setup led by Steve Torpey, and appreciate Fletcher’s coaching, which leans into his experience as a top-level player with United and Scotland’s national team.

That bond with Fletcher could be seen at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Twice in the game, he had one-to-one conversations with Gabriel during breaks in play, a reasonable guess being that they discussed his positioning. At one point, midway through the first half, Fletcher called for Gabriel to “Come higher, JJ”, as he occupied a pocket of space in midfield while United built from the back. Gabriel is viewed as an attentive learner.

Travis Binnion, United’s under-21s lead coach, also offered advice from the dugout, shouting for Gabriel to fall back into formation after being tackled late on, having earlier praised him for a dribble where he wriggled clear of two opponents.

Gabriel’s balance and ability off either foot are special, allowing him to open up passing angles that otherwise would not be available.

Against Peterborough last night, playing as a No 10, he often had his back to goal while twisting and turning on the ball, and rather than pass back with his right, he passed forward with his left.

Before the break, he produced a one-touch flick through an opponent’s legs that drew a gasp from the crowd and a clattering from the player he had beaten. In the 72nd minute, he dropped deep to receive a great pass from goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes in the centre circle, then ghosted past Lucca Mendonca, before beating him again and hitting a shot from outside the box that went over.

Having expended his energy, Gabriel was replaced late on by Rafe McCormack, with Peterborough finishing the game strongly. He is still growing, of course, and plays with some associated problems in his knees. He can be more efficient with his output in matches, too.

Naturally, for a boy who has yet to enter his GCSE year, there are moments against older, more developed players, where physicality comes into effect.

That is partly why Fletcher has tried him at No 9 this season, so he got on the ball close to the box, in areas where his skill in tight spaces shines brightest. Some of his goals have been marvellous combinations of quick dribbles and sharp shooting. It is expected he will cement a position at No 10 in the coming years, however.

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Though he has a slender physique, Gabriel is tough.

In October last year, he dislocated his shoulder in the seventh minute of a game against Blackburn Rovers in the Floodlit Cup, but he popped it back in, stayed on for the whole game, and scored a hat-trick. That injury required surgery, which kept him out for five and a half months, and probably delayed his debut for the under-18s.

Aged six, having never done keepy-uppies, he learned how to do 1,000 in a row within a week. He has since done 10,000 consecutively, which takes around an hour, and a lot of mental strength to push through fatigued legs and eyes.

That innate talent was spotted during a youth game when Gabriel was nine by YouTuber SV2, who asked to shoot some skills videos with him. One of those, made six years ago, has now attracted 29 million views, although it comes with the “Kid Messi” nickname Gabriel is keen to shed.

That online fame permeated real life, with Gabriel growing accustomed to posing for pictures. He attended the United Under-21s’ game against Belgian visitors Anderlecht at Leigh Sports Village last week with his father, and was asked for dozens of selfies.

Joe changed the family surname from O’Cearuill to Gabriel, in recognition of his and his wife’s religious beliefs and because his given name carried little meaning to him.

His son, born in London, had spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham, and was first spotted by United aged seven after a Manchester Cup game. Scouts from City, Liverpool and Everton queued up to speak to him, with United’s representative being Gaz Thomas. The family visited United and met Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. But Gabriel only signed for United two years later, after his family moved to Manchester when he was nine. Luke Fedorenko, who is leaving as the club’s head of academy recruitment, oversaw the deal.

Aged 11, Gabriel signed his United contract alongside Cristiano Ronaldo Junior and the two became close friends. This year, he put his name to a boot sponsorship deal with Nike after Adidas courted his signature for many months. Gabriel has been with Nike a long time, using the same model boots that Neymar played in. They served him well on his first appearance at Old Trafford on Tuesday, which was watched in the stands by Torpey, Hargreaves and the club’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell.

His knee-slide goal celebration is reminiscent of Thierry Henry’s, who was at Arsenal at the same time as his dad. He often does the shoulder-shrug one that United colleague Bryan Mbeumo performs – albeit he started doing it as a kid. In that game against Liverpool, he chose to mimic their new striker Alexander Isak’s hand-flick celebration, but he has been advised against doing something like that again, however innocent, given the possibility for aggravation.

People close to United advocate patience with Gabriel. The road from academy star to senior professional can be complicated.

At the moment, though, he is on a fast track.

Long Beach Poly Seniors Play For USA Football

Football is the quintessential American sport, but organizations like USA Football are trying to take it worldwide. The International Bowl, held last weekend in Dallas in the Cowboys’ stadium, featured games between the best USA high schoolers as they took on youth national teams from Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Three Long Beach Poly players represented […]