Rec Sports

Creating Opportunities For The Next Generation

Published

8 months ago

April 29, 2025

Detroit’s young people are full of potential – and three local organizations are making sure they’re supported in realizing it. Whether through leadership development, college and career preparation, or youth athletics, Teen HYPE, The Austin Foundation, and Detroit PAL are deeply committed to empowering youth with the tools, spaces, and relationships they need to thrive.

Leading with Voice and Vision: Teen HYPE

For more than two decades, Teen HYPE has been helping young Detroiters develop leadership skills and understand their power – both individually and collectively.

“We’re a youth development and leadership organization that works alongside young people to help them build leadership skills,” said Ambra Redrick, Executive Director. “We help them explore who they are, recognize their power to make a difference in their communities, and imagine the changes they want to see.”

Success at Teen HYPE isn’t just about metrics—it’s also about meaningful moments and long-term engagement. “I look at indicators like how many of our alumni return to be more meaningfully engaged, or whether they’re civically involved,” Redrick said.

TEEN HYPE PLAY

One alumnus stands out to her as a great example. “The member always knew she wanted to be a doctor,” said Redrick, “But she attributes Teen HYPE as the catalyst that made her realize she not only wanted to be a doctor, she wanted to be a leader in medicine.”

Redrick also emphasized the importance of seeing youth for who they are – not just who adults expect them to be. “Detroit youth care deeply about their communities,” she said. “They want to help shape schools, parks, services – the things that impact their neighborhoods. They believe they can make a difference, and that bravery is something adults often lose as we grow older.”

Creating Pathways Through Exposure: The Austin Foundation

Founded to provide students and young adults with resources for a brighter future, The Austin Foundation focuses on college, workforce, and skilled trades exposure – with an emphasis on building relationships and self-awareness.

“For us, success is about exposure,” said Cydney Hill, Program Director. “A lot of students don’t know what opportunities are out there. Maybe they thought college was the only path, but we show them all the different ways to succeed. It’s about helping them discover what success looks like for them.”

Hill – Detroit native and Austin Foundation alumnus – knows firsthand the resilience and strength local youth carry. “We don’t always realize it, but we’re incredibly resilient. That’s our superpower,” she said. “Once students get exposed to something and lock in, they push through.”

Building confidence and community voice is central to their work.

A lot of students don’t know their voice matters, Hill explained. Our biggest challenge and opportunity is showing them that we value what they have to say – and that their ideas are crucial in shaping our programs.

Greatness Through Sports: Detroit PAL

Detroit PAL has long used sports as a powerful entry point for youth development. But its mission goes beyond athletics – it’s about helping kids find greatness in every area of life.

DPD Corporal Norwood, David Greenwood, PAL Mascot – Sparky

“Our work is holistic,” said David Greenwood, Director of Community Engagement and Facilities. “We use the acronym GREAT: Goal setting, Resilience, Embracing healthy lifestyles, Accountability, and Teamwork. These are life skills, not just sports skills.”

PAL serves youth from more than 90 communities, offering low-cost athletic programs alongside mentorship and support. Greenwood, a PAL alum himself, understands the power of being surrounded by caring adults. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but having my dad as a coach and mentor was incredibly impactful,” he said. “A lot of my friends growing up didn’t have that.”

He also pointed to the often-overlooked creativity and drive of Detroit youth. “They’re innovative, engaged, and eager to lead,” he said. “The challenge is that adults don’t always embrace their mindset. We need to make space for their ideas.”

While each organization approaches youth empowerment differently, they share common challenges. Among them: under-resourced communities, lack of access to opportunities, and mental health struggles.

We’re seeing devastating mental health issues among young people,” Redrick shared. “It’s unlike anything I’ve seen in my career.

Hill added that many students don’t realize the power they hold. “We’re constantly working to help them find and use their voice.”

Greenwood noted that financial and transportation barriers can prevent kids from participating in the programs they need. “That’s why we keep costs low and offer a sampling of opportunities,” he said. “We want every child to find what lights them up.”

All three organizations emphasized that community plays a crucial role in their work.

“There is no Teen HYPE without community,” said Redrick. “We engage them as thought partners to help us determine what’s relevant and where we’re needed.”

For The Austin Foundation, recent events have included basketball tournaments that double as resource fairs. “We bring in financial institutions and partners to meet the community where they are,” said Hill.

Greenwood praised Detroit’s corporate community for stepping up. “Programs like hockey are expensive, but with help from sponsors like Biggby Coffee and the NHL Players Association, we make it possible,” he said.

All three leaders also reflected on the unique role Detroit plays in shaping their work. From historic segregation to modern gentrification, the city’s evolution directly impacts youth and the space available to them.

We have heard that our young people sometimes feel pushed out of their own neighborhoods, or not listened to,” Redrick said. “That means we have to be more intentional about creating spaces where they feel they belong.

Hill added that Detroit’s culture teaches grit and resilience. “We’re grounded and always on the hustle,” she said. “And that shows in our youth.”

When asked what Detroit could do to better support its youth, each leader had a clear vision.

“A city-wide blueprint for youth,” said Redrick. “Many cities have one – New Orleans, Grand Rapids – but we don’t. We need clear, shared goals from birth through young adulthood.”

“Consistency,” said Hill. “And flexibility. We need to meet students where they are and stay committed to their growth.”

Greenwood called for an ambitious solution: a youth sports mega complex. “The PAL program produces more NFL talent than any other U.S. city. We need a facility that matches that legacy – something that supports not just PAL, but the entire region.”

Despite different approaches, Teen HYPE, The Austin Foundation, and Detroit PAL share a common mission: to invest in the city’s youth, amplify their voices, and help them build a future rooted in purpose and possibility.

“These are our kids,” Redrick said. “And we all have a responsibility to help them rise.”

As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit.

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Rec Sports

Proposed Wisconsin Complex Would Bring 155,000 Square Feet of Indoor Turf to Big Bend

Published

35 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Key Takeaways

Breck Athletic Complex would include 155,000 square feet of indoor turf for year-round baseball, soccer, and lacrosse training in southeastern Wisconsin
The 42-acre project features 20+ outdoor fields across baseball, softball, soccer, futsal, and lacrosse
National tournament operators have committed to 25-30 year lease agreements, according to the developer
SC Wave, a Milwaukee Wave-affiliated soccer club, is named as a key tenant seeking a permanent home
A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29 before the Big Bend Village Board and Plan Commission

Multi-Sport Destination Planned for Agricultural Land

A proposal to convert 42 acres of farmland in Big Bend, Wisconsin into a regional youth sports destination is advancing through the local approval process. Eric Weishaar, owner and developer of Breck Athletic Complex, presented plans to the Big Bend Plan Commission in November.

The project would require amending the village’s comprehensive plan to change the land designation from Medium Density Residential to Commercial. A joint public hearing between the Village Board and Plan Commission is set for Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at Village Hall.

“This is going to be the first, really of its kind in the area. It’s going to be the biggest in the area, probably almost in the state,” Weishaar said during the November meeting.

Facility Breakdown and Phased Construction

The development would include six turf baseball fields, a championship baseball field with plaza seating, seven full-size soccer fields, three futsal fields, and four lacrosse fields. The 155,000-square-foot indoor facility would support year-round training across multiple sports.

Supporting amenities include concessions, restrooms, playgrounds, fitness trails, and plazas. The site plan also incorporates commercial outlots along Highway 164 for a craft bar/restaurant, banquet hall, hotel, gas station, and future retail.

Construction is planned across eight phases. Soccer fields would come first, with a potential opening as early as spring 2026 if ground breaks this coming spring. Baseball and softball fields are targeted for spring 2027 to give tournament operators lead time for scheduling.

Long-Term Tenants Already Committed

Weishaar told commissioners that national tournament operators have committed to lease agreements spanning 25 to 30 years. SC Wave, affiliated with the Milwaukee Wave professional soccer organization, is also identified as a key partner.

“They rent places, spaces from all over the place, and they really want to consolidate. They’re actually pretty anxious to announce in their club, hey everybody, we’re going to have a permanent home,” Weishaar said.

The complex is expected to draw teams from outside Wisconsin for weekend-long tournaments, creating demand for nearby lodging and dining.

Community Compatibility a Focus

Developers emphasized that the facility would use modern LED field lighting designed to minimize light spill into nearby residential areas. Tournaments are expected to conclude by 10 or 11 p.m.

“This is not something that is going on all night,” Weishaar said.

The project still requires zoning and site plan approvals. Developers have asked local officials whether the review process can be expedited to meet tenant timelines.

If approved, Breck Athletic Complex would join a growing list of large-scale youth sports facilities positioning themselves as regional tournament destinations. The combination of indoor and outdoor capacity, long-term operator commitments, and adjacent commercial development reflects a model increasingly favored by developers seeking year-round revenue streams.

via: GM Today

photo: Courtesy of Village of Big Bend

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

Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.

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.

Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:

Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
Youth Sports events and tournament management
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
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Sports technology and data analytics innovation
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Sports content creation and digital media monetization

Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.

Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.

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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.

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Rec Sports

PV girls’ basketball hosts first annual toy drive event on campus

Published

43 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PAJ2553 PV hosts toy drive - web-10 — Dozens of elementary school students pose with their new toys they selected during the First Annual Toy Drive event organized by Pajaro Valley High’s ASB student body and girls’ basketball team inside the gymnasium on campus in Watsonville on Tuesday, Dec. 23. (Raul Ebio/The Pajaronian)

A little more than 100 Pajaro Valley Unified School District students received an early Christmas present at Pajaro Valley High’s first annual toy drive event on Dec. 23.

Children from H.A. Hyde, Ohlone and Hall District elementary schools got a chance to pick from an assortment of toys inside the gymnasium prior to the varsity girls’ basketball game against North Monterey County.

The youngsters also got a special visit from Santa Claus and Little Santa Claus, who spoke to the group prior to making their way to the newly packaged basketballs, board games, backpacks and stuffed animals.

“My mission is to not just coach basketball, but help young people and help families through a difficult time during Christmas,” Pajaro Valley girls’ basketball head coach Darren Jackson said. “For most families, it’s difficult for them to go out and purchase gifts. It was an awesome turnout.”

It’s been nearly a decade since Jackson began the toy drive tradition with his wife Melissa, a teacher at Sherwood Elementary in Salinas.

“[Melissa] was telling me there’s a lot of kids that’s struggling, and there’s a lot of homeless kids out there,” Jackson said. “So, she inspired me through her job.”

Jackson spent 24 years at North Salinas High before taking the helm at Pajaro Valley in September. The Grizzlies’ first-year head coach said he was hoping to keep the tradition alive in Watsonville.

Jackson and the girls’ basketball team were dished an assist from PV High Activities Director Julie Brusa.

Brusa and ASB student body members stepped in by helping collect dozens of donations, including 25 bicycles given out through a raffle.

“[Brusa and the ASB student body] played a role,” Jackson said. “It was a girls’ basketball function but we turned it into a school function.”

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Rec Sports

UNA announces National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic for January 31

Published

2 hours ago

December 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

FLORENCE, Ala. (December 30, 2025) – For a second straight year, the University of North Alabama Department of Athletics will host a free youth clinic to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday, January 31 from 10 a.m. to noon at the UNA Rec Center.

The free clinic is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and is open to ages 4-12.

“Hosting our second annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day clinic reflects our commitment to empowering girls through athletics,” said Debbie Williams, UNA Associate Athletic Director for Business Affairs and Senior Woman Administrator. “After welcoming over 100 young girls last year, we are excited to continue growing this event by giving our female student-athletes the opportunity to inspire confidence, demonstrate leadership and highlight the positive impact of sports both on and off the field.”

All of UNA’s women’s sports programs, including student-athletes and coaches, will be involved in the camp. This includes women’s basketball, beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, cheer and dance, cross country, women’s golf, soccer, softball and women’s tennis.

Following this event, the UNA women’s basketball team will host FGCU at 6 p.m. inside CB&S Bank Arena. The NGWSD celebration will continue during the game. This game will also serve as Youth Sports Night.

NGWSD is an initiative created by the Women’s Sports Foundation. The annual observance is the first Wednesday of February during National Signing Day.

To register, click here.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Former Obama estate was priciest home sold in Mass. in 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Luxury Homes

These are the three most expensive homes sold in Massachusetts in 2025, according to MLS and Zillow data.

Blue Heron Farm on Martha’s Vineyard. Evan Joseph Studios

The saying goes “money talks, wealth whispers,” but the eye-popping homes — complete with eye-popping price tags — behind the biggest residential real estate transactions across Massachusetts in 2025 are talkers.

At a time when the $925,000 median sales price for a single-family home in Greater Boston already seems out of reach for many, this top trio is in a mortgage payment (or cash offer) league of their own.

As for the locations, the neighborhood backdrop to these transactions isn’t shocking: Martha’s Vineyard, Boston’s Back Bay, and Nantucket rule the roost. Here are the three priciest home sales in the Bay State in 2025, according to MLS and Zillow data.

Blue Heron Farm features a tennis court, pool, and a private beach. – Evan Joseph Studios

Price: $37,000,000

Sold: July 10, 2025

The crown jewel home of 2025 came with a presidential seal of approval alongside its $37 million price tag. Blue Heron Farm in Chilmark, better known as the former Summer White House for the Obama family, officially claimed the year’s top spot. Spanning nearly 30 acres on Tisbury Great Pond, this compound is a self-contained ecosystem of luxury, featuring a 150-year-old barn relocated from Pennsylvania.

A spacious pool house was added by owner Norman Foster. – Evan Joseph Studios

Beyond eight bedrooms and a private beach, the ultimate flex is the Norman Foster-designed pool house — why shouldn’t your swim break come with ties to a Pritzker Prize-winning architect? Listed by Maggie Gold Seelig of MGS Group Real Estate, this sale confirms that privacy isn’t priceless — it can be acquired on the Vineyard for tens of millions of dollars.

59 Commonwealth Ave. sold for $21 million. – Nate Atwater, Atwater Media Productions

Price: $21,000,000

Sold: Nov. 24, 2025

If you’ve ever walked down the French boulevard-inspired stretch of Commonwealth Avenue in the Back Bay and wondered who owns those entire townhouses, the most up-to-date answer is the new owner of Number 59. Fetching a cool $21 million in November, this “sunny side” (aka the southern-facing stretch) stunner on the “Gold Coast” between Berkeley and Clarendon Streets defies the Back Bay trend of chopping grand estates into condos — remaining a glorious, 11,300-square-foot single-family monolith.

The interior of 59 Commonwealth Ave. in Boston. – Nate Atwater, Atwater Media Productions

With 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms (8 full and two half baths), elevator access to all floors, and an attached garage (a Back Bay rarity), it is the architectural equivalent of a unicorn. Also listed by Maggie Gold Seelig, who had a firm hand on eight-figure deals this year, this 1910 masterpiece includes a separate staff or guest apartment.

Price: $21,000,000

Sold: Jan. 7, 2025

Tying with our Back Bay entry for the silver medal at $21 million, this Nantucket compound proves that “The Cliff” is just as much its own tax bracket as it is a neighborhood. This restored 6-bedroom, 10-bathroom grand dame dating to 1908 was listed by Gary Winn of Maury People Sotheby’s and includes a separate guest house. The real showstopper, however, is the more-than-900-square-foot rooftop deck — allegedly the largest of any residential property on the island — offering 360-degree views that practically demand a champagne toast at sunset. Inside, the home features a secret study hidden behind a foyer panel, which is frankly the only rational place to hide when you have a full house of summer guests.

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Rec Sports

Plattsburgh YMCA highlights free youth sports program

Published

3 hours ago

December 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) – The Plattsburgh YMCA on Monday said they were proud that City of Plattsburgh officials approved $50,000 in funding to continue its free youth sports program for another year.

“Every time a child steps onto the court or the field, they learn the value of teamwork while building confidence, resilience, and determination,” said Kris Tate, COO for the Plattsburgh YMCA. “When communities invest in youth sports, we see healthier, stronger young people.”

According to the YMCA, more than 700 kids participated in its sports programs in 2025, and more than half of those, over 400, were City of Plattsburgh residents.

Busy Plattsburgh intersection poised for overhaul

Under the terms of the funding, which was approved earlier this month, sports are free for City of Plattsburgh kids ages 12 and under.

The association offers sports including basketball and tee ball – the next program is indoor soccer, which will be held in the spring, with registration open to the community on January 9.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.

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Rec Sports

Game Notes: How Carson City can strengthen youth baseball without making noise

Published

3 hours ago

December 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Most of what shapes a kid doesn’t happen during the game.

It happens before the first pitch — when they’re putting on a jersey that fits, tightening their cleats, and slipping a glove onto their hand that feels like it belongs there. Those details seem small to adults. To a child, they’re everything.

In Carson City, as in every town, there are kids who want to play and families who do everything they can to make that happen. Registration gets paid. Schedules get rearranged. Rides get worked out. What doesn’t always fall into place is equipment — especially something as personal and essential as a glove.

That gap usually stays invisible. Quiet. Unspoken.

And that’s exactly why it matters.

A Simple Idea, Done the Right Way

The idea is not complicated: an annual glove drive for Carson City Little League.

Not a spectacle. Not a fundraiser built on attention. Just a dependable, once-a-year effort to make sure that kids who need a glove have one — without ever being asked to explain why.

No announcements. No labels. No moments a child carries with them longer than they should.

Handled discreetly by the league, supported by the community, and grounded in respect.

Why This Matters More Than It Sounds

A glove is more than leather and laces.

It’s confidence. It’s safety. It’s the difference between playing free and playing guarded. Between reaching for the ball and hoping it doesn’t come your way.

Kids feel those differences immediately. They also remember who noticed — and who didn’t.

Youth sports are supposed to be where kids learn how to belong. That lesson starts before a coach ever speaks.

This Isn’t Charity. It’s Stewardship.

This wouldn’t be about rescuing anyone. It would be about maintaining the field, in the broadest sense of the phrase.

Communities take care of their parks, their schools, their traditions. Youth sports deserve the same quiet upkeep. When we remove small barriers early, we prevent bigger ones later — loss of confidence, loss of interest, loss of belief that a place is meant for you.

That kind of care doesn’t require applause. It requires consistency.

Why Make It Annual

Because needs don’t announce themselves once and disappear.

Kids grow. Gloves wear down. Circumstances shift. An annual glove drive acknowledges that reality without judgment or urgency. It makes support part of the rhythm, not a reaction to crisis.

When something becomes routine, it becomes reliable. And reliability is what kids trust.

The Real Outcome

If this works the way it should, no one will talk about it much.

Kids will show up ready to play. Coaches will coach. Parents will watch. Baseball will happen.

And a few players — ones we’ll never identify, and don’t need to — will step onto the field feeling equal instead of exposed.

Those are the quiet things that let kids play.

And they’re worth doing right.

— Chris Graham is a Carson City native, writer and lifelong baseball fan. A former Western Nevada College play-by-play broadcaster, his work focuses on sports, culture and community. He can be followed on his Substack at https://substack.com/@gamenotes.

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