Key Takeaways

• North Charleston partners with The Sandlot Initiative and Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation on $4.5 million youth sports complex in the city’s historically underinvested southern end
• City commits $1.25+ million toward regulation baseball field, 12-U softball field, and open-air training center on Carner Avenue
• All programming, equipment, and coaching will be offered free to community youth through Sandlot Initiative model
• Project uses Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s Youth Development Park framework, deployed in 100+ facilities nationwide
• Complex will serve Military Magnet Academy, which currently lacks baseball and softball fields

Partnership Brings Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Chicora

North Charleston is moving forward with plans to build new youth baseball and softball facilities in the Chicora neighborhood through a three-way partnership with The Sandlot Initiative and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. The $4.5 million project will include a lighted regulation baseball field, a 12-U softball field, and an open-air training center on Carner Avenue.

The city has committed more than $1.25 million to the development, with partners currently fundraising the remaining capital. The project timeline depends on when full funding is secured.

Andy Brusman, founder of The Sandlot Initiative, identified the site based on specific criteria: an underserved community lacking baseball infrastructure with easy access for youth. The location sits within walking and biking distance of several schools and residential areas.

Strategic Site Selection Addresses Multiple Community Needs

The fields will be built adjacent to infrastructure already serving the southern end of North Charleston. The North Charleston Senior Center opened in December 2024, and SC Ports is constructing the North Charleston Community Wellness Center as mitigation for the nearby Navy Base Intermodal Facility.

Military Magnet Academy, located directly behind the planned complex, currently has no baseball or softball fields. The new facilities will provide the magnet high school with dedicated athletic space while serving broader community needs.

The southern end of North Charleston has historically received less investment than other parts of the city. Recent community-focused projects, including the senior center and wellness center, have begun to shift resources to the area.

Free Programming Model Removes Financial Barriers

The Sandlot Initiative will operate programming at no cost to participants. This includes equipment, coaching, and field access for youth in the community. Brusman plans to hire experienced coaches to provide high-level instruction and create pathways for players to advance in the sport.

“This is our way of bridging that gap,” Brusman said regarding socioeconomic barriers in youth sports participation.

The project incorporates the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s Youth Development Park model, which extends beyond athletics. Scott Swinson, director of development with the Ripken Foundation, explained the organization’s National Youth Mentoring Initiative focuses on character development, teamwork, and communication.

“It’s not just the sports,” Swinson said. “We’re about developing these kids from the inside out and offering them opportunities to grow with their peers.”

The Ripken Foundation has deployed this framework in more than 100 parks across the country.

First Sandlot Initiative Project Sets Replication Framework

This marks the first project for The Sandlot Initiative. Brusman indicated the North Charleston development is designed as a blueprint for additional facilities in other communities throughout the region.

The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation was started in 2001 by brothers Bill and Cal Ripken Jr., a National Baseball Hall of Fame member. Cal Ripken Sr. managed both sons on the Baltimore Orioles in 1987, making him the only father in Major League Baseball history to manage two sons on the same team. The brothers also founded Ripken Baseball, which operates camps, tournaments, and training at five locations, including one in Myrtle Beach.

via: Post and Courier

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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:

• Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
• Youth Sports events and tournament management
• NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
• Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
• Sports technology and data analytics innovation
• Youth sports facilities development and management
• 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.

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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.

New CEO brings athlete and executive experience, taking the reigns as the organization approaches its tenth year of operation

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) today announced that Olympian Benita Fitzgerald Mosley has been named the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. She formally steps into the CEO role on February 1, 2026.

“It is an honor to be selected as the Center’s CEO, and it is my goal to shepherd this organization forward with a focus on service to athletes, operational excellence, and culture change in sport,” Benita Fitzgerald Mosley said. “As an athlete, I felt safe, supported, and strengthened in my career, and I am committed to helping all athletes within the Olympic and Paralympic movement feel that same sense of support. While the Center has moved the needle on athlete safety nationally, my vision is to ensure we are building an organization that athletes can believe in, the staff can be proud of, and the public can trust and respect.”

“Serving as interim CEO over the past eight months has been a privilege, and I look forward to passing the baton to a fellow athlete with the experience and commitment to lead this organization into its next chapter,” said Board Chair emeritus and Paralympic gold medalist April Holmes. 

During her time as interim CEO, April Holmes led the organization in key initiatives focused athlete engagement, including a comprehensive stakeholder engagement campaign involving multiple listening sessions with athletes, survivors, and national governing bodies, that resulted in several important process improvements. April was also instrumental in elevating the Center’s profile in the international sport safeguarding space, which will be showcased at two upcoming symposia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“On behalf of the entire Board and the search committee, we are pleased to welcome Benita Fitzgerald Mosley as Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport,” stated Chicka Elloy, Vice Chair of the Board and head of the search committee. “Benita brings a wealth of experience as both an athlete and a leader in nonprofit, sports, and business sectors. She is well-positioned to advance the Center’s mission as the organization completes its first nine years of operation and prepares for the next era.”

About Benita Fitzgerald Mosley:

• Benita Fitzgerald Mosley is an Olympic gold medalist and an established international leader in nonprofit, sports, and business sectors.
• Benita most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Multiplying Good, whose mission is to cultivate greatness through service to others through volunteerism and public service.
• Prior to Multiplying Good, Benita served as President of FundPlay Foundation and VP of Community & Impact for LeagueApps (2020-2023), a youth sports technology company.
• Prior to that, Benita served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA from 2016-2020, leveraging the power of Sport for Good to build thriving kids and communities across the United States.
• Benita served as Chief of Operating Officer of the United States Olympic Committee where she oversaw operations functions from Olympic Training Centers and Athlete Relations to Human Resources to Strategic Planning (2013-2016).
• In her previous role as USA Track & Field’s Chief of Sport Performance, Benita led Team USA to win 29 medals at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the most of any U.S. track and field team in 20 years (2009-2013).
• Additionally, Benita served on the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics & Paralympics (2021-2024).
• A world-class athlete, Benita won a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making her the first American woman to accomplish this feat. She was a member of the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Teams. 

Need for Abuse Prevention in Sport  

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. The Center emerged in response to high profile cases of sexual abuse of minor athletes within Olympic and Paralympic sport in the mid-2010s. With the mission of making athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sport culture, the Center has since been setting safety policies, and receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints of abuse and misconduct. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.

With the goal of ensuring athletes within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement are safe, supported, and strengthened, the Center:

• Establishes safety policies, including the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).
• Investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct and levies sanctions, including temporary and permanent bans from Olympic and Paralympic Sport.
• Delivers comprehensive abuse prevention education within and outside of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
• Implements a comprehensive audit and compliance function over all National Governing Bodies (NGBs) within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement to ensure adherence to safety, abuse prevention, and accountability standards.

About the U.S. Center for SafeSport

The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center), as the nation’s safe sport organization. It furthered the Center’s independence while underscoring its authority to hold individuals accountable. It also charged the Center with developing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct in sport.

In October of 2020, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 became law, even further strengthening the Center’s independence and oversight functions while mandating minimum funding requirements for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

The Center opened its doors in March of 2017.

Reporting and Resources

Report here to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also leave a message by calling the Center at: 833-587-7233.

RAINN’s 24/7 online hotline is available for crisis intervention, referrals, or emotional support at any time. You can also call RAINN at: 800-656-HOPE (4673).

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support at 988lifeline.org or by calling 988.

Dubai 2025 was one of the most unforgettable editions of the Asian Youth Para Games, bringing together 1,500 athletes from 35 nations in December 2025 in a celebration of youth, excellence and inclusion. 

For the second time since 2017, Dubai welcomed the region’s young Para athletes, underlining its growing role as a hub for Para sport in Asia. Over four action-packed days, the Asian Youth Para Games witnessed 25 record-breaking performances, including nine world records and 16 continental records.

Dubai 2025, which took place from 10-13 December 2025, showcased unprecedented continental depth, with 30 nations claiming at least one medal and 25 securing gold, six more than at Bahrain 2021. The results reflect the rapid growth and competitiveness of youth Para sport across Asia.

Memorable performances and historic firsts

The United Arab Emirates delivered an outstanding performance on home soil, finishing with 24 medals – seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze. 

Several nations celebrated historic milestones in Dubai. Bangladesh and the Maldives won their first-ever medals at the Asian Youth Para Games, marking breakthrough moments for both nations.

Bangladesh made a stunning debut, capturing four medals, including three gold in Para athletics and Para swimming.

The Maldives also celebrated progress, securing a bronze medal in Para swimming in its second appearance. 

Medal table highlights

Uzbekistan topped the overall medals table, finishing with 254 medals, including 125 gold, a huge increase from its previous tally of 18 medals, including 11 gold.

The Islamic Republic of Iran followed with 73 gold medals (261 medals), while Japan finished third with a total of 90 medals, including 48 gold.  

Para armwrestling was included in the programme for the first time, with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan dominating the discipline by winning eight and seven gold medals, respectively.

Meet Asia’s young stars

Dubai 2025 featured some of Asia’s leading Para athletes. Para taekwondo athlete Zahra Rahimi of Iran, who won silver in the women’s -52kg K44 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and Para table tennis player Chen Po-Yen of Chinese Taipei, who is ranked World No.1 in class 11, finished on the podium in Dubai.

Dubai 2025 also set new standards for innovation, becoming the first Asian Youth Para Games to integrate AI-powered robots into operations and delivery, including during ceremonies and medal presentations.

Dreams fulfilled

The Closing Ceremony on 14 December was a vibrant spectacle, featuring a Parade of Nations and the symbolic handover of the flag to Cambodia, host of the next edition in 2029.

Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasising that Dubai 2025 was more than a sporting event – it was a journey of inspiration, unity and dreams fulfilled. He also praised the volunteers as heroes of the event.

Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, hailed Dubai 2025 as one of the finest editions ever delivered, commending the UAE’s leadership, the Dubai Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee and all partners involved. 

With record-breaking performances, historic firsts and inspiring human stories, Dubai 2025 set a new benchmark for the Asian Youth Para Games. The Games highlighted Asia’s growing strength and shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Para athletes. 

Sport brings communities together and helps young people grow confidence and resilience. Through this partnership, Kaiser Permanente supports programs that guide local coaches beyond the field, helping youth stay healthy and succeed in life.

On the field

At the clinic, coaches participated in drills and exercises that put strategies into action and gave them hands-on experience to bring back to their teams. The clinic also gave coaches the opportunity to learn directly from Kaiser Permanente experts and other professionals about best practices for supporting youth athletes.

Gabrielle Ahlzadeh, MD, a sports medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park and the official medical advisor to Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, led a session covering how athletes can play longer, prevent injuries, and maintain overall health and wellness.

“Coaches shape the way young athletes experience sport,” said Dr. Ahlzadeh. “When we equip coaches with knowledge about injury prevention and health, we’re helping them create safer, more supportive environments for the team they lead.”

Our community impact

The clinic gave coaches a chance to share ideas and strategies with each other. Programs like this reflect the partnership’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth across Southern California. By supporting the Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series, Kaiser Permanente provides health and wellness expertise that strengthens local communities and prepares young athletes and coaches for a brighter future.

Looking ahead

The Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series is the first in a series of programs planned for coaches, referees, and players ahead of the World Cup in 2026. Future events will include opportunities for youth to participate, using the power of sport to advance health, confidence, and opportunity throughout Los Angeles.

Learn more about the impact of the first clinic.

May 28, 1932 – January 1, 2026

Louise Mary (Murphy) Devaney, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and tireless community volunteer, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 93. A longtime resident of South Dennis, MA Louise brought energy, kindness, and humor to every life she touched.

Born in Boston on May 28, 1932, Louise was the beloved daughter of Louisa (Herlihy) and William R. Murphy. She spent her early years in Belmont before the family relocated to Newton Center in 1935 alongside her parents and older brother Robert, and younger siblings Gerard and Winifred. Louise grew up in a lively household rooted in Catholic values and civic spirit.

After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1949, she attended Framingham State College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach fourth grade in Wrentham from 1953 to 1960, a role that perfectly matched her lifelong love of children and learning.

In 1955, Louise married Alan Devaney, the love of her life. Together they built a home in Wrentham and started a family. While there, she co-founded the local Red Cross swimming program and, alongside Alan, helped establish the town’s Little League program. She also served as President of the Catholic Women’s Club and coached Wrentham High School’s award-winning cheer-leading squad.

Louise and Alan moved their growing family to South Dennis in 1968, where they raised five children and became deeply involved in the Cape Cod community. Louise embraced her role in local schools and youth sports, running the snack bar at the Dennis Babe Ruth field and serving as club treasurer for many years. She was also active in the Framingham State Alumni Club of Cape Cod, eventually serving as its president in the 1980s.

Volunteering was a pillar of Louise’s life. For over 30 years, she served with VNA Hospice, where her compassion and energy earned her the “Volunteer of the Year” award, not once, but twice. Even after retiring from hospice work, she continued giving back through the VNA’s thrift shop, where she made dear friends and lasting memories. Louise continued her volunteering even through her illness.

Louise also worked at Colonial Candle in West Dennis and later at the beloved local spot, The Breakfast Room, where she was known for her wit, warmth, and loyal friendships.

Family meant everything to Louise. She cherished holidays, traveling, attending her children and grandchildren’s events, backyard gatherings, and especially the annual “lobster fest.”

A devoted fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Boston College. She fondly recalled taking the bus in her youth to Fenway Park, where she watched legends like the great Ted Williams from the left field bleachers.

She is survived by her loving children: Lynn Felix and her husband Tony, Mark Devaney and his wife Laurie, Brian Devaney, and Jon Devaney and his wife Colleen and by her cherished grandchildren: Keenan, Cassandra, and Aidan and her sister Winifred Murphy. She was predeceased by her husband Alan, her son Bruce, her brothers Robert and Gerard, and her parents.

Louise will be remembered for her generous heart, her tireless spirit, and the laughter and love she brought to every room she entered.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Rt 134, S. Dennis, MA.

All are then welcome to celebrate Louise’s life at a reception at the Yarmouth House Restaurant, Rt 28, W. Yarmouth

Donations in her memory can be made to: CCHC Foundation, VNA of Cape Cod Hospice & Bereavement Support Services, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

The service will be live-streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stpiusxsy/videos

FROM FACEBOOK__Bluffton Soccer Club has announced that Spring youth soccer registration is open for U18-U15 Rec & Travel teams.

• The deadline to register is January 31.
• Schedules will be sent to coaches on March 16.
• Games begin March 28.
• U8-U10 Riverdale Tournament is May 8-10 and the U12-U15 Bluffton Tournament is May 15-17.

Register at https://blufftonsoccerohio.com/registration/