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Rec Sports

Gulf Coast Recreation Classic Is Next Week At John R. Jones Ballpark : NorthEscambia.com

Next week, Escambia County Parks and Recreation will host the 2025 Gulf Coast Recreation Classic at the John R. Jones Ballpark at 555 East. Nine Mile Road. The games begin on Monday, June 23 and last until Saturday, June 28. Game times are 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:15 p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturday games will […]

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Next week, Escambia County Parks and Recreation will host the 2025 Gulf Coast Recreation Classic at the John R. Jones Ballpark at 555 East. Nine Mile Road.

The games begin on Monday, June 23 and last until Saturday, June 28. Game times are 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:15 p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturday games will begin at 9 a.m. Roger Scott Athletic Complex, located at 2130 Summit Boulevard., will host the 10U division games June 23-24, 26-27 at 5:30 and 7:15 p.m.

There will be 62 recreation-based all-star teams participating in the Gulf Coast Recreation Classic, including teams from Escambia County, City of Pensacola, City of Gulf Breeze, Santa Rosa County, and Okaloosa County. Teams consist of youth baseball players ages 7-15. The tournament is open to the public at no charge. All spectators are welcome to support the recreation all-stars.

Escambia County teams include players from Northwest Escambia Baseball (NWE), Perdido Baseball, NEP Baseball, Molino Recreation Association, and West Pensacola Baseball.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these all-star teams back to Escambia County for another great year of youth sports,” Escambia Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said. “It’s an honor to be selected to host these teams, and I’d like to give a special shoutout to our staff who works hard to make this event happen. The passion our players and their families have for youth sports is what makes events like this possible. We look forward to a great week of youth sports and invite everyone to come out and join us.”

Pictured: NWE 10U at the Gulf Coast Recreation Classic. File photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.



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Rec Sports

Buffalo Wild Wings Receives 2025 ESPN Corporate Community Impact Sports Humanitarian Award

ESPN’s ESPY Awards recognize the very best in sports, honoring everything from Best Play to life-changing humanitarian efforts. This year, Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) received the ESPN Corporate Community Impact Sports Humanitarian Award for its longstanding ALL STARS partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Annually, the BWW Foundation partners with Boys & Girls Clubs […]

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ESPN’s ESPY Awards recognize the very best in sports, honoring everything from Best Play to life-changing humanitarian efforts. This year, Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) received the ESPN Corporate Community Impact Sports Humanitarian Award for its longstanding ALL STARS partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Annually, the BWW Foundation partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide essential funding for sports equipment and jerseys for the athletes as well as training for the coaches.

The BWW Foundation accepts the 2025 ESPN Corporate Community Impact Award (from left to right): Stuart Brown (BWW Foundation), Marc Seto (Boys & Girls Clubs of America), Bobby Pancake (High 5 Hospitality), Darcy Bruns (Grube, Inc.), Catherine Stranberg (BWW Foundation), and Chad Hartman (Boys & Girls Clubs of America).

“We believe every kid deserves to play, and we’re determined to close the access gap and make sure as many children as possible have the chance to become a champion,” said Inspire Foundation Executive Director Stuart Brown. “This award is an incredible honor, because it celebrates the power of access, opportunity, and sports to change lives.” 

To celebrate, the BWW Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America hosted a special event with Atlanta Dream guard and WNBA standout Rhyne Howard during the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. Rhyne spent an afternoon with local LeGore Boys & Girls Club kids, sharing her journey from community courts to WNBA stardom as motivation for kids to view sports as a pathway to success.

Driven by its mission to fuel champions of the next generation by providing access to youth sports, the BWW Foundation has helped nearly three million Club kids get in the game since 2013 – and it shows. While only 20-28% of America’s youth get an hour of recommended daily physical activity, more than half of Boys & Girls Club members exercise an hour a day, five days a week. The ALL STARS program also provides structured sports programming to encourage community building and grow team sports skills for success on and off the court.  

The ALL STARS program is supported by fundraising efforts like Team Up for Kids, the BWW Foundation’s annual fundraiser that supports local youth programs. It’s through this yearly campaign that 1,200 BWW sports bars fundraise, volunteer, and advocate on behalf of community programs to make team sports and other resources more accessible to youth in their communities. 

The Inspire Foundation exists to ignite and nourish change for good. In 2024, Inspire’s brand foundations gave more than $23 million to support youth-related organizations, making a difference in the communities we serve. To learn more about the Inspire Foundation, visit foundation.inspirebrands.com.



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Air Zoo opens new extreme sports exhibit

PORTAGE, Mich. — The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center in Portage has launched a new adrenaline-filled exhibit that takes visitors into the heart of extreme sports. “Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits” opened July 1 and runs through Oct. 31. Included with general admission, the interactive exhibit explores the science, psychology and physicality behind some […]

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The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center in Portage has launched a new adrenaline-filled exhibit that takes visitors into the heart of extreme sports.

“Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits” opened July 1 and runs through Oct. 31. Included with general admission, the interactive exhibit explores the science, psychology and physicality behind some of the world’s most daring athletic feats, from wingsuit flying and ice climbing to parkour and free diving.

Developed by Science North in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre, the exhibit gives guests of all ages a chance to test their limits through multimedia displays, hands-on challenges, as well as mental and physical skill-building activities.

“Extreme Sports is a high-energy, hands-on experience that brings science and adventure together,” Seth Welton, Air Zoo marketing and communications manager, said. “It’s designed to captivate guests of all ages with incredible stories, cutting-edge research, and the perfect blend of education and fun.”

Visitors can hear first-person stories from elite athletes, learn from experts in rescue and sports innovation, and explore how extreme athletes prepare for rapidly changing terrain and unpredictable weather.

The exhibit also highlights the intense training, focus and risk management involved in these disciplines.

“I think everybody’s fascinated with the limits of human ability, people who climb mountains, people who jump from perfectly good planes, and we want people to be able to come and explore the creativity, the innovation, and the endurance required to do all of that,” Welton said.

The Air Zoo is a Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science center that features more than 100 aircrafts, 80,000 artifacts, and a wide range of immersive exhibits and rides, making it a unique destination for families and science lovers.

More information about general admission and the exhibit can be found on the Air Zoo’s website.



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SPORTS SCOPE: farming projects keeping junior hockey alive in many communities

In small-town Canada, junior hockey is more than just a sport—it’s the heart of the community. It brings people together, fuels local pride, and gives young athletes a place to chase their dreams. In small-town Canada, junior hockey is more than just a sport—it’s the heart of the community. It brings people together, fuels local […]

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In small-town Canada, junior hockey is more than just a sport—it’s the heart of the community. It brings people together, fuels local pride, and gives young athletes a place to chase their dreams.

In small-town Canada, junior hockey is more than just a sport—it’s the heart of the community. It brings people together, fuels local pride, and gives young athletes a place to chase their dreams. But for many rural teams, staying afloat financially is a constant battle, with travel, equipment, and other costs piling up fast.

That’s where farming has stepped in.

Across the Prairies, junior hockey teams have turned to agriculture to help keep their doors open. By partnering with local farmers and businesses to grow and harvest crops, teams have created a unique fundraising model—with all profits going back into hockey operations.

These projects have helped cover everything from travel and gear to billet support and arena upgrades. More than that, they’ve created a sustainable, community-driven funding solution rooted in the values of hard work and teamwork.

As other teams across the country struggle to survive, these farm-based efforts show what’s possible when rural communities get creative. In places where both hockey and farming are a way of life, it makes perfect sense that one would help sustain the other.



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Making Fayette stronger | The Fayette Advertiser

A familiar face has returned to Fayette with a new mission to bring fitness, community, and youth athletic development to town. Elijah Nagbe, a 2010 graduate of Central Methodist University with a degree in recreational sports management, opened a 24-hour fitness facility in Eagle Plaza last November, which has since moved to a larger property […]

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A familiar face has returned to Fayette with a new mission to bring fitness, community, and youth athletic development to town.

Elijah Nagbe, a 2010 graduate of Central Methodist University with a degree in recreational sports management, opened a 24-hour fitness facility in Eagle Plaza last November, which has since moved to a larger property on the north side of the courthouse square. The Gym opened in its current location on April 21, which more than doubles the size of Nagbe’s original location.

“I’ve always had a goal of opening a gym,” said Nagbe, who spent 15 years in Kansas City working in the fitness industry, training both youth and adult clients. “Kansas City was oversaturated, and even Columbia was close. But Fayette had potential,” he said. “All it needed was someone passionate about fitness who could bring that out in others.”

The Gym is open 24/7 and features a variety of equipment, including treadmills, a stair climber, a rowing machine, a bike, a machine that mimics the movements of skiing, free weights, machines, and a turf area. Members access the facility through a mobile app and can enter and leave at their convenience. Memberships are competitively priced, flexible, with no contracts and easy cancellation. The cost of a single membership is $30 per month. A couple’s membership is $40 a month, and a family membership for two adults and two children up to age 23 (if enrolled in school) is $50 a month.

Already about 110 members have subscribed, and Nagbe says he sees consistent early morning and evening crowds. The busiest time of day is between 5 and 7 p.m., while a loyal group of early risers arrives daily between 5 and 7 a.m.

A professional bodybuilder, Nagbe also offers one-on-one personal training, with rates ranging from $45 to $55 per person based on session frequency. Personal training includes warm-ups, guided workouts with proper form and safety instruction, cool-downs, and ongoing guidance. While not a registered dietitian, Nagbe offers nutritional recommendations and helps clients track their habits.

“Fitness has done a lot for me,” Nagbe said. “I want people to give me a chance to show them what it can do for them.”

The Gym’s current space was originally built as a Dollar General store. After sitting empty since the store moved to a larger location on South Church Street, it was purchased by Central Methodist, housing the Eagles’ e-sports and golf teams. The original location on the west side of the square in the new Eagle Plaza proved to be too small. Later, when a new restaurant, LaFayette on the Square, decided to become the building’s anchor on the southwest corner, it quickly became apparent it needed more space. The university was quick to offer The Gym a larger space in its former e-sports location, which allowed Nagbe to expand his long-term goals to include youth sports performance training.

With a turf area already in place, Nagbe envisions small group training sessions focusing on strength, conditioning, and agility for student-athletes. His prior experience training kids ages 6-18 through in Kansas City is a key part of his vision for expanding youth programs in Fayette.

“I look at places like Harrisburg where youth athletics are thriving,” he said. “Fayette has the kids to do the same. They just need someone to help guide them.”

Nagbe emphasizes communication with members, regularly seeking feedback on what equipment or services to add next. Plans are in motion to add a leg press and possibly more cardio machines soon.

The Gym also features two private bathrooms with showers and offers a $15 guest pass, though first-timers can often try the facility for free by contacting Nagbe directly through The Gym’s website at thegymfayette.com.

In addition to running The Gym, Nagbe also works at Commercial Trust Company and keeps busy with both responsibilities. “I’m here by 4:45 every morning,” he said. “Then I work a full day at the bank and return to the gym in the evening. It’s long hours, but I love it.”

Last week, Nagbe held his first-ever Ladies Night, introducing around a dozen area women to The Gym.

“We’re a place where everyone feels welcome, encouraged, and uplifted, no matter where they are in their fitness journey,” Nagbe said about the special event.

“We’re more than just weights and workouts, we’re building a community.”

The Gym can be found online at thegymfayette.com, on Instagram (@_thegymfayette), and Facebook (The Gym – Fayette). Nagbe also posts motivational content and encourages followers to take part in his personal challenge of spending 30 minutes a day in nature, a streak he intends to personally maintain every day in 2025.

“This isn’t just about weights,” he said. “It’s about showing people that movement, health, and community can change your life.”





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U.S. Youth Futsal National Championships to Move to Richmond in 2026 – SportsTravel

The 2026 U.S. Youth Futsal National Championships, the largest youth futsal tournament in the country, will be held in Richmond, Virginia, at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. The Henrico Sports & Events Center has hosted events such as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championships, Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship and the upcoming 2027 NCAA […]

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The 2026 U.S. Youth Futsal National Championships, the largest youth futsal tournament in the country, will be held in Richmond, Virginia, at the Henrico Sports & Events Center.

The Henrico Sports & Events Center has hosted events such as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championships, Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship and the upcoming 2027 NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship. Richmond’s futsal community, led by FutsalRVA, has elevated the sport throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

“We’re honored that the Henrico Sports & Events Center has been selected to host the 2026 U.S. Futsal National Championships,” said Dennis Bickmeier, executive director of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority. “This prestigious event brings top-level athletes and fans from across the country, creating significant economic impact for our community while highlighting Henrico and the region as a top-tier destination for national championship events.”

It will be the first time in the tournament’s two-decade history that the event will take place outside of Kansas City. The decision to move the National Championships follows years of record participation and growing demand.

“This is an exciting milestone for U.S. Youth Futsal,” said Jon Parry, president of U.S. Youth Futsal. “As futsal continues to grow rapidly across the country, this move reflects our commitment to expanding the game’s reach and providing a national stage for elite competition. Richmond and Henrico County offer world-class facilities and a passionate soccer and futsal community — the perfect combination to host our most prestigious event.”



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America could learn a lot from the youth baseball bleachers

Our youth baseball season just wrapped up yesterday, at least locally. My son Sam’s 12U team played their hearts out in Everett this weekend, and in less than 48 hours, we’re packing up and heading to Cooperstown, New York, the baseball holy land, for a big national tournament and summer camp. He’s beyond excited. I’m […]

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Our youth baseball season just wrapped up yesterday, at least locally.

My son Sam’s 12U team played their hearts out in Everett this weekend, and in less than 48 hours, we’re packing up and heading to Cooperstown, New York, the baseball holy land, for a big national tournament and summer camp.

He’s beyond excited. I’m packing sunscreen, ibuprofen, all the portable chargers, and a deep, quiet hope that no one schedules an 8 a.m. game.

I’ll be spending even more time with the same group of families I’ve been sitting next to all season: cheering through rain, sunburns, and questionable umpire calls.

And after months of games, Gatorade, and forgotten gloves, I’ve come to a conclusion. Hear me out.

The way to fix the divide in America … is for every adult in America to pick a random youth sports team and get irrationally, emotionally, unreasonably invested.

I’m serious. You don’t even need to have a kid. I am talking full commitment. Memorize the lineup. Bring your own sunflower seeds.

Just find a group of middle schoolers in mismatched jerseys and yell things like “Good eye!” and “Way to battle!” like your country depends on it. Because maybe it does.

On my son’s team, one parent is all in on MAGA. Cut off Trump shirt. Loud voice. Sunburned shoulders.

Another parent once took issue with something I said on-air about Tesla owners being perceived as more conservative lately, “I’ll have you know, I’m a liberal,” he said.

And yet, there they all were: high-fiving after a close play at the plate and tag-teaming to hand out post-game cupcakes like they had been allies for years.

Nobody’s yelling about the electoral college. We’re yelling “Run it out!” to a kid who just tripped over first base.

It is a strange little world, and it works. It works because we are all there for the same reason. We want the kids to try hard, have fun, and remember to wear a cup. That is the agenda.

Imagine applying that energy to real life. Instead of arguing on Facebook about the fate of the nation, maybe just argue about who’s on snack duty.

You learn a lot in those bleachers. Like how to root for someone else’s kid. How to cheer when a kid who struck out last game finally makes contact. How to hold your tongue when the ump calls your kid out on a pitch that was closer to Spanaway than the strike zone.

It sounds ridiculous. It is ridiculous.

But also … maybe it’s not. Because cheering on a kid who is not yours feels surprisingly good.

And what if we tried that in the real world? What if we encouraged a coworker we disagree with? What if we applauded a stranger who did something decent?

What if we stood on the sidelines and shouted “You’ve got this” to someone we did not vote for?

That is what we do in youth baseball.

We cheer for the effort. We cheer for growth. We cheer for kids we barely know.

And somehow, in our tiny corner of the world, it works.

Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News” with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast here.





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