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Corporations Unite in Action to Support America’s Youth

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Press Release

Back to School

ATLANTA (July 15, 2025) – As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and caregivers nationwide are grappling with concerns about academic recovery and youth mental health. Yet, a staggering challenge looms: 25 million students lack safe after-school options. Today, as 50 million kids head back to school, half will find themselves without a safe place to go once the final bell rings, left to navigate crucial after-school hours unsupervised.

In response, dedicated corporate supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of America are launching new giveback initiatives to ensure more young people across the nation have access to vital after-school spaces. Following the launch of the mission’s impactful “America Needs Club Kids” national brand campaign in early July, leading corporations are now taking meaningful action to equip kids and teens for success in the 2025-2026 school year.

“Young people spend 80% of their time outside of school,” said Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Yet 1 in 2 kids lack access to afterschool programs — and 1 in 7 are left completely alone. That’s not just a gap – it’s an urgent call to action for all of us to step up and support the next generation during these high-risk, high-opportunity hours.”

Boys & Girls Clubs provide access to experience and opportunities that enable kids to succeed in school, gain valuable workforce skills, become active in their community, and manage their health and well-being. Together with its partners, Boys & Girls Clubs of America stands to reduce the number of kids nationwide, lacking access to safe and engaging places after the school day ends.

This year, retailers will introduce new initiatives that allow customers to support America’s Club kids. These efforts highlight the crucial idea that investing in young people today will shape our collective future. These companies include:

adidas: For the second year in a row, adidas is inviting customers to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America through donations in retail stores nationwide. Beginning in August, customers can contribute $1, $3, or $5 at checkout to support Boys & Girls Clubs’ back-to-school campaign.

Murphy USA: Murphy USA’s ‘Great Futures Fueled Here’ campaign enters its fifth year, having raised over $11 million for Boys & Girls Clubs. Running June 4-July 31, 2025, across all Murphy USA and Murphy Express locations in 27 states, customers can make a monetary contribution of $1-$10 or round up purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout. Proceeds support back-to-school programming, with Murphy USA also hosting 5 Back-to-School Prep Rallies nationwide to engage Club youth and equip them with the necessary skills for the school year.

Panda Express: Panda Express’ philanthropic arm, Panda Cares Foundation, is celebrating the back-to-school season with Clubs across the country. Throughout every August, Panda Express associates celebrate the foundation’s founding anniversary, Panda Cares Day, by hosting events at over 100 Clubs, providing meals, school supplies and new books. This year, Panda will be donating over 15,000 backpacks to all youth attending these celebrations to help start their school year positively. Additionally, this back-to-school season and throughout the year, customers can donate at the register to directly support academic programming within Clubs.

Bridgestone Retail Operations: The Bridgestone Retail Operations Driving Great Futures partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America is continuing to make out-of-school programming more accessible to Club youth and their families by addressing transportation and technology needs. Visit a Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus or Wheel Works store to donate.

Buffalo Wild Wings: The Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America partnered to create the ALL-STARS program, providing access to youth sports for half a million Club kids each year. After school hours are a critical time for kids and communities—a moment when extra support and resources can make a big difference. Guests can help make an impact during this important season, and all year long, by purchasing sauce bottles at their local Buffalo Wild Wings. For every bottle sold, $1 is donated to the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation, helping expand access to youth sports through the ALL-STARS program.

Caesars Entertainment: Beginning July through the end of the year, Caesars Entertainment will invite guests to donate change when cashing out their slot tickets to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America through the Company’s ‘Caesars Makes Change’ program. Recently, the ‘Caesars Makes Change’ program hit a huge milestone in raising $1 million to directly support Boys & Girls Clubs youth across the country.

Carter’s: Carter’s, the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, is a proud partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, dedicating $1 million and 50,000 volunteer hours to support early childhood development in local communities. Carter’s also supports the successful Summer Brain Gain-READ program, including the creation of a new module focused on literacy. This program is designed to prevent learning loss during summer breaks and time outside of the classroom for children ages 6-9. New this year, Carter’s is launching the Great Futures Design Contest and a limited-edition t-shirt capsule featuring bold, original artwork created by Boys & Girls Club kids. Five dollars from every purchase, along with 100% of customer donations, helps fund arts education and early learning programs in Clubs nationwide.

Cox Enterprises: For decades, Cox has championed the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America — leveling the playing field and building brighter futures for all youth. This August, Manheim auctions across the country will raise critical funds for local Clubs while Cox Automotive and Cox Enterprises’ employees will provide hands-on volunteer support where it’s needed most. These efforts drive progress towards Cox’s goal to empower 34 million people by 2034. By removing barriers to education and expanding access to career opportunities, we’re helping young people unlock their full potential.

Fandango: In January of this year, Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, launched its new Round-Up feature, allowing moviegoers to round up their ticket purchases to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America and help further the organization’s mission of empowering young people to reach their full potential, while also creating moviegoing experiences and screening events that benefit Club members. Since its launch, Fandango has raised over $1.3 million in funds, enabling thousands of Club kids to enjoy the magic of the movies, including a chance for some to see The Bad Guys 2 in theaters this summer.

Harris Teeter: Harris Teeter is proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America through their “Together in Education” campaign. This July through October, customers are invited to round up at checkout and make a difference for the youth in their communities.

Kids Foot Locker: From July to September, Kids Foot Locker will invite customers to support Boys & Girls Club of America by donating $1, $3, $5 or $10 at checkout as a part of their annual add-a-buck cause marketing campaign.

Krusteaz: The Krusteaz Company supports Boys & Girls Clubs’ back- to-school efforts programing by giving back to local communities in their area. The Krusteaz Company partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to combat food insecurity and help improve the wellbeing of kids and teens starting with back to school.

Jimmy John’s Foundation: The Jimmy John’s Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have partnered to create positive change in their communities by providing access to essential Life & Workforce Readiness programming at Clubs nationwide. From August 4 through August 31, customers can support our mission by purchasing the #9 sandwich in-store or through the Jimmy John’s app. For every standard #9 sandwich or combo sold, $0.25 will be donated to the Jimmy John’s Foundation, a proud partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Join us in helping the next generation gain the skills and support they need to thrive.

Lamar Advertising: Building on the success of its 2024 in-kind partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Lamar Advertising is proudly continuing its collaboration with the organization for the 2025 back-to-school season. Lamar will once again leverage its extensive national network of digital billboards to support and amplify the mission’s essential work as students across the country prepare to head back to the classroom.

PUMA: PUMA is proud to continue its support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America this back-to-school season. Customers shopping at participating PUMA outlet stores will have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation at checkout to help advance the mission to empower young people. This fall, PUMA will also release a new line of exclusive co-branded merchandise, including a limited-edition t-shirt and footwear. In addition, PUMA team members will engage with local Clubs through volunteer activities, helping to create safe, inclusive spaces where youth can thrive. Together, we’re building brighter futures, one step at a time.

Sharpie Paper Mate: Sharpie and Paper Mate, part of the Newell Brands portfolio of iconic brands, are teaming up to help Clubs prepare for back-to-school season and democratize creative expression. As part of their 3-year, $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs, Sharpie and Paper Mate will provide essential school supplies so Club members can thrive in and out of the classroom.

Shoe Carnival Family of Brands: Now through Sept. 1, Shoe Carnival & Shoe Station invite customers to round up at check-out to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America. To support the back-to-school campaign, visit your local Shoe Carnival or Shoe Station store. Find the best of back-to-school styles at Shoe Carnival & Shoe Station.

RaceTrac: RaceTrac, a convenience store leader and dedicated partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America for five years, is expanding its support to Clubs nationwide. From August 17th-23rd, RaceTrac is hosting a “Coffee for a Cause” initiative, where 100 percent of the proceeds from guests’ coffee purchases will benefit Clubs.

The Bad Guys 2: As DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys 2 arrives in theaters on August 1, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is teaming up with the film and the acclaimed animation studio for the first time to inspire The Bad Guys to “Do Good,” instilling positive character, leadership, and service values within the next generation. In a campaign that kicked off in January with Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketer, moviegoers are invited to round up their ticket purchases via fandango.com or in the mobile app in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Funds raised will aid Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s overall mission and provide thousands of Club kids free access to moviegoing, including seeing The Bad Guys 2 in theaters this summer.

Join us in supporting essential afterschool programming by shopping or supporting any of these establishments nationwide this season. To learn more, visit bgca.org/get-involved/back-to-school.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta, GA. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.


Media Contacts 

Eliza Lynch
Director of Public Relations
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
203-522-7010
elynch@bgca.org

 

 

 



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Rec Sports

Youth Sports Dec. 17, 2025

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• BOWLING

Sunset Bowling Center

Week 11

Bumpers

High Scratch Game Boys:  Simon Mueller – 66

High Scratch Game Girls:  Arden Butherus – 45; Talissa Palmer – 33; Charles McClellan – 22

Bantams

High Scratch Game Boys:  Andrew Mueller – 60; Karter Plowman – 49; Vincent Wolfinger – 37

Preps

High Scratch Game Boys: Noah Brubaker – 126; Luke Barkl – 117; Ben Mueller – 112

High Scratch Game Girls:  Erin Dougherty – 136; Tori Graff – 126; Kaylianna Plowman – 103

Juniors

High Scratch Game Boys:  Matthew Chavez – 260; Christopher Smith – 244; Nathan Beardsall – 233

High Scratch Game Girls:  Rosy Gallegos – 247; Abby Kuespert – 224; Emerie Walker – 206

Other 200+ Games:  Matthew Chavez – 242 & 239; Nathan Beardsall – 225 & 224; Christopher Smith- 223; Caden Bates – 223 & 215; Carter Hilliard – 221, 211 $ 210;  Rosy Gallegos – 211; Tristan Cord – 204; Katie Dewey – 203

600+ Series:  Matthew Chavez – 741; Nathan Beardsall – 682; Rosy Gallegos – 649; Christopher Smith – 647; Carter Hilliard – 642; Caden Bates – 616

• SPIRIT LAKE PARKS AND RECREATION

Basketball

Dec 13 

K-2nd Grades

Super 1 Foods: Colt Trowbridge 2-points, Layla Heyden 3-points, Theo Thomason 3-points, Logan Neil 1-point, Ashton Fuson 2-points

Northern Lights Family Counseling: Gabe Merrill 2-points, Wyatt Pring 1-point

Zs Enterprises: Addilynn Gurnard 2-points, Tucker Sturgill 1-point, Alexander Spalding 2-points, Gabe Merrill (Borrowed from Northern Lights) 6-points, Lincon Bazzar (borrowed from Northern Lights) 1-point

Lash Savy: Luke Jones 2-points, Carson Cooper 5-points, Bailey Johnson 3-points, Addyson Bradetich 3-points, Ella Allen 1-point.  

3rd/4th Grade

John Brown Transport: Hawken Chidiac 2-points, Ridge Powers 8-points. Zackaree Hester 1-point, Noah Davis 1-point.

Alpha Anglers: Conner Nelson 4-points

• RATHDRUM PARKS AND RECREATION

Basketball 

Dec. 13

2nd Grade Basketball

League Sponsored By: Mountain View Veterinary Clinic

Healing Hoopers vs. Jungle Jammers (12/13/25)

Healing Hoopers: Kamden Carter (12), Tobin Bird (4), Gianna Dahlin (2)

Jungle Jammers: Madison Lauderdale (4), Ellie Howell (6), Eli McFadden (4)

Vet Vipers vs. Beast Mode (12/13/25)

Vet Vipers: Ember Weitz (4), Ridge South (4), Brooks Walker (10), Caeden Bosch (14), Evan 

Sheppard (4), Holland Bechtel (4)

Beast Mode: Maximus Skinner (4), Keeley Moody (10)

Critter Crew vs. Bark Side (12/13/25)

Critter Crew: Danielle Prutsman (6), Everleigh Paxton (4), Wilderness Mobbs (6), Camryn 

Reimche (8), Aiden Ketzenberg (14), Owen Bechtel (2)

Bark Side: Paisley Lounsbury (10), Xander Hall (13), Wyatt Amende (4), Jayden Mort (2)

3rd-4th Grade Girls Basketball

NextHome Cornerstone Realty vs. Young’s Family Foundation (12/13/25)

NextHome: Alayna Sternberg (4), Peyton Gorham (4), Selah Thompson (2)

Young’s Family: Esther Mihara (6), Trinity Skinner (6) 

3rd-4th Grade Boys Basketball

Les Schwab vs. American Legion Post #154 (12/13/25)

Les Schwab: Tayvin Sims (2), Blake Singleton (2), Wyatt Drake (2)

American Legion: Cameron Todhunter (10), Makana Kong (2), Ashton Gilbertson (10)

CW Construction vs. NextHome Cornerstone Realty (12/13/25)

CW Construction: Cole Mayfield (8), Malachi (Mac) Wihelm (8), Colton Prutsman (6), Kallum 

Strawn (4), Liam Reed (2)

NextHome Cornerstone Realty: Easton Moody (2), Cayben Bird (4), Sebastian Henningsgaard (2)

• HAYDEN RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Basketball

Dec. 13

PRE K-K

Affordable Restoration: Henry Ratcliff-2 pts

Architects West: Barrett Turley-2 pts

CDA Clean Team: Beau Watson-14 pts

Chomper Café: Carter Astin-1 pts; Cori Dudley-2 pts; Jonsey Paul-1 pts

Edward Jones: Brody Rickel-4 pts; Adrian Root-4 pts

Heli-1 Corporation: Keenan Fowler-4 pts; Ethan Aiman-8 pts

Hot Shots: Kinley Morrison-8 pts; Jack Richardson-8 pts 

Jacklin Northwest: Crosby Simons-10 pts; Bridger Jacklin-8 pts; Porter Forsmann-4 pts

Lakeside Pediatrics: Hank Pittman-12 pts

McDonald’s: Bernie Bauer-10 pts; Callen French-6 pts; Teddy Lutes-8 pts

NexTitle: Devin Cole-20 pts; Ezra Skala-2 pts; Ansel Young-2 pts

RMED Attorneys at Law: Fox Selbe-4 pts; Henry Symbal-1 pts; Silas Chase-2 pts

Saccone Electric: Trenton Adkinson-4 pts; Rowan Magrath-8 pts; Margot Saccone-10 pts; Milo Saccone-2 pts

Saturday Night Inc: Brixton Clelland-6 pts; Greyson Young-18 pts

Slick Rock Tanning & Spa: Luke Drake-14 pts; River Price-8 pts

St. Joseph’s ENT: Annabelle Gardner-6 pts; Levi Forbush-16 pts; Levi Hansen-2 pts

Super 1 Foods: Brooks Shriner-2 pts; Graham Shriner-3 pts; Parker Leffler-3 pts; Zaiden Farley-1 pts

True North Heating & Cooling: Eli Jereczek-4 pts; 

Tumble Stone: Ruby Williams-8 pts; Crew Marjamaa-4 pts

Widmyer Corporation: Bennett Grambeau-2 pts; Josie Widmyer-4 pts

1st/2nd Girls

Belle’s Brunch House: Callie Brown-2 pts; Brielle Enyeart-2 pts; Everly Fraize-6 pts 

Brunch Box: Avery Feagans-6 pts; Charlie Hubiak-4 pts; Landrey Ralston-20 pts; Cora Looney-10 pts

Coeur d’Alene Kids Dental: Emma Burton-6 pts; Oaklie Shannon-10 pts; Halle Morin-4 pts; Remi Ryle-10 pts; Everette Seronko-2 pts

Dairy Queen: Mckinley Baughton-2 pts; Annie Richardson-4 pts; Celeste Rincon Eacudero-6 pts

Daum Construction: Lola Daum-2 pts; Jade Hephner-2 pts; Parker Fuson-10 pts; Lettie Hephner-10 pts

Dr. Dance Dentistry for Kids: Kennedy Brown-12 pts; SierraMay Phillips-22 pts; Royal Morris-4 pts; Haddie Pool-4 pts

Hippo Car Wash: Andi Mitchell-22 pts; Octavia Tewalt-10 pts; Addilyn Richmond-2 pts

Jordan Woodcraft: Molly Cohee-10 pts; Maxine Hogan-12 pts; Arwen Jackson-2 pts; Presley Saint-12 pts; Kinsey Baker-2 pts

1st/2nd Boys

ACI Northwest: Bear Gustafson-6 pts; Oliver Mensch-8 pts; Axel Zbinden-8 pts; Noah Custodio-2 pts; Archie Clutter-4 pts

Dr. Dance Dentistry for Kids: Kaden Buynak-2 pts; Beau Barkley-2 pts; Cooper Hamilton-2 pts

Evergroom Mobile Pet Grooming: Bentley Fiestam-14 pts; Averett Harkema-14 pts; Nixon Sinn-2 pts; Klyde Thompson-2 pts; Lewis Truman-8 pts

Eye Guys Optical: Dawson Leary-24 pts; Miller Meeks-6 pts; Zeke Rathbun-2 pts; Caleb Peterson-6 pts; Eli Benson-6 pts

FirstLight Home Care: Grey Leggat-12 pts; Jacob Otto-6 pts; Colton Cole-8 pts; Gabriel Church-2 pts

Fred’s Plumbing: Henley Pospisil-10 pts; Carter Stotz-4 pts; Henry Shamoon-6 pts; Daxon Noble-2 pts; Koleson Hawkins-4 pts; Tanner Burton-12 pts

Home Savvy: Dalton Rowland-1 pts; Waylon Webb-1 pts; Brody Corbeill-2 pts; Ryker Bartoo-10 pts; August Miller-6 pts

Interstate Concrete and Asphalt: Everett Feagans-12 pts; Patrick Jennings-8 pts; Garrett Kling-2 pts; Max Warker-8 pts; Torin Schioberg-2 pts

Lakeside Pediatrics- Cash O’Hara-8 pts

Lancaster Market: Liam Knutson-8 pts; Max McCracken-8 pts; Rowan Moore-4 pts

McDonald’s: Abram Kruger-10 pts; Cooper Swanson-8 pts; Henry Barnett-6 pts; Aiden Aschenbrener-2 pts; Ryan Forbes-2 pts

Mountain West Bank: Tommy Erickson-10 pts; Lane Palmer-16 pts; Owen Palmer-20 pts; Wells Price-24 pts; Porter Smith-18 pts

New Leaf Nursery: Luca Clark-6 pts; Maddox Hite-2 pts; Brayden Rosenblum-8 pts; Tobias Velasquez-4 pts; Dash Kidwell-4 pts

NuVu Property Management: Reece Agostinelli-4 pts; Zack Hill-2 pts; Easton Hofer-2 pts; Cy Pittman-1 pts

Polar Excavation: Owen Davis-4 pts; Leo Reyes-4 pts; Bennie Bauer-4 pts; Elliott Nelson-2 pts

Ramco Custom Construction: Bode Dale-4 pts; Jameson Fore-10 pts; Rocco Ramierz-6 pts; Karson Tonsgard-6 pts; BoWilliam Rolin-4 pts; Declan Woodward-4 pts

SCJ Alliance: Sawyer Hodgson-16 pts; Ansel Eyman-2 pts

Scott Smith Homes Team: Eli Irwin-2 pts; Barrett Mason-4 pts; Konrad Schneidmiller-6 pts; Kylar Smith-4 pts; Corbin Miller-2 pts

Slick Rock Tanning & Spa: Jackson Airman-18 pts; Leandro Seeds-2 pts

Super 1 Foods: Bentley Hatley-2 pts; Asa Tarbutton-4 pts; Lawless Larkin-10 pts

Submit items for youth and non-varsity high school sports by noon Tuesday for publication Wednesday. Email stories and photos (in .jpg format) to [email protected]. 

Information: 208-664-8176, Ext. 1205 

    Courtesy photo The seventh grade Wolves AAU boys basketball teams made donations to Union Gospel Mission in a joint effort with Lake City High School’s effort to fulfill several wish lists for kids this holiday season. In the front row from left are Micah Brumbach, Cam Tosi, Rowan Hammons and Cody Burrill; and back row from left, Sawyer Smith, Cannon Randklev, Mac Roberts, Bricen Cornett, EJ Von Behren, Ashton Elwell, Keegan Rosenberger, Rourek Denton, Kellan Larson, Camden Glindeman, Griffin Higgins and Keaton Knoll.
    Courtesy photo The Sting SC 2011 girls GA Aspire soccer team won all three matches last weekend at the Alliance Showcase in Portland and Vancouver. The Sting opened the weekend with a 3–0 victory over the Saints Soccer Academy 11G Blue Premier. Presley Moreau led the attack with two goals, one coming off an assist from Katelyn Keaggy. Payton Brennan added the third goal. In match two, the Sting earned a 3–1 win against the Pacific FC Washington 11G Hurricanes. Payton Brennan found the back of the net off an assist from Nevi Sousley, while Brightyn Gatten scored two goals, including one from the penalty spot. The weekend concluded with another 3–1 victory over the Hillsboro Rush 11G Blue. Payton Brennan scored on an assist from Presley Moreau, Presley added a goal of her own, and center back Emily Hackett capped the scoring with a header off a corner kick. The Sting will be back in action next at the Pacific Northwest Cup in Seattle on Jan. 17–19. In the front row from left are Ava Langer, Olivia Hynes, Presley Moreau, Kenzie Dolan, Nevi Sousley and Aubrey Sargent; and back row from left, Brightyn Gatten, Katelyn Keaggy, Payton Brennan, Emily Hackett, Elle Sousley, Vivian Hartzell, Olivia Nusser, Constance Ovendale and Zoe Lemmon.
    Courtesy photo The Lilac City boys 2031 lacrosse team, with most of its players from the Coeur d’Alene Falcons on the North Idaho Youth Lacrosse teams, took home the championship, winning five games this past weekend at the Sixes Showdown in Portland, Ore. In the front row from left are Wyatt Secord, Connor Smalley and Monty Montgomery; and back row from left, assistant coach Josh Soehner, Rohn Hageman, Crosby Soehner, Eddie Sandall, Keegan Rosenberger, Ethan Schulhauser, Jack Millard, Luke Perry, Jackson Hood, Johnny Mauro, Liam Knapp, Liam Clark and head coach Jackson Dean.
    Courtesy photo The Lilac City boys 2033/34 lacrosse team, with most of its players from the Coeur d’Alene Falcons on the North Idaho Youth Lacrosse teams, took home the championship winning five games this past weekend at the Sixes Showdown in Portland, Ore. In the front row from left are JJ Campbell, Holden Hays and Kamran Rosenberger; and back row from left, Judge Buckner, assistant coach Micah Rickards, Riggens Hageman, Titus Young, Sascha Steinhoff, Jamison Lunsford, Brody Theriault, Maxx Dunham, Brayden Lange and head coach James Campbell.
 
 

  

  

  



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Walla Walla area youth basketball team wins Tournament of Hoops title | Community

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Walla Walla kids, playing weekend Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) club basketball in their hometown at its 2025 Tournament of Hoops, together came away as 7th grade boys team champion Dec. 14 after the Hawks won their title at Pioneer Middle School.

The Hawks consisted of club members from local middle schools including Garrison, DeSales Catholic, John Sager and Liberty Christian with both Casey Waddell and Donald Ponds as their coaches. They bounced around town over the weekend, wrapping up two-day competition at its title game after finishing pool play atop a four-team division with victory in all four of their matchups at Garrison.

A Tournament of Hoops title now has the Hawks bound for the Washington State Championships, March 20-22, in Spokane.



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Congress addresses ‘The Crisis in American Youth Sports’

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Updated Dec. 17, 2025, 8:20 a.m. ET



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Street Soccer Park Opens to Expand Youth Athletic Opportunities

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Jimmy Fitzner
Community Contributor

On Saturday December 13th, elected officials, corporate sponsors, and youth soccer teams gathered for a ribbon-cutting to mark the opening of the new Visa Street Soccer Park at the 9th & Van Brunt Athletic Fields. This addition marks the latest investment into the park which saw the completion of $3 million dollars worth of renovations paid for with GO Bonds in July.

This event included remarks from Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, United States congressman Fourth District Mark Alford, City Manager Mario Vasquez, Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, and representatives from funding organizations Visa, Bank of America and Street Soccer USA (SSUSA).

A smile beamed from the face of Reginald Francois, Senior Recreation Director with KC Parks and Rec, as he looked across the crowd. When asked what it means to him that Bank of America, Visa, and Street Soccer USA have teamed up with Kansas City to make this project a reality, he immediately responds, “The future is now”.

Francois has coordinated youth programs for kids of all ages at this park long before these upgrades; he knows the challenges of playing on fields that many have called inadequate for organized youth soccer. He’s also heard from the community that adult rec leagues were crowding out kids and adds that this addition will provide space for kids in Northeast to hone their soccer skills for years to come. 

He isn’t the only one who notices the difference either; Jennifer Ruiz and Anthony Pleitez live in the area and braved below-freezing temps to watch the ribbon-cutting. Ruiz recalled playing on these fields in high school, lamenting that they were not well maintained and that the restrooms were in poor shape. Now, she and Pleitez both see this as not merely a playing field but an outlet for everyone of all ages in the neighborhood. Pleitez was impressed that funding from organizations outside of Kansas City had found its way into this neighborhood park, and was happy to see City officials, including Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Mario Vasquez, give in-person attention to Saturday’s event. 

Alexis Rivera, club president for youth club Pantera FC, grew up in Northeast and was excited about the possibilities for future teams and kids growing up here now. Rivera added that he knows kids who come here after school and stay until dark, and feels confident that outlets like this are protective factors in the lives of kids who grow up in so-called underserved communities. 

“Now it’s up to us to care for it,” Rivera insisted. “Kids see that and they’ll care for it too,” adding that his club picks up trash and plastic bottles around the park to preserve its fresh appeal.

Lawrence Cann and his brother Rob, who co-founded Street Soccer USA and spearheaded the initiative to revitalize parks into youth soccer destinations in 26 US cities by the 2026 World Cup, echoed the sentiment of neighborhood residents, saying this is an opportunity for kids in Northeast to get easy access to soccer. The lack of access for generations past was also not lost on Cann, mentioning what once occupied the southeast corner of 9th & Van Brunt.

“We know the history of this park,” said Cann. “Being an old transit center and an underutilized space, it has become an incredible place for the community to come together”.

Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, the organization responsible for making the World Cup soccer tournament a success in Kansas City next year, made sure to denote the importance of improvements for Kansas CIty kids in light of the incoming spectacle, telling the crowd, “Our Board of Directors has told us we need to think about World Cup differently; it needs to create sustained and long-term impact on the people who live here”.

As for the immediate future, Reginald Francois is ready to roll. He’s heading up a tournament in March at the park for ages 4-6 (boys and girls) and will host what he called “The People’s Tournament” in April for boys and girls ages 8-16. Go to kcparks.org or email Reginald Francois at Reginald.Francois@kcmo.org for more information.

EXTERNAL LINKS FOR FURTHER INFO:

Visa, Street Soccer USA and Bank of America join forces to expand access to soccer in communities across the United States | Visa



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Search News Releases | American Heart Association

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Las Vegas youth soccer coach arrested on child sex charges, Metro says | Sex Crimes

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Las Vegas police said they believe there may be additional victims of a local youth soccer coach who was recently arrested on suspicion of child sexual assault.

Sergio Reyes Rojas, 44, worked as a youth soccer organization director and coach until earlier this week, the Metropolitan Police Department said in a Tuesday news release.

On Dec. 10, according to police, Reyes Rojas was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on three counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 16, one count of child abuse or neglect, and one count of kidnapping of a minor.

In a statement sent to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Tuesday, Guy Hobbs, president of the Nevada Youth Soccer Association, said Reyes Rojas has been removed from his involvement in youth soccer.

“Sergio Reyes, once we became aware of the arrest and criminal charges, has been suspended indefinitely from all youth soccer activities,” Hobbs said. “We have also been informed by the club that he has been replaced in his administrative and coaching capacities.”

According to a Sunday post on a Facebook page associated with the Las Vegas Diversity FC nonprofit youth soccer organization, Reyes Rojas “stepped down from his roles as Director and Coach due to personal reasons.”

The post, placed on club letterhead, lauded Reyes Rojas for his “commitment to providing opportunities for youth and supporting families throughout Las Vegas.”

A message from the Las Vegas Review-Journal sent to an email address listed on the post was not immediately returned as of Tuesday afternoon.

Per the Nevada Secretary of State website, Reyes Rojas is listed as secretary of the Las Vegas Diversity FC organization.

Because of Reyes Rojas’ “ties to local youth sports programs,” Metro detectives think there could be additional victims that have yet to come forward, the news release said.

Contact Bryan Horwath at bhorwath@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BryanHorwath on X.



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