We’ve all seen it: the annoyed father challenging a ref at his child’s hockey game, the soccer mom grousing about her daughter’s lack of playing time, or even young athletes exchanging heated words on the field.

While these are extremes, they highlight a real issue—emotions can run high in youth sports, sometimes overshadowing the core purpose: fun, growth, and teamwork. Even subtle pressures to win can erode a child’s enjoyment. It’s no surprise, then, that nearly 70 percent of kids quit youth sports by age 13, according to research.

LEVEL UP Youth Sports and Mindset Training, founded in Erie by Mercyhurst University alumnus Adam Grady ’08 ’12M, aims to shift that narrative. The organization works with athletes, coaches, and parents to help them thrive—on and off the field—by promoting personal growth and enjoyment throughout the youth sports journey.  

“Our goal is to bring the fun back into the fundamentals,” says Coach Grady. “This isn’t about choosing fun over performance—it’s about balance. When kids enjoy what they’re doing, they become more engaged. Fun fuels passion, and passion drives improvement.”

LEVEL UP offers a dynamic approach that combines skills development with mindset coaching, leadership training, and teamwork-building experiences.

Adam and his wife, Andrea, are the parents of four children: John, 9, Thomas, 8, Nicholas, 4, and Maggie, 3. All but the youngest are actively involved in athletics. From the sidelines, Adam witnessed not only the shortcomings of youth sports, but opportunities to coach kids beyond their physical capabilities: how to be positive, how to manage emotions, how to deal with expectations, stress, and more.

“I thought introducing those skills at a young age could be beneficial on a lot of levels,” Grady said, sparking him to start the business in March 2024. While he geared the program toward young athletes, coaches, and parents, he said his training fosters basic life skills that transcend athletics.

Since its inception, LEVEL UP has established impactful partnerships with the Cleveland Cavaliers and LECOM, while hosting clinics and workshops at local schools, including Our Lady of Peace, St. James, St. George, and McDowell.

Grady’s collaboration with the Cleveland Cavaliers centers on their Junior Cavs program, which encourages young people to make championship-level decisions both on and off the court—aligning closely with Grady’s own mission. As part of Grady’s four-session training series offered at area schools, one session features Junior Cavs coaches offering their insights. Participants receive a jersey and two tickets to a Cavaliers game.

Additionally, Grady is developing a Learning Management System, the LEVEL UP Learning Lab, featuring content that promotes healthier lifestyles, competition readiness, practice planning, and academic-based resources. Among these is Jon Gordon’s principles on positivity, designed to cultivate a strong mindset, positive environment, and effective leadership to support both individual and team success.

For more information, visit LEVEL UP’s website, Facebook page, or email Grady at levelupsportsmindset@gmail.com.

PHOTO: Coach Grady introduces his LEVEL UP program to students at Our Lady of Peace School. 

Mark Husen with Emplify / Bellin Sports Medicine is in the house this morning. Besides talking about some auction items on the market right now from the NFL Draft, Mark also talks a bit about the proper clothing for children participating in sports this time of year: the chilly wind and the forecast uncertainty from one day to another. Then Avery Rhenwrick, with 4th N Goal, stops by to fill us in on a football camp his non-profit is putting on for local youth. Avery aims to empower under-resourced kids by covering sports fees and providing equipment. Rhenwrick emphasizes the transformative power of sports, offering free football camps to teach skills and teamwork. The show underscores the impact of volunteers and sponsors in shaping young lives and fostering community engagement.

Maino and the Mayor is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-9 am on WGBW in Green Bay and on WISS in Appleton/Oshkosh. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast lineup. Follow the show on Facebook and X to keep up with Maino and the Mayor!

BROOKLYN PARK, MN — City leaders, state legislators, and local athletic coaches came together this morning to advocate for critical state funding to renovate and expand the aging Northwest Metro Regional Sports Facility. The press conference, held at the facility, emphasized the urgent need to invest in expanded recreation space to meet the needs of Brooklyn Park’s rapidly growing population — especially its youth.

“Brooklyn Park and the surrounding communities are experiencing explosive growth, especially among young people and our cherished elders who want to age in place,” said Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley (DFL-Brooklyn Park), who is leading the funding push in the Minnesota House. “We need a regional facility that supports our student-athletes, youth leagues, families, and seniors — one that’s built to serve our communities’ needs today and tomorrow’s opportunities.”

City officials are requesting $9.5 million in this year’s bonding bill to support construction, furnishing, and equipment upgrades. The proposed improvements include a new multi-court gymnasium, ADA-compliant entrances, expanded event spaces, and upgraded parking facilities.

“These upgrades are not just about buildings — they’re about opportunity,” said Mayor Hollies Winston. “Positive, accessible recreation is a proven component of violence prevention and community wellbeing. Brooklyn Park strives to promote holistic, regional approaches to public safety. The need to provide recreational outlets for young people is more critical than ever.”

The renovated facility will significantly expand access to gym space for youth sports, preserve ice time for hockey and figure skating, and provide flexible space for senior activities and community events. With more than 400,000 annual visitors, the facility is a cornerstone of recreation and activity in the northwest metro, but aging infrastructure and rising demand have created significant gaps in access.

Senator John Hoffman, a longtime Brooklyn Park legislator and advocate for youth recreation, echoed the importance of state support. “A state-of-the-art regional facility will not only serve athletes, seniors, and club sports organizations, but it will also attract tournaments and boost tourism. This is more than a gym — it’s a destination and a resource for all Minnesotans.”

With strong legislative backing and overwhelming community support, city leaders hope the state will recognize the importance of investing in youth development, public health, and community resilience through recreation.

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The Reno City Council has approved a motion to allow tax increment financing (TIF) for the Grand Sierra Resort’s massive expansion project.

The council voted 5 to 2 in favor of the motion.

“We’re very thankful—5-2, you only need four. It’s nice to have the extra one, and you never know which way these things are going to go walking into the room. But it feels really good right now,” said Andrew Diss, Chief Strategy Officer of Meruelo Gaming, the company that owns GSR.

“I feel relief, happiness. It’s been a long journey, but it’s going to be worth it, and I’m excited,” said Alex Meruelo, Owner of Meruelo Gaming.

The tax increment financing will abate some of the property taxes generated by the expansion, allowing those funds to be reinvested into the project.

However, the TIF is only based on the future increase in property taxes, it is not guaranteed. For example, if the expansion doesn’t occur or if property values don’t increase, the funding won’t materialize.

The first phase of the expansion includes a new 10,000-seat arena that will host Wolf Pack men’s basketball games, a community ice rink, a parking garage, and aqua golf.

Nevada Wolf Pack Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe shared a statement on social media regarding the decision:

“This is a momentous day for northern Nevada and Nevada Athletics. I would like to express my gratitude to Chairperson Schieve and the Reno Redevelopment Agency Board, Alex Meruelo, The Meruelo Group, and all who put so much effort into making this transformative initiative a reality. This state-of-the-art facility will elevate Nevada Athletics and Nevada basketball to new heights and solidify Nevada’s college town as a big-time destination.”

Developers stated that they currently face a $145 million financial gap in the first phase of construction. The TIF reimbursement is expected to help cover approximately $60 million of that amount.

“That really illustrates the risk Mr. Meruelo is taking in this project because he is responsible for the rest, and the TIF doesn’t cover that full gap,” Diss said.

The City Council’s decision grants GSR a 90% TIF reimbursement through 2035. The projected tax incentives are expected to total $61.3 million, all of which will be reinvested into the expansion.

The remaining 10%, about $6.8 million, will go to the City of Reno’s Redevelopment Agency.

Presenters emphasized that the TIF does not pull from the city’s general fund or any other tax sources. They stated that there is no financial burden on the city, state, or taxpayers.

Shortly before the final vote, Meruelo made additional commitments during negotiations with the Council. He transferred the land for Fire Station 21 to the city and pledged 5% of the TIF reimbursement to support youth sports and recreation.

There remains some uncertainty due to fluctuations in the stock market and international tariffs, which could impact the project.

“Of course it’s a concern. It is risky, no question about it. But I believe in the city,” Meruelo said. “I believe in my advancement. I believe in GSR and the people here.”

Meruelo confirmed they will be breaking ground on phase one next month.

Future phases of the project are also looking to include a new hotel tower and workforce housing.

• The Park & Recreation Center will host an open swim an open swim for mom’s on Mother’s Day.

• Pickleball Courts at Lincoln are closed. Construction crews are completing warranty work. The public is asked to stay off the courts until the re-opening is announced.

• Summer Registration Open. Register online for swim lessons, youth sports, camps, pottery and view Rec on the Go and Puppet Wagon activities. For more information, go to our website at newulmmn.gov, click on the park and rec button, click on registration. Registration for all programs must be done online or in person at the Rec Center.

• Scholarships available for activities to those meeting the financial qualifications. Call 507-359-8344 for additional information.

• A lifeguard certification course will be offered at the Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m June 9-11. This is a blended learning course that requires 5-7 hours of online learning before the class start, followed by a swimming pre-test of 200 yards, treading water for 2 minutes with no hands and retrieving a 10 lb brick from 7 feet of water. Class will be split between classroom and in water skills. Register online before June 4. Applicants must be at least 15 years old before June 11 to complete the course.

• Park and Rec is partnering with State Street Theater for three different summer camps designed to inspire, include and bring stories to life. These camps are open to all from new to seasoned performers. Register online at newulmmn.gov

• Private Pickleball lessons are available at the Rec Center. Register on the pickleball waitlist at newulmmn.gov or in person at the Rec Center.

• Tot Swim is offered Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Zero depth area only and children must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Admission is $3 per child. 12-Punch card available for $27

•Tot Gym is offered Monday and Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m.

Open Skating and hockey schedules can be found on our website, in addition to fitness, open gym and lap/open swim: https://mn-newulm.civicplus.com/278/Schedules

Memorial Weekend and Interim Rec Center hours:

Friday May 23 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Open swim 4-8 p.m.

Saturday May 24 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Open swim 12-4 p.m.

Sunday and Monday May 25 and 26 REC CENTER CLOSED

Tuesday May 27 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday May 28 5 a.m.-9 p.m. open swim 4-7 p.m.

Thursday May 29 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday May 30 5 a.m.-8 p.m. open swim 4-7 p.m.

Saturday May 31 7 a.m.-4 p.m. open swim 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday June 1 9 a.m.-4 p.m. open swim 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday June 2 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday June 3 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday June 4 5 a.m.-9 p.m. open swim 4-7 p.m.

Thursday June 5 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday June 6 5 a.m.-7 p.m. open swim 1-6 p.m.

Regular summer hours:

Monday – Thursday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday 5 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.