Rec Sports

Fargo students use their swimming experience to help teach youth – InForum

Published

1 week ago

December 20, 2025

FARGO — Learning to swim often brings a mix of excitement and fear, from awkward doggy paddling and struggling to float to finally feeling comfortable in the water. Many can recall the early days of clinging to the pool’s edge or feeling overwhelmed without the help of a pair of arm floaties.

But on Sundays at the Hulbert Aquatic Center, traditional whistles and drills are replaced with laughter, patience and encouragement — thanks to AquaFun.

AquaFun is a free, weekly swim program designed to make swimming enjoyable and less intimidating for kids. It is a volunteer-run, youth-led initiative founded by Davies High School senior Justin Jiang, with fellow Davies swimmer Helen Wu serving as a head coach, alongside assistant coaches and sisters Sunisha and Nashatawn Tangpong.

As Jiang puts it, the goal is simple: “to make the water fun.”

Justin Jiang and Helen Wu, pictured on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at the Hulbert Aquatic Center in West Fargo, are swimmers at Fargo Davies and instructors with AquaFun, a youth-led non-profit organization that teaches youth essential swimming skills.

Inspired by their own memories of learning to swim, both Jiang and Wu are committed to encouraging kids of all skill levels to give swimming a try — especially those who are “scared to even put their feet in.”

Jiang has been swimming since he was 8 years old, participating in club swimming and now swimming competitively in high school. He started AquaFun about three and a half years ago after a family friend asked him to teach their children how to swim.

Word spread quickly, and what began as lessons for two kids soon grew into a community program helping dozens of children.

Using their years of experience in the pool, Jiang and Wu’s aim to create a welcoming experience — enjoyable for all newcomers and swimmers developing new skills.

Helen Wu and Justin Jiang, pictured on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, are swimmers at Fargo Davies and instructors with AquaFun, a youth-led non-profit organization that teaches youth essential swimming skills.

AquaFun typically works with up to 15 kids at a time, ranging from about 6 or 7 years old to 11 or 12, and split into groups by age and skill level with Jiang teaching the more advanced swimmers and Wu and the sisters assisting the younger or less experienced children.

“We take all levels,” Wu said, noting Jiang’s observation that “some kids show up and they don’t want to get in.”

Unlike traditional swim lessons, AquaFun instructors embrace a more relaxed atmosphere, focusing on the fundamentals like floating, kicking and comfort underwater before progressing to strokes and harder skills like flip turns and diving techniques.

‘There’s no like yelling or drills,” Jiang said.

“I don’t like yelling,” Wu added with a laugh.

Lessons typically begin with a name game to help the kids feel comfortable with their instructors and fellow swimmers, followed by a group demonstration and skill practice — and always a snack break provided by the coaching crew.

The two are quite the pair — the type of teenagers that are seemingly chill in nature and just looking to have a fun time — and both say that teaching their lessons has made them better swimmers themselves.

“Teaching the little kids like reminds me to do stuff that I don’t do, don’t usually do,” Jiang said.

“Yeah,” Wu agreed. “You think about it more and then you’re like ‘Oh wait, I should work on this too.’”

The program operates entirely on volunteer time and grant funding. Jiang has raised thousands of dollars through science competitions and company grants which cover the lane rentals and snacks and allow AquaFun to remain completely free for families.

Alongside their happiness to volunteer, the pair say the most rewarding part is seeing the swimmers grow and become more confident.

“I remember this one student … at the start she couldn’t like put her head in the water,” Jiang mentioned, “But now, she just went off the high wall.”

“I was so proud of her,” Wu added. “She started when we first started teaching.”

Helen Wu, a state champion swimmer at Fargo Davies, discusses being a teacher on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, with AquaFun, a youth-led non-profit organization that teaches youth essential swimming skills.

Parents are encouraged to watch, especially if their children are new, but many grow comfortable enough to sit back — or run errands — as their kids gain confidence. Over time, the coaches often see swimmers “graduate” from AquaFun and move on to club teams.

“Most stick around for a while,” Jiang said. “Some of them, after taking AquaFun for a while, they try out a club, and that’s when the intensive training starts.”

The youth swimmers typically transition to club programs around ages 11 or 12, with Fargo-Moorhead being home to several clubs, including the F-M Gators Swim Team at the YMCA, West Fargo Flyers, Moorhead Marlins USS Swim Club and Red Dragon Swimming.

Wu,15, has been swimming since she was 7 years old. She swam in club and has been swimming competitively for the Davies High School girls team since seventh grade. A sophomore, she recently concluded her swimming season in November by claiming the individual 50-yard freestyle state title, as well as claiming third in the 100-yard freestyle.

Jiang, 17, has been swimming since he was 8 years old. He started competitively swimming in high school and has been a captain on the Davies boys swim team since his junior year. His senior season started at the beginning of December, but last season, he qualified for state in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard individual medley.

Sunisha and Nashatawn Tangpong, both swimmers at Fargo Shanley High School, joined AquaFun through their connections with Jiang and Wu in club swimming and now serve as assistant coaches.

Justin Jiang, a swimmer at Fargo Davies, discusses being a teacher on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, with AquaFun, a youth-led non-profit organization that teaches youth essential swimming skills.

With Jiang preparing for college next year — and hoping to attend someplace warmer than North Dakota — leadership of the program will largely transition to Wu, with Jiang returning to help during the summer.

“I am excited, but a little scared,” Wu said. “I haven’t done it by myself, but I feel like it’ll be good.”

Both coaches hope AquaFun continues to grow and welcome new volunteers. For both Jiang and Wu, fun is at the heart of the program.

“If you’re curious, just try it,” Jiang said. “It doesn’t cost anything. You can show up and see how it feels.”

To learn more about AquaFun, visit

aquafuns.org.

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Rec Sports

Nevada youth rank last in sports participation

Published

37 seconds ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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Rec Sports

Victims scammed by people posing as members of youth sports team at West Town Mall: KPD

Published

8 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Knoxville Police Department is warning East Tennesseans of scammers at West Town Mall.

KPD said there have been at least two incidents in which people were posing as members of a youth sports team collecting donations at the mall.

In one of those cases, KPD said the victim was swindled out of $1,600 in credit card transactions.

“Before donating to an organization or individual, take time to do your research,” KPD said in a social media post. “Whether online or in person, be extremely cautious before sharing your credit card information with people you don’t know. If you do plan to donate, using cash is the safest option.”

Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of a scam is asked to report it to the department at 865-215-7268.

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Rec Sports

Shoot 360 Franchisees Take Over Two Dallas-Fort Worth Units

Published

17 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Key Takeaways

Rob and Lauren Powers acquired two underperforming Shoot 360 locations in Frisco and Grapevine, Texas, in October 2024
Their first St. Louis-area unit attracted 250 members in its first 90 days and now serves approximately 500 members
Shoot 360’s training software is used by 28 NBA teams, with investors including Sue Bird, Trae Young, and Breanna Stewart
The Dallas units currently have 215 and 345 members respectively as turnaround efforts continue

From First-Time Franchisees to Multi-Unit Operators

Rob and Lauren Powers opened their first Shoot 360 location in a St. Louis suburb in April 2024 after signing with the basketball training franchise in 2023. Both brought coaching backgrounds to the business, with Lauren in volleyball and Rob in basketball.

The couple focused on community building before opening, hosting a VIP week that invited local coaches and basketball influencers to tour the facility and learn about the technology-driven training model. That approach paid off quickly. The location signed 250 members within its first 90 days and has grown to approximately 500 members today.

That early success positioned them for expansion. In October 2024, they acquired two underperforming units in Frisco and Grapevine, Texas, both suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro.

Identifying and Addressing Operational Gaps

The previous owners of the Texas locations had stepped back from day-to-day operations due to personal circumstances, leaving gaps in staffing expectations, facility maintenance, and overall energy.

“There were no clear expectations of what each person needed to do in their job here as far as employees,” Rob Powers said. “The facilities were not up to par either. Everything from lighting to cleanliness to overall look and feel of the franchise was under what expectations were from corporate.”

The Powers started their turnaround with hands-on work, spending their first days scraping gum off floors and cleaning the facilities themselves. They followed that with one-on-one conversations with every employee to understand individual goals and reset expectations.

The Grapevine location currently has approximately 215 members, while Frisco has about 345. Both units are now building local relationships through partnerships with area basketball leagues.

A Player Development Model in a Competitive Market

Shoot 360 differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on individual skill development rather than team-based competitive programming. The franchise uses proprietary software currently deployed by 28 NBA teams, and has attracted investment from professional players including Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Trae Young, Zaza Pachulia, and Thaddeus Young since franchising began in 2019.

“What’s unique about Shoot 360 is we’re 100 percent focused on individual skill development, so any kid on any part of their journey can find a home where they feel loved and can improve their basketball game,” Rob Powers said.

Lauren Powers echoed the positioning: “We are not competition to anybody. We never discourage anybody from going to other trainers, but nobody else has the NBA technology that we have.”

Looking Ahead

The Powers plan to continue expanding in Dallas while maintaining their St. Louis operation. They have expressed interest in eventually becoming a training resource for other Shoot 360 franchisees.

“We’re definitely looking to impact as many kids as we can through this,” Rob Powers said, “so we’re going to continue to ride the wave and look for new opportunities.”

via: Franchise Times

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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:

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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.

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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
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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

Families weigh costs and benefits as year-round youth sports industry grows in Wisconsin

Published

25 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

FOX VALLEY (WLUK) — Youth sports have become a year-round reality for many families, as more and more indoor sports facilities are being built in Wisconsin.

“I try to fill that gap for some of the boys,” said Rick Cavaiani, owner/founder of Cavaiani Baseball Training in Little Chute.

Youth sports have become a year-round reality for many families, as more and more indoor sports facilities are being built in Wisconsin. (WLUK)

Training starts as young as eight years old

Teams of 10-year-olds and 11-year-olds scrimmaged while off of school for Christmas break Monday afternoon. Cavaiani serves players from ages eight to 18, providing structured training beginning in November.

“I feel a lot more prepared than normal teams would, because they don’t practice in the winter,” said Garrett Reukauf, who plays for Cavaiani’s 11-and-under team.

Reukauf hopes to become the next Alex Breckheimer of Chilton or Ethan Cole of Fond du Lac, going from Northeast Wisconsin to professional baseball.

“When I first started playing travel baseball, my facility was an old glass-blowing company,” said Cole, who was drafted by the Colorado Rockies last year and played for 5 Star Wisconsin, based in Oshkosh. “It was a super small building — two cages, maybe a room for 90 feet.”

The current setup includes nearly a full infield and multiple batting cages, a weight room, high-tech devices to track his pitching and a small locker room. He doesn’t think he would have been drafted without the facilities or coaching at 5 Star — believing those to be necessities in Wisconsin.

“We’re inside the majority of the year,” said Evan Wick, the co-owner of 5 Star Wisconsin, when asked about the disadvantage Midwest baseball players have. “Kids down south get to see the real ball fly at their own real field every single day.”

The indoor training is producing results.

“When I graduated in 2002, there were four of us in the state of Wisconsin, including myself, that eventually played Division I baseball,” said Cavaiani. “I think this past year, there were almost 50.”

Concerns about longevity, injuries and cost

There are certainly concerns about year-round sports.

It costs thousands of dollars per player, as youth sports has become a $30-40 billion industry
Sports injury has become the second leading cause of emergency room visits for youth
Burnout is on the rise

It’s for the parent to decide whether the risk is worth the reward. But from November to April — for some players once a week, and others three-to-four times — you may find a 10-year-old or a college student playing baseball in Northeast Wisconsin.

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Rec Sports

Marcus Johnson’s 40 points lead Garfield Heights win; Lutheran East avenges loss to Warrensville at NEO Youth Elite Christmas showcase

Published

3 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Marcus Johnson grew up coming to his father’s holiday basketball showcases at Garfield Heights.

He led the Bulldogs each of the last three seasons at the NEO Youth Elite Christmas Classic and had one more to play Sunday as a senior at the school. Johnson, the state’s reigning Mr. Basketball winner and a South Carolina recruit, put a bow on his holiday performances by scoring 40 points and leading his team to a 74-70 win against Glenville.

“I wanted to go out with a bang,” Johnson said. “I knew it was my last time playing my dad’s event like this. I wanted to give it my all.”

His father, Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson played a smaller lineup against Glenville. With it, the Bulldogs matched the speed of the Tarblooders’ quick guards.

They gave the hosts all they could handle early in a back-and-forth game.

The Bulldogs (4-4), who are ranked sixth in the cleveland.com Top 25, pulled away in the fourth quarter to take a 15-point lead. Johnson led much of it with three of his seven 3-pointers in the final period. Sophomore guard C.J. Williams added 10 points and found Johnson on three of his 3s.

Williams finished with four assists and three steals in what he called a “must-win game” after the Bulldogs lost three games at the highly decorated City of Palms Invitational in Florida.

“After coming down from Florida after all those games, it was pretty tough for us,” Williams said.

The three teams they played had multiple Division I college recruits, headed to schools such as Duke and Indiana.

Against Glenville (2-4), which reached last season’s Division IV state semifinals, the Bulldogs overcame a strong effort by the Tarblooders’ starting five. Jahi Hobson led them with 16 points before fouling out. Arvell Nelson Jr. added 15 points, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the final score. Gio Ramos added 14 points and 16 rebounds, while Garry Pritchett Jr. had 14 points before leaving with a leg injury in the fourth.

Their game was one of five played Sunday at Garfield Heights. Here is what else happened:

No. 2 Lutheran East 60, No. 10 Warrensville Heights 38: Sophomore guard Dylan Zeigler scored the first and last points of the Falcons’ convincing win, avenging last year’s loss to Warrensville at this event.

Zeigler, who finished with 20 points, didn’t forget that.

“They were talking a lot of trash, and we took it disrespectfully,” Zeigler said, “and we took it to them.”

Zeigler knocked down one of his two 3s early to get the Falcons (6-0) going, and he capped off the night with a slam dunk before time expired.

The Tigers (3-3) hung around through the first half. They trailed by only two points after one quarter and six at the break. Their aggressive defense, filled with presses and traps, is what Zeigler and his teammates said they expected.

They adjusted accordingly with quick passes to break that defense. Junior point guard Chris Hill served as the maestro with seven assists, including a behind-the-back pass to freshman Bryce Irby for a slam dunk in transition.

Hill scored 11 points and had three steals. Ocho Davis scored 13 points, while Warrensville got eight points off the bench from Camden Hill.

No. 7 Hawken 87, Rhodes 80: Sophomore guard Ice Taylor scored a game-high 25 points, while senior Greg Price took home MVP honors for his 24 points, which included nine in a strong start for the Hawks (8-1).

They needed it, as Rhodes (4-2) rallied within five points in the fourth quarter. Senior guard Jahavi Dye led the Rams with 20 points. He scored 15 in the fourth with three of his four 3s in that final stretch.

Hawken had a 21-point lead in the third quarter, but turnovers fueled Rhodes’ comeback attempt.

No. 15 Akron Garfield 73, No. 12 Euclid 71 (2OT): Monty Thompson Jr.’s jump shot from the baseline beat the buzzer in the second overtime and lifted the Rams (8-1), who needed more heroics just to reach that point.

Senior guard Rayshawn Hamilton, who scored a game-high 27 points, forced the second overtime with a buzzer beater on an over-the-head pass with 1.9 seconds left from Avanti Caldwell under the opposite-end hoop. Thompson, who scored 17 points off the bench, also beat the third-quarter buzzer with a 3-pointer. Thompson hit three 3s, while Terion Chapman added 14 points and Reggie Edwards pulled down 11 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Mekhi Asberry led the Panthers (5-3) with 19 points, including five 3s. Kye Owens scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds with his 6-foot-8 frame.

Richmond Heights 74, Orange 56: The Spartans (5-5) scored the first 14 points and maintained a lead of at least eight points for the rest of their opener at Garfield Heights. Sophomore point guard Dereon Barber paced Richmond Heights with 21 points, while senior guard Khyell Moreland added 20 points, including four 3-pointers.

Freshman guard Aaron Lewis, nephew of former Northeast Ohio standout Trey Lewis, scored 22 points to lead the Lions (2-6) off the bench. He connected on four 3s.

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Rec Sports

PERFECT GAME EXPANDS PRESENCE IN PACIFIC RIM, STRENGTHENING YOUTH BASEBALL DEVELOPMENT |

Published

3 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SANFORD, Fla., Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a significant expansion of its presence across the Asia-Pacific Zone, with a strategic focus on the 10-15 year-old age group. The initiative will be led in partnership with longtime Japanese youth baseball executive and coach Takaharu Nasu, as Perfect Game continues to grow its global footprint and strengthen pathways for elite youth development.

As part of this expansion, Perfect Game will increase its operational and developmental presence in key baseball markets including Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and additional countries throughout the region. The effort reflects Perfect Game’s long-term commitment to supporting the global growth of the game while maintaining its standards for competition, scouting and player development.

Among the enhancements planned for the Asia-Pacific Zone expansion is the introduction of Perfect Game’s DiamondKast® technology, the company’s industry-leading digital scoring and data platform. DiamondKast will provide teams, players, families and coaches in the region with real-time game data, advanced statistics and expanded visibility aligning the Pacific Rim experience with Perfect Game events worldwide. Additionally, showcases in various locations will be held to measure individual player data while discovering talented youth baseball players throughout the region.

“This expansion represents a major step forward in Perfect Game’s international vision,” said Perfect Game Chairman Rick Thurman. “With Takaharu Nasu’s leadership and deep understanding of the baseball culture throughout the Pacific Rim, we are positioned to create meaningful opportunities for young athletes while connecting global baseball communities.”

The continued growth in the Pacific Rim will also lead to Asian youth baseball teams competing in Perfect Game events in the United States beginning in 2026, offering players a unique opportunity to measure themselves against top domestic competition and experience elite-level events firsthand.

Nasu brings over a decade of experience in international baseball development and administration, with strong relationships across Asia’s most established and emerging baseball markets. For the past eight years, he has served as the representative director of the Japan Pony Baseball Association, where he has also spent the last decade coaching the Ichihara Pony team. His role will focus on building sustainable programs, aligning local organizations with Perfect Game standards, and creating long-term pathways for international participation.

“By bringing Perfect Game and its technology to the Asia-Pacific Zone, we will be able to discover promising players from the region that otherwise may have gotten overlooked for various reasons,” said Nasu. “We strongly believe that Perfect Game is a league that is in line with the times and a baseball organization that can help produce many future top players.”

Perfect Game’s Asia-Pacific Zone initiative underscores the company’s broader mission to grow the game globally, foster competitive excellence and provide young athletes with unmatched exposure and development opportunities no matter where they play.

Media contact:

Greg Casterioto / Gcasterioto@perfectgame.org / (267) 246-5709

About Perfect Game

Perfect Game is the world’s largest elite youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, producing nearly 10,000 events, hundreds of thousands of games and showcases each year across the country. Perfect Game is dedicated to giving amateur players exposure to take their game to the next level, whether that be in college or in the professional ranks. At Perfect Game events, players perform with top-level competition in front of college recruiters and professional scouts from all over the country. Because of this, these events prove to be invaluable to college coaches as well as Major League Baseball, as they can scout a large population of talented ballplayers in one location. To date, more than 2,383 players that have played in a Perfect Game event have also played in Major League Baseball. Since 2003, 15,797 Perfect Game alumni have been selected in the MLB First-Year Amateur Player Draft. In the 2025 Draft, for example, 92 percent of all players selected had played in Perfect Game events, and every player selected on the Draft’s first day had previously attended Perfect Game events.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/perfect-game-expands-presence-in-pacific-rim-strengthening-youth-baseball-development-302650173.html

SOURCE Perfect Game USA

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