Connect with us

Rec Sports

King Clancy nominee Nurse of Oilers reflects on building opportunities for kids

Editor’s Note: The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. Each NHL Club nominates a player to be considered for this recognition, and each nominee has a unique and powerful connection […]

Published

on


Editor’s Note: The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. Each NHL Club nominates a player to be considered for this recognition, and each nominee has a unique and powerful connection to his community efforts. Today, the Edmonton Oilers nominee for the 2024-25 season – Darnell Nurse – shares his story.

Sports can have a big impact on the community, and no one represents that impact better than Free Play for Kids.

It’s a charity that provides sports programs for youth in Edmonton to play, belong, and grow in a safe and accessible environment. The programs are delivered at no cost, and they offer a support system to help newcomers, refugees, and kids who are facing tough financial situations.

When I spend time with the kids at Free Play, they remind me of the joy that comes with playing sports.

They also remind me of my dad.

My dad, Richard, was 7 years old when he immigrated to Canada. His parents were born in Trinidad, and they moved here as a family for a chance at a better life.

Many values from their journey have stuck with me. Their courage to start over and the sacrifices they made were combined with a strong work ethic. My grandpa set an example: For almost 30 years, he worked a blue-collar job at the steel factory in Hamilton, guided by the dream of giving his family the opportunity to be anything they wanted to be.

But from the perspective of a 7-year-old like my dad, coming to Canada must have been a huge adjustment. It’s a new country. The weather is a lot colder. And he probably wasn’t sure how he’d fit in.

Until he found sports.

One of the first things he did was learn to play hockey. It gave him a group of friends where he could feel welcome. From there, my dad started exploring other sports on a path that took him all the way to the Canadian Football League. The initial connection to sports changed everything and allowed him to relate to the community.

Free Play creates those connections every day for kids who really need them. Their work has empowered thousands of kids in Edmonton, and I’m proud to have partnered with Free Play since 2021.

Together, we launched the “Captain of the Week” program for all 24 elementary schools in Free Play’s network. Each week, one student at every school is recognized for their leadership qualities and invited to be my guest at an Oilers game.

I also visit Free Play to join their floor hockey games and be a mentor. I’m blown away by these kids: Their stories have a mix of resilience and innocence that really comes across when they get a chance to enjoy sports without any barriers. I have so much fun hanging out with them … and they make some impressive friendship bracelets, which I’ve been lucky enough to receive.



Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rec Sports

Fiesta Sports Foundation Unveils Playground and Sport Court at Legacy Village in Glendale

Story Links SCOTTSDALE, AZ (May 22, 2025) – Fiesta Sports Foundation, in partnership with Salt River Project (SRP), held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, May 21, at Family Promise of Greater Phoenix’s Legacy Village to officially unveil its 16th statewide playground build. “Legacy Village is an innovative approach, transforming shipping containers into […]

Published

on


SCOTTSDALE, AZ (May 22, 2025) – Fiesta Sports Foundation, in partnership with Salt River Project (SRP), held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, May 21, at Family Promise of Greater Phoenix’s Legacy Village to officially unveil its 16th statewide playground build.

“Legacy Village is an innovative approach, transforming shipping containers into homes for families in need. Fiesta Sports Foundation is honored to contribute a vital element to this sanctuary,” said Kristina Chumpol, Fiesta Sports Foundation Chief Impact Officer and Chief of Staff. “Children residing here deserve spaces to simply be kids. The playground and sport court offer essential areas that support their health and well-being. We’re eager to witness the positive impact and grateful to our partners at SRP for making this vision a reality.”

Together, Fiesta Sports Foundation and SRP partnered to provide the new Legacy Village in Glendale with a 1,085 square foot playground featuring two slides. Along with the playground, a 640 square foot sport court with one adjustable basketball hoop was installed.

Flanked by six housing units – three to each side – the vibrant playground holds a prominent place in Legacy Village on a central courtyard seen as soon as stepping into the village. Fiesta Sports Foundation’s latest playground build is the first in a community housing complex such as Legacy Village.

In addition to being the 16th playground build by Fiesta Sports Foundation, it is the sixth in partnership with SRP and the second unveiled in 2025. In February, the two organizations collaborated to build a playground at Hope Women’s Center in Coolidge.

“At SRP, we’re proud to partner with the Fiesta Sports Foundation to help create safe, inclusive playspaces that nurture children’s physical, social and emotional development,” said Michelle Speer, Senior Community Engagement Strategist at SRP. “Supporting nonprofits that strengthen the well-being of our Arizona communities is at the heart of SRP’s mission.”

The ribbon-cutting for Fiesta Sports Foundation’s newest safe playspace followed the grand opening of Legacy Village on May 6.

Legacy Village is Family Promise of Greater Phoenix’s brand-new small-scale housing development. Operating for more than 25 years, Family Promise of Greater Phoenix provides emergency shelter and social services to help families move toward independent housing and self-sufficiency.

“Legacy Village represents hope for families facing homelessness, and this new playground adds joy to that hope,” said Ted Taylor, Executive Director of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. “Thanks to Fiesta Sports Foundation and SRP, our residents now have a safe, vibrant space where children can play and families can build stronger bonds.”

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix operates five shelters to assist families facing homelessness. What makes Legacy Village unique is the six 640-square foot two-bedroom units themselves. The apartments were transformed from shipping containers that were engineering for housing.

Nestled in the heart of the highest eviction zip code in Arizona (85301 in Glendale), Legacy Village will serve a great impact to the community’s un-housed population. With the playground and sport court on-site, courtesy of Fiesta Sports Foundation and SRP, the youth will also have a brand-new space to play, providing a heightened optimism for their bright futures ahead.

ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION

Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has been a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision to create unforgettable experiences through world-class sporting events, unparalleled hospitality and life-changing community impact. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the Foundation provides charitable resources to support Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through a focus on youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on X/Instagram.

ABOUT SRP

SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest provider of electricity in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving more than 1 million customers. SRP is also the metropolitan area’s largest supplier of water, delivering about 750,000 acre-feet annually to municipal, urban and agricultural water users. To learn more, visit srpnet.com.

ABOUT FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER PHOENIX

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix envisions a community where every family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future. The organization provides comprehensive solutions to family homelessness, including prevention, shelter, and stabilization services. Family Promise takes a holistic approach, supporting children with education and care, empowering parents to secure employment and housing, and even accommodating family pets to keep families together during challenging times. Learn more at FamilyPromiseAZ.org.

 

Gallery: (5-21-2025) Family Promise Playground & Sport Court

 





Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Paso Robles tackles youth sports field shortage amid soaring demand • Paso Robles Press

City Council explores field upgrades, lighting, and new park plans as sports participation outpaces facility capacity PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles city officials are taking steps to address the growing demand for youth sports fields following a steady rise in participation over the past five years. In response to capacity and maintenance concerns raised by local […]

Published

on


City Council explores field upgrades, lighting, and new park plans as sports participation outpaces facility capacity

PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles city officials are taking steps to address the growing demand for youth sports fields following a steady rise in participation over the past five years. In response to capacity and maintenance concerns raised by local sports organizations, the City Council is directing staff to explore both short- and long-term solutions to improve access and quality of sports facilities.

Following the March 4 City Council meeting, Recreation Services gathered feedback from local sports field user groups to better understand concerns about access, field conditions, and overall capacity. The outreach included both youth and adult organizations, with 19 groups — seven adult leagues and 12 youth leagues — serving a combined 3,220 members. Input was received from seven youth organizations and four adult groups, representing about 1,290 members who regularly reserve field space for various sports.

Input from organized user groups revealed two main issues: limited field capacity and poor facility conditions. 

advertisement

Solarponics Water Heating Ad

Nine of the 11 responding groups operate year-round, emphasizing the need for lighted fields, especially in colder months. All soccer organizations expressed a strong preference for Barney Schwartz Park due to its superior field quality and amenities, while Sherwood Park was unanimously deemed the least favorable because of safety concerns like gopher holes and uneven ground. Respondents indicated they would collectively reserve an additional 49.5 hours per week if more field space were available, and up to 56.25 more hours weekly if Sherwood Park had lighting. Safety issues were also noted at Pioneer and Larry Moore parks, with further concerns raised about damage from adult play, overcrowding, and field misuse.

To address concerns about sports field capacity and maintenance, user groups recommended several improvements.Suggestions included installing lights at Sherwood Park to extend play hours, renovating fields at Sherwood and Larry Moore parks, and enhancing maintenance schedules — particularly at parks other than Barney Schwartz Park. They also proposed providing shared maintenance equipment, replacing natural turf at Barney Schwartz Park with synthetic turf or Bermuda grass to minimize closures, and adjusting reservation times, with youth groups starting earlier and adult groups later, to help ease scheduling conflicts.

Parents, coaches, and young athletes echoed these concerns and the need for field improvements during the Tuesday, May 20, City Council meeting.

Currently, the city manages 16 athletic fields shared among youth leagues, adult recreational leagues, school programs, and public use. However, following the 2026 season, the city will be losing access to the Pioneer Park baseball field since it has been sold to the Mid-State Fairgrounds. The loss of this field now means the city will need to add an additional five athletic fields to meet the 2024 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards for outdoor park and recreation facilities.

In 1982, Councilman Fred Strong started the city’s first youth soccer program. Affiliated with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Strong purchased all of the soccer equipment himself and organized the teams. 

“I never even dreamed that it would grow this big,” Strong said. “But you can’t know how much this means to me. And there is nothing I wouldn’t do to support this program, as well as the youth baseball.”

City Council unanimously approved direction to staff to explore short-term strategies to address immediate sports field capacity and maintenance needs, including installing lights and renovating turf at Sherwood Park, and encouraging PRJUSD to include public youth sports fields in future plans for the 36th Street campus. They then unanimously approved to direct staff to implement long-term opportunities to meet the growing recreational needs of the community, including advancing the plans to develop Larry Moore Park, Beechwood Park, and a Master Park, Recreational Facility, and Trails Plan and to return to the City Council with all necessary items to facilitate this direction, including appropriate CEQA review for the aforementioned items. 

The next Paso Robles City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at 6 p.m.





Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Pillich comments on team’s negotiating efforts are ‘plainly false’

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are calling for Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich to take back her comments questioning whether the team is negotiating with the county “in good faith.” In a letter, Bengals in-house counsel Emma L. Compton said the team’s conduct over the last few years has “shown a clear commitment” to negotiating a […]

Published

on


CINCINNATI — The Bengals are calling for Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich to take back her comments questioning whether the team is negotiating with the county “in good faith.”

In a letter, Bengals in-house counsel Emma L. Compton said the team’s conduct over the last few years has “shown a clear commitment” to negotiating a long-term deal with the county despite Pillich questioning their efforts.

“Indeed, the team has never shown anything but good faith in its discussions with the county,” the letter says, citing the Bengals’ work with the county to construct the Brady Music Center, Black Music Walk of Fame and extend the deadline to acquire the Hilltop property next door as proof of its commitment.

WATCH: How the Bengals are responding to the county’s latest decisions, statements

Cincinnati Bengals ask county prosecutor to withdraw public comments over stadium lease

While Pillich did not use those words directly in the commissioner’s meeting or during a 1-on-1 with the WCPO 9 I-Team, she has criticized the slow pace of negotiations and the Bengals’ statements regarding lead negotiator David Abrams.

“Our interest is in what the team says at the negotiating table, not in the media,” Pillich said in a statement last week.

The county previously announced it was shuffling its lineup of lawyers handling lease negotiations with the Bengals and Reds. The decision came after Pillich urged county commissioners to replace Tom Gableman and Frost Brown Todd with attorneys from two other firms: Dinsmore and Vorys.

WATCH: County leaders, ousted lawyer discuss changing attorney amid lease negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals

County shuffles lawyers on Bengals lease, The Banks development

In their letter, the Bengals say Gableman “has spent more time at the negotiating table with the team than anyone at the county” and confirmed they are working in good faith.

Gabelman released a lengthy statement on May 16 asserting “ongoing progress” toward a “comprehensive long term agreement” with the Bengals.

“Working with the County Prosecutor’s Office, we have been in active, daily negotiations with the Bengals regarding a comprehensive agreement and were ahead of schedule to complete a County-Bengals Term Sheet by the June 1, 2025, deadline,” Gabelman wrote.

But Pillich said last week she met with each of the county’s commissioners, who discussed their “frustration” with Gableman and their communication with their legal counsel. She told our WCPO 9 I-Team she believes the new team will advance negotiations — not slow them down.

“So as far as how the negotiations are going, I think we are … in a great, a very strong position to move forward,” Pillich said.

The team also says comments claiming the Bengals refuse to meet with the county’s outside consulting firm, Inner Circle Sports, are “plainly false.” The Bengals said team representatives have engaged with ICS “for several months,” but when the county recently asked ownership to meet with ICS, they denied the request “after the team discovered that ICS also served as a stadium consultant for the Cleveland Browns.”

Pillich said in an interview on “The Bill Cunningham Show” on 700WLW that the Bengals “may have been misled with their so-called research.” She said one former member of ICS has done work with the Browns but is no longer with the company.

“The man that we’re working with, David Abrams, has not done any work with the Cleveland Browns, but I do appreciate the Bengals trying to look out for us in their own way,” Pillich said.

During her interview with the I-Team and on WLW, Pillich reiterated that the county is intent on getting a deal done — one that will be best for Hamilton County.

“The Bengals can’t tell us who we hire to conduct the negotiations,” Pillich told us. “And the fact that we hired a bulldog to do it tells me that we did the right thing.”

We reached out to Pillich, who said, “I won’t trade barbs with the Bengals. Let’s just get the deal done.”

You can read the Bengals’ entire letter below:





Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Youth Sports Alliance shares skiers, snowboarders, skaters, sliders’ success stories

(L-R) Wes Campbell, Maddie Keiserman, Karenna Elliot, Casey Dawson, with Emily Cook moderating, comprise the Athlete’s Panel at the Youth Sports Alliance’s Circle of Excelence Recognition Ceremony. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke PARK CITY, Utah — The Youth Sports Alliance (YSA) held it’s annual Circle of Excellence recognition ceremony at the St. Mary’s Church on Sunday […]

Published

on


PARK CITY, Utah — The Youth Sports Alliance (YSA) held it’s annual Circle of Excellence recognition ceremony at the St. Mary’s Church on Sunday where being good athletes in the previous winter season had almost as much importance as being good people.

One quarter of families in the building and out on the hills are recipients of YSA need-based financial scholarships.

The seven clubs supported by YSA are Wasatch Luge, hockey’s Ice Miners, Speed Skating Club of Park City, Utah Olympic Park Bobsled and Skeleton Club, Figure Wasatch Freestyle, Figure Skating Club of Park City, and Park City Ski & Snowboard.

Olympic medalists, collegiate competitors, jr. national, and national team member athlete panelists spoke about  relatable, realistic situations like overcoming injuries, feeling homesick when traveling, embracing off-season quality time, being the new kid in town, and acknowledging that being slowest on the team at some point in everyone’s sport journey is not a permanent placement.

A slideshow rolled through highlighting every athlete present at the event. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

The first award of the night was, just like most of them for the evening, a total surprise to the recipient. YSA Executive Director, and 2034 Utah Olympics Sports and Venues Committee member Emily Fisher successfully caught one of her co-emcees Ryan Walsh off guard with the Spirit of Service Award after his decade of volunteerism not only within the YSA as an annual announcer for this event, but also throughout the local sport community.

Emily Fisher, on the microphone, nine-time Olympic announcer; including Winter, Summer, Para, and Youth, and co-event emcee Carl Roepke to her left is seen shaking the hand in congralutations to their co-emcee Ryan
Emily Fisher, on the microphone, nine-time Olympic announcer; including Winter, Summer, Para, and Youth, and co-event emcee Carl Roepke to her left is seen shaking the hand in congralutations to their co-emcee Ryan Walsh. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

Next the Hall of Fame Inductee Award was presented to Park City native and 2018 Ski Jumping Olympian Abby Hughes Ringquist. 

(L-R) Leadership Award nominees and recipient: Kate Pressgrove, Evelyn Harris, Lucas Fasio, Seth Rothchild, Abby Higes Ringquist.
(L-R) Leadership Award nominees and recipient: Kate Pressgrove, Evelyn Harris, Lucas Fasio, Seth Rothchild, Abby Higes Ringquist. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

Rinquist then handed the Leadership Award to Park City High School senior, and fellow ski jumper Seth Rothchild. She gave him a hug as the two have become friends via camps and comps at the Utah Olympic Park. 

The Sam Jackenthaul Showstopper of the Year Award was then given to an athlete in the sport making its Olympic debut in 2026, ski mountaineering (skimo). It recognizes an exceptional moment that left a lasting memory. Nominees included Jackson Crocket, Tory Hoffman, Sam Kirshner, Autumn Boyd, and Wyatt Osmundson.

Sam Jackenthaul Award presentation.
Sam Jackenthaul Award presentation including the winner holding his new plaque and on the far right Jan Alsobrook from YSA shaking the hand of Ron Jackenthaul. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

Breakthrough Performance of the year is an award given to an individual who pushed personal limits. Dash Williams won the award and Luke Miller and Brooke Greenfield were both nominees.

YSA is nationally known for it’s afterschool programs of Get Out And Play (GOAP) and Active 8. As a testament to the overall sport culture Park City fosters, there were 25 first timer and exploring student-athlete’s nominated for the elementary schools’ award for the Core Values of sportsmanship, perseverance, optimism, respect, and teamwork. Nearly three-quarters of that age range of Parkites participated last year.

YSA’s Heather Sims kneels on the right end of these GOAP participants. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

The Middle School Active 8 programming also had standout Core Values athletes John Bradley and Anna Reed there.

All-Star Awards call out the following athletes who attained significant results in regional competition.

All Stars.
All Stars. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

The Champion Award highlights athletes who attained significant results in national and/or international competition.

Champions. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

Youth Olympic Games medalist Josie Johnson’s bio was profiled in the event’s program.

After the ceremony, the food truck dinners, and the opportunity drawing, people lined up to take pictures with their friends, family, and coaches.

Olympian, coach Jon Owen (L) with his athlete Ben Wingfield.
Olympian, coach Jon Owen (L) with his athlete Ben Wingfield. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

The number of Olympic medals earned by YSA-connected athletes since the 2002 Games, which is when the nonprofit started, is 13.



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

AOTW – Damarcus Law |

Philipsburg-Osceola’s Damarcus Law has been named The Progress’ male Athlete of the Week for the week ending May 17. Law finished second in the 200-meter dash at the District 6 Track and Field Championships in Altoona with a time of 23.48. He was also third in the 100-meter in 11.30. He qualified in both events […]

Published

on


Philipsburg-Osceola’s Damarcus Law has been named The Progress’ male Athlete of the Week for the week ending May 17.

Law finished second in the 200-meter dash at the District 6 Track and Field Championships in Altoona with a time of 23.48. He was also third in the 100-meter in 11.30. He qualified in both events for the PIAA Class AA Track and Field Championships, which begin on Friday at Seth Grove Stadium in Shippensburg.

“Damarcus qualified for PIAA State Championships in two separate events,” said P-O track coach Tracy Vipond. “His time in the 200M dash of 23.01 broke the POHS all-time record.

“Damarcus is an excellent athlete, but he is equally excellent as kid.”



Link

Continue Reading

Rec Sports

Sports Facilities Companies Adds New Rinks as Youth Sports Biz Booms

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), a manager of municipal and collegiate sports venues across the U.S., announced that it will manage 13 new ice rinks as it builds its growing ice division. The firm added rinks located across 11 states, including the Breslow Ice Hockey Center at the University of Nebraska, home to the Huskers’ […]

Published

on


The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), a manager of municipal and collegiate sports venues across the U.S., announced that it will manage 13 new ice rinks as it builds its growing ice division.

The firm added rinks located across 11 states, including the Breslow Ice Hockey Center at the University of Nebraska, home to the Huskers’ men’s and women’s club hockey programs; and Indianapolis’ Elevance Health Rink at Bicentennial Plaza, which is next door to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home arena for the NBA’s Pacers and WNBA’s Fever.

In addition to an athletic center in Romulus, Mich., and a community center in Waconia, Minn., the new venues represent approximately $20 million in annual revenue.

Formerly operated by Rink Management Services, the new barns represent SFC’s deeper investment into ice hockey after the firm purchased Firland Management, a longtime operator of hockey and skating rinks, in September.

Youth hockey participation across North America is trending up again after a few years of decline. Jason Clement, the founding partner and CEO of SFC, said that while the NHL, USA Hockey and others have done a great job in turning the tide against the participation slide, rinks in the U.S. and Canada aren’t meeting the moment just yet.

“When you looked at the landscape of facilities across North America, ice facilities in general are going down,” he said in a video interview. “The numbers are going down. They’re aging. There are a lot built in the 60s, 70s and 80s, and they now need a refresh. And these communities are relying on their ice facilities, so we recognize that we had a role to play.”

SFC operates more than 90 venues for various municipalities, universities and private companies. A company representative said that the venues collectively generate more than $1 billion in economic impact in the communities served. Twenty of these assets are hockey rinks, but the rest represent a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports.

The SFC portfolio is quite large compared to that of Unrivaled Sports, the Josh Harris and David Blitzer-owned outfit that launched in 2024. The billionaire-backed player largely operates in sports played outdoors like baseball, football, soccer, snowboarding and other action sports. According to its website, it operates 15 venues and properties that are used by more than 635,000 youth athletes and have over 1.7 million visitors a year.

In early May, Unrivaled Sports picked up a $150 million investment led by Dick’s Sporting Goods, with participation from Miller Sports + Entertainment, Dynasty Equity, LionTree and The Chernin Group. The company is currently valued at around $650 million.

The youth sports industry also includes companies like Soccer Shots, which is backed by Susquehanna Growth Equity and is pulling in revenue upwards of $100 million a year. Soccer Shots, the largest company of its kind in the world, brings soccer to childcare centers, churches and parks for kids aged 2 to 8 years old.

Clement noted that the opportunities for these youth sports businesses stem from families willing to do all they can to keep their kids in sports, even in times of economic uncertainty.

“We like to say that we’ve been through a couple of cycles economically here,” he said, “and it’s been recession-resistant because families will cut a lot of things before they cut their kids’ activities and opportunities to grow.

“We didn’t just drop a bunch of capital in because we saw a financial opportunity to go monetize an industry. Instead, what we did is we said, ‘hey, we think this matters.’ We think it matters in communities. We believe in the impact that it makes, and we’re going to invest in it and we have over time.”

Capital isn’t just being invested in the fields of play but the cameras and microphones that capture the action of youth sports. On Wednesday, LiveBarn, a youth sports streaming service with investments from Susquehanna Growth Equity and Ares Capital, announced that it brought on Raymond James as an adviser for a potential sale. In April, PlayOn purchased MaxPreps from Paramount/CBS Sports for an undisclosed sum.

SFC isn’t a media company, but in the increasingly lucrative youth sports landscape, Clement said that its objectives remain clear: to help communities achieve whatever goals they’re aiming for, whether it’s sports tourism, hitting financial targets or increasing community usage of the properties it manages.

“We’ve created a custom approach to serve these communities well. And the reality is by our marketing teams’ effort, 70% of municipalities still don’t even know our services exist. So every town—from New York City to Marshalltown, Iowa, where I’m from—is trying to figure out how to serve their kids and their families better and leverage the assets and the resources that they have to do it.”

Despite the professed anonymity of SFC, millions of people are engaged with its properties. The company said that it has nearly 30 million annual guest visits across its venues. The new ice properties will account for 2-3 million combined guest visits per year.

SFC’s highest-profile project just opened in April in New York, where it already operates several venues. The $160 million Davis Center at the Harlem Meer in Central Park opened to the public as the centerpiece of the city’s decades-long effort to revitalize the northern reaches of the park. Replacing Lasker Rink and Pool, the new facility includes the Harlem Oval, which features a riser system that can transform the space from an ice rink to greenspace to a pool than can hold up to 1,000 people.



Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending