COLLEGE SAVINGS — Brooke County fourth grader Kyler Tamburin was selected as the winner of West Virginia’s SMART529 “Fund the Future” sweepstakes. Wednesday morning, state Treasurer Larry Pack was in Wellsburg to recognize him and present him with a mockup of a $15,000 check. Taking part in the presentation were, from left, state Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Wellsburg, Pack, Kyler Tamburin, and his mother, Erica Tamburin. — Craig Howell
WELLSBURG — A Brooke County youth is getting a head start in saving for his college education, after being selected as the winner of a statewide sweepstakes offered through the West Virginia Treasurer’s Office.
Kyler Tamburin, who just completed his fourth-grade year at Brooke Intermediate North and will be attending Brooke Middle School in the fall, is the recipient of $15,000 through the SMART529 “Fund the Future” sweepstakes.
“I was really, really excited when I found out,” he said about learning he had won the sweepstakes, which had entries from more than 7,200 youth throughout West Virginia.
The money will be deposited into a SMART529 savings account, which will be available to Tamburin when he is ready to attend college.
West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack was in Wellsburg, Wednesday morning, to congratulate Tamburin and present him with a mock-up of a check in recognition of the award.
Tamburin, who noted his plans to eventually attend Penn State University to study engineering, as well as play football, said he is thinking about hanging the large check in his room.
Kyler’s mother, Erica Tamburin, said they were thankful and excited to be selected, explaining they learned of the contest through a social media post by one of the county’s school counselors.
“It was really simple to do,” she said of the application process.
Pack noted the SMART529 program was established many years ago by the West Virginia Legislature as a way to encourage families to save money to send their children to college. The program also offers an annual essay contest.
“Fund the Future” is in its second year, Pack noted, explaining the winner of the sweepstakes is selected through a random drawing.
“Thousands applied, and we basically pulled a name from a hat,” he said. “My office is happy to award Kyler and his family this money. As a father of six children, I know how important it is to save for higher education. My hope is our children will become the future leaders of our state. I would like to congratulate Kyler and applaud all of our West Virginia students who entered our sweepstakes this year.”
To be eligible for the sweepstakes, one has to be 17 years of age or younger, with the child and a parent or legal guardian residing in West Virginia. Only one entry per child is permitted, though multiple children in the same household may enter.
The Fredonia Recreation Department is hosting its annual Youth Basketball Program for any student(s) who live in the Fredonia Central School District.
The program runs each Saturday from noon-2 p.m. and is free of charge.
This year the program begins Saturday, Jan. 10 and concludes on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Participants do not need to be present each week to be part of the program. Grades 1-4 will take place at Wheelock Elementary School and grades 5-8 will be at the high school gym.
Instruction and games this year will be provided by the Fredonia High School basketball coaching staff and players.
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A Maple Grove woman is accused of stealing more than $110,000 from the Plymouth Wayzata Youth Softball Association while she served as treasurer, according to a recently filed criminal complaint.
Kristin Williams, 52, is charged with one count of felony theft by swindle.
If convicted, the crime is punishable of up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The Plymouth Wayzata Youth Softball Association is led by parent volunteers and funds youth softball operations. That includes paying for umpires, equipment and tournaments.
According to the criminal complaint:
Williams served as treasurer from June 2020 to February 2025.
The complaint noted that Williams was the sole individual who had access to the association’s online bank account, and also possessed a debit card linked to that account.
There was evidence of theft two months after Williams assumed the role, the complaint said.
Suspicions were raised in September 2024 when the association received notice from the Internal Revenue Service that the nonprofit had lost its tax-exempt status for failing to file taxes for three years. Issues also arose with vendors and coaches not receiving payments.
A review of account statements by the board’s president discovered numerous withdrawals at casinos such as Mystic Lake Casino and Little Six Casino. Further review also determined that Williams had not been truthful in accounting reports presented to the board.
“It appeared that defendant concealed her thefts by fraudulently reducing deposit accounts or hiding the stolen money within other payment classifications such as ‘clinic expenses’ or ‘equipment’ in the reports,” the complaint said.
Williams is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Jan. 21.
Welcome to the fourth annual MLB Pipeline Executive Poll. Starting before the 2023 season, we surveyed front offices across baseball — from general managers to scouting directors, farm directors, analysts and beyond — on a number of questions regarding prospects.
As has been our tradition, we’re beginning with who they think will win Rookie of the Year honors in each league in 2026. They started out on fire in ’23, choosing Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Carroll, both of whom took home that hardware. In 2024, winners Paul Skenes and Jackson Chourio got votes, though the survey leaders were Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the National League and Evan Carter in the American League.
Last year, the industry picked Dylan Crews and Roman Anthony (though most felt Roki Sasaki would be the front-runner in whichever league he signed). Drake Baldwin, the NL winner, didn’t appear on a ballot. In the AL, winner Nick Kurtz did get some attention and Anthony finished third in actual voting at season’s end.
Can front offices hit the nail on the head in ’26? There’s far from a consensus in either league this time around, with more than 40 front office officials weighing in on an array of topics that will be discussed in a week-long series.
Let’s kick things off with the results of the American League Rookie of the Year survey:
Also received votes: Jamie Arnold, LHP, A’s; Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians; Max Clark, OF, Tigers; Chase DeLauter, OF, Guardians; Leo De Vries, SS, A’s; Colt Emerson, SS, Mariners; Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics; Carson Williams, SS, Rays
That’s a total of 14 players getting at least one vote. And having two leaders at the top, one pitcher and one hitter, is something that will be mirrored when we get to the NL. It’s interesting, though, that the two tied in the AL are a pitcher who starred in the postseason and a hitter who has yet to play a game above Double-A.
Trey Yesavage (MLB No. 26), taken by the Blue Jays as the No. 20 overall pick in the ’24 Draft, had a meteoric rise through Toronto’s system in ’25, starting the season with Single-A Dunedin and finishing it by appearing in three World Series games as perhaps the most dependable arm on the postseason staff. He’s still only 22 and it will be fascinating to see if he can pick up where he left off and how the league adjusts after getting a longer look at him, especially that devastating splitter.
Kevin McGonigle (MLB No. 2) will be just 21 for most of the ’26 season and has a grand total of 46 games above A ball on his resume. But he also has a career .922 OPS in the Minors, and some voters were no doubt swayed by his Arizona Fall League showing in ’25, when he was named MVP after posting a .362/.500/.710 slash line with five homers and 19 RBIs in 19 games. He’s considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the Minors, with an advanced approach that should enable him to hold his own at the plate. Where he fits in the Tigers’ infield might be one of the more intriguing storylines in Lakeland this spring. He’s primarily been a shortstop (where he’ll see plenty of time in Spring Training), could no doubt handle second base and looked good at third in the AFL.
The other four on our leaderboard all have at least touched the big leagues. Samuel Basallo (MLB No. 7) debuted in August, just days after his 21st birthday, and homered four times in 109 at-bats. The power will play and it’ll be interesting to see how the Orioles get him at-bats behind the plate, at first base and as a DH. Carter Jensen (MLB No. 39) was a September callup for the Royals and after a solid debut (.941 OPS in 60 ABs), he should get a chance to make the Opening Day roster, learning behind Salvador Perez and getting plenty of plate appearances as a DH as well. Payton Tolle (MLB No. 28) and Connelly Early (BOS No. 4) are two Red Sox lefties who showed glimpses of what might be possible with a full season in Boston’s rotation.
In addition to the Red Sox, the Tigers (Max Clark, McGonigle), Guardians (Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana) and A’s (Jamie Arnold, Leo De Vries) all had multiple vote-getters. It was the Athletics who finished 1-2 in the AL ROY voting in ’25, with Jacob Wilson (who got multiple survey votes a year ago) right behind Kurtz.
Also received votes: Carson Benge, OF, Mets; Aidan Miller, SS, Phillies; Thomas White, LHP, Marlins
There was a clear top three among the 10 players who received votes in the NL, and like with the AL, it’s led by a hitter who has yet to get a single big league at-bat and a pitcher who made a very strong first impression at the highest level.
Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt (MLB No. 5) had an outstanding first full season of pro ball after being the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, splitting the year between Double-A and Triple-A and posting a combined .306/.421/.510 slash line with 17 homers and 23 steals. Some were surprised he didn’t get a late-season audition in St. Louis, but you have to figure his bat will work its way into that lineup sooner rather than later. He’s played three infield positions, which should help give the big league staff options for him to make the Opening Day roster.
Like Yesavage, Nolan McLean (MLB No. 11) not only made his Major League debut, but did so under a very large spotlight, making eight outstanding starts down the stretch during the Mets’ ill-fated playoff push. With a 2.06 ERA, 10.7 K/9 rate and .200 average-against, McLean was the Mets’ best starter at the end of the season and is the only vote-getter in either ’26 survey to have received actual ROY votes in ’25. He was just two innings shy of surpassing rookie status for the upcoming season.
Behind the two leaders is No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin, and the fact he received such a healthy percentage of votes shows how far and how fast he’s come. The No. 9 overall pick in the ’24 Draft, Griffin went from Single-A Bradenton to Double-A Altoona and hit absolutely everywhere, finishing with a combined .333/.415/.527 line, 21 homers and 65 steals, making him the easy pick for MLB Pipeline’s Hitting Prospect of the Year award. He should get a long look this spring at shortstop and clearly several executives believe he belongs.
Of the remaining four on the leaderboard, Bubba Chandler (MLB No. 14) and Sal Stewart (MLB No. 31) have big league time, while Justin Crawford (MLB No. 54) and Zyhir Hope (MLB No. 20) do not. Chandler should be in the Pirates’ rotation (and is the only player who got votes in last year’s poll to appear this time around), and Stewart in the Reds’ lineup, from Day 1 of the ’26 season. All signs point to Crawford getting every chance to roam the outfield for Philadelphia on Opening Day, while Hope is a bit of a long-shot play.
With Griffin and Chandler, the Pirates are the only team with two players among the leaders, but the Phillies (Aidan Miller, Crawford) and the Mets (Carson Benge, McLean) also had multiple prospects receiving votes.
The subject of what agency will provide youth sports programs in Englewood in the future will be explored at the meeting that will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 16 in the community room on the second floor of the Englewood Civic Center. “The city parks and recreation program will put on the summer baseball program this year but that will be the last youth sports program we will offer,” said Gerald Black, parks and recreation director. In a letter sent to members of youth sports programs and the Englewood school district, Black explained the changes are a result of the need to meet 2014 budget requirements. For years, Englewood Parks and Recreation Department offered an extensive youth sports program that included baseball, basketball and tackle football. A few years ago, the department abolished the tackle-football program, which led to the creation of the Englewood Youth Football Association. The association grew, offering competitive baseball, softball and basketball programs so the name was changed to the Englewood Youth Sports Association. Also, the middle school established separate seventh- and eighth-grade basketball teams for boys and girls. “We don’t really know where we will go from here now that the recreation department is no longer doing youth sports programs,” said Debbie Penn, EYSA board member and community relations representative. “There are options available but we’ll have to see how programs develop.” She said Jan. 16 is a brainstorming session about the future of youth sports programs. Penn said issues include access to facilities at fees that keep youth sports participation costs reasonable for Englewood families. She added that the association is currently operated by a small group of volunteers. “We’ll need some volunteers to help us if we add additional programs or expand our existing programs,” she said. “The current handful of association volunteers can’t efficiently operate expanded programs.”
LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Kauai Police Activities League is now accepting applications for the 2026 flag football season.
For years, K‑PAL has connected hundreds of local youth with its athletic programs to further its mission and empower them to live drug-free lives and reach their full potential through positive activities, mentorship, and fun.
The K‑PAL flag football program is open to school-aged youth from kindergarten through high school seniors.
Registration is free and available online through April 1, 2026. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist and are not guaranteed a spot.
Practices will begin on May 1. Games will take place on Saturdays at the auxiliary field next to Vidinha Stadium, starting in June and running through mid-July.
K‑PAL is also seeking volunteer coaches. If you’re passionate about football and want to make a difference in the lives of Kaua‘i’s youth, please visit the K‑PAL website and complete the Volunteer Form.
For more information, call (808) 241-1924 or email KPAL@kauai.gov.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Over 700 bills compiled covering youth sports and physical activity legislation at state and federal levels
11 policy categories tracked, including concussion protocols, mental health training requirements, and abuse prevention standards
Interactive map reveals gaps in coaching qualifications, safety protocols, and recess mandates across states
Free resource developed by University of Washington Center for Leadership in Athletics with four partner organizations
First comprehensive tool to centralize fragmented youth sports legislation into one searchable database
USE THE TOOL HERE: Youth Sports and Physical Activity Legislation Tracker, The Sports Institute, University of Washington, (2025). https://thesportsinstitute.com/youth-sports-and-physical-activity-legislation-tracker/
A Centralized View of Fragmented Policy
The University of Washington Center for Leadership in Athletics released the Youth Sports and Physical Activity Legislation Tracker, a free interactive tool that compiles state and federal laws affecting youth sports programs. The resource was developed in partnership with The Sports Institute at UW Medicine, King County Play Equity Coalition, Susan Crown Exchange, and LiFEsports at The Ohio State University.
The tracker includes over 700 bills and allows users to search by state or topic. It covers legislation on concussion management, cardiac arrest protocols, abuse prevention, coaching qualifications, recess requirements, and physical activity standards in schools.
What the Tracker Covers
The tool organizes legislation into 11 categories. Safety-related topics include concussion protocols, sudden cardiac arrest response standards, general safety requirements, and abuse prevention measures. Training categories address both school sport coaching qualifications and youth sports (non-school) coaching requirements. Additional sections cover mental health training mandates, physical activity minimums in schools, and recess policies.
Each category includes definitions and context. For example, the concussion section tracks which states require return-to-play protocols and assigns responsibility to coaches, schools, or organizations. The mental health category identifies states requiring coaches to complete training on adolescent mental health or suicide prevention.
The abuse prevention section focuses on background checks, mandatory reporting requirements, and codes of conduct. The tracker notes that while most states require background checks for paid school employees, significant gaps remain for volunteer and unpaid coaches.
Addressing Policy Inconsistencies
The tracker highlights variation in requirements across states. Concussion and cardiac arrest protocols differ by jurisdiction. Coaching qualification standards for school sports vary significantly, and requirements for non-school youth sports coaches are even less consistent.
Physical activity and recess policies also show disparities. Not all states mandate minimum recess time for elementary students or require specific amounts of daily physical activity that align with CDC recommendations of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity.
Who Benefits From This Resource
The tool serves coaches, program administrators, policymakers, and facility operators who need to understand compliance requirements. Youth sports organizations operating in multiple states can use it to identify different standards across their footprint. School districts can compare their policies to state requirements or peer districts.
Advocacy groups and researchers can use the data to identify gaps in youth athlete protection or inconsistencies in safety standards. The tracker provides a baseline for understanding where policy exists and where it does not.
Building Toward Standardization
The release of this tracker provides the youth sports industry with its first comprehensive view of legislative requirements across jurisdictions. Access to centralized policy data may support efforts to address gaps in coach training, safety protocols, and athlete protection standards.
The tool’s ability to filter by topic or geography allows users to identify specific compliance needs or compare approaches across states. As youth sports organizations face increasing scrutiny around safety and accountability, this resource offers a practical starting point for understanding the regulatory landscape.
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
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Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
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Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports?How do I activate in youth sports?What is the ROI of youth sports marketing?How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
