TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/Gray News) – Two children in Idaho are critically injured after a tree fell on them while they were waiting for the school bus.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office said high winds caused rotten trees to fall on power lines before collapsing on the children.

The kids, both under the age of 10, and an older sibling were waiting outside for their bus when the tree collapsed. According to the sheriff’s office, the older sibling was not injured.

Aaron Hudson, the Twin Falls fire deputy chief, told KTVB first responders had to first get the kids out from the tree and downed power lines before they could prepare them for transport.

The sheriff’s office said one of the children was taken to the hospital by ambulance, while the other was airlifted.

According to Hudson, the weather conditions caused difficulties during transport. He said that it prevented the helicopter from going any further than the local hospital.

The family of the children has started a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses.

Copyright 2025 KMVT via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Welcome to another Feel Good Friday from our friends at GoFundMe, where we celebrate the stories that remind us why youth sports matter far beyond wins and losses. Today’s spotlight features five remarkable fundraising campaigns that showcase how communities are supporting youth athletics through grassroots fundraising.

Community Rallies to Save Lōkahi Water Polo Club After Vandalism

The Lōkahi Water Polo club recently faced a heartbreaking setback when they discovered that three of their four inflatable goals had been slashed with a knife or scissors. These goals are essential for the community-based team, which consists of kids ages 6 to 18 who practice right in the ocean. While the damage felt like a targeted attack, the club is using the experience to teach its players about perseverance and grit. They are refusing to let the incident dampen their spirit of unity and Aloha.

The community quickly rallied behind the team to make sure the kids could keep playing. One local coach even lent the club a goal to keep them operational, while parents jumped in immediately to patch the damaged equipment. To help cover the costs of the expensive goals, which run about $600 each, the club turned to the community for help. A GoFundMe was set up to raise the necessary funds for replacements, and the response was more than they could have hoped for.

Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support, the GoFundMe exceeded its goal. The club now has enough money to repair the nets and replace their equipment, ensuring they can continue practicing for the USA Water Polo Jr. Olympics. Even when the world isn’t full of Aloha, the team is proving they can power through any challenge. As their motto says, “We are the storm,” and this community support has ensured the club will come out stronger than ever.

Sunset Park Shines: PS 503 Basketball Program Soars on Wave of Community Support

Sunset Park basketball players at PS 503 are preparing for their third season, determined to build on the success of their championship winning, undefeated season last year. The Title 1 school team, representing a community filled with resilience and heart, continues to show a strong commitment to pushing themselves academically and athletically. The program is helping students build something bigger than basketball as they become the pride of Sunset Park.

To ensure the athletes have the necessary tools, gear, and support to compete at a high level, the coaches launched a GoFundMe with a goal of $6,200. The community’s response was spectacular, quickly surpassing the initial target. 

The generosity from the community directly impacts the young athletes and helps the school build a program that inspires the entire neighborhood. The support for the team is a testament to the belief in what these kids can achieve, a spirit that helped spark their special, undefeated season last year. The team is ready to rise to any challenge as they prepare for their upcoming season.

Tampa Bay Community Rallies to Raise $8,500 for Youth Tennis Ministry and After-School Expansion

For seven years, Serving Youth Tennis has been dedicated to building biblical character and creating pathways to college for at-risk youth throughout the Tampa Bay Area. What started as a small ministry with a few donated racquets has blossomed into a life changing program where kids grow in skill, character, and faith. The organization provides completely free tennis instruction, summer camps, and academic incentive programs, ensuring that hundreds of youth every year have access to high quality sports ministry and mentorship.

The program is currently preparing for its most ambitious chapter yet by working toward owning a dedicated facility. This space would house a full time after school program, allowing the ministry to offer daily tutoring, structured tennis training, and expanded leadership development. By having a permanent home, the organization aims to serve more children with a deeper impact, helping them feel seen and supported while they grow into the next generation of leaders and athletes.

To help turn this dream into a reality, the organization launched its 7 Days of Giving campaign. The community responded with incredible generosity, and the fundraiser successfully raised $8,500 to support the mission. “Serving Youth Tennis isn’t just a sports program — it’s a ministry,” and these funds will directly help provide the mentorship and resources necessary to build stronger families and safer communities across Tampa Bay.

Community Generosity Sends Marching Maroons to State Championship in Detroit

The Marching Maroons band recently traveled to Detroit to support the Menominee Maroons Varsity football team during their state championship finals against Schoolcraft. Following a thrilling semi-final victory, the band was determined to bring the spirit of Menominee to the big game and cheer their team on from the stands. This unforgettable journey was a major milestone for the students, providing them with the opportunity to participate in a high-stakes championship environment.

The logistics for such a trip involved significant costs for bus transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals for all band members. Although initial quotes for these travel expenses came in higher than anticipated, the organization remained committed to ensuring every student could attend. To cover the rising costs, they reopened their fundraising efforts and turned to their local community for assistance in bridging the financial gap.

Ultimately, the trip was made possible by an incredible outpouring of local support that saw nearly $10,000 raised on GoFundMe. These funds ensured that every member of the Marching Maroons could travel safely and represent their school with pride on the biggest stage in the state. The generosity of the community helped create lifelong memories for the students as they stood proudly with their team throughout the competition.

Whirlie Nation Rallies Behind State Champions for Final Goal: The Rings

The Whirlies football team is still riding high after their huge state championship win in Chapel Hill. The victory followed months of hard work that began back in January, creating memories that will stick with the players forever. Now, the coaches are looking to cap off this amazing season by getting every single player a championship ring, a well deserved reward for all their dedication.

Right now, the team is still fundraising to make those rings a reality. They’re reaching out to the entire Whirlie Nation community for a final push. Every little bit helps, whether it is $5 or $50. Folks can even sponsor a specific player’s ring with a $250 donation, or businesses can contribute $1000 or more to get some sponsor recognition.

The coaching staff is incredibly grateful for the support from the community all season long, saying they are “infinitely grateful for everything you do for us”. As they work towards this final goal, they want to assure everyone that not a single dollar will be taken for granted. It is still a work in progress, but with the community’s help, they’ll soon have those rings to celebrate their championship run.

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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.

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Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

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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.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Sioux Falls police have released details on Tuesday’s collision that killed a Pedestrian in Sioux Falls.

The incident occurred just after 5:30 pm at West 26th Street and South Lake Avenue on Tuesday.

According to police, 49-year-old Kelly Schwarz of Sioux Falls was heading east on 26th Street when he hit a 65-year-old pedestrian.

Once on the scene, first responders performed life-saving efforts, but the victim later died in the hospital.

Schwarz was arrested for third-degree DWI.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – We’re one step closer to the opening of one of the biggest developments in the Tucson area.

Early Wednesday, Dec. 17, the community gathered for a ceremony celebrating the final beam being placed for the Mosaic Quarter indoor iceplex.

This build and the field house for indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and badminton are all part of Phase I of the project.

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Family, project partners, and prominent members of the community gathered to sign the Mosaic Quarter banner and celebrate the final beam being placed.

And Mosaic Quarter CEO Frank Knott praised everyone who has worked on the build.

“I’m more happy for them that they get to see the last piece of infrastructure on the building,” Knott said.

But he added it’s much more than just a building, they really wanted to make something meaningful for the community. That involved a lot of research and community outreach.

“When you’re asking people questions and just listening, it’s an incredibly easy process, especially for a guy that’s not from here originally,” Knott said.

County Supervisor Rex Scott praised the project and the Knott family’s dedication to lifting up the community.

“Youth sports can change lives,” Scott said. “And that has been a guiding belief and a guiding principle.”

Although the structure is in place, there’s still a lot of work to be done on the 175,000-square-foot ice plex, which is expected to be finished in early 2027.

The billion-dollar project is privately financed and uses no taxpayer money.

Scott said the potential economic impact for our region is more than $12 billion.

“One of the most significant public-private partnerships,” Scott said. “Not just in southern Arizona, but throughout the state.”

This first phase alone costs $425 million, and Knott and his family said they have stayed on budget and on time.

And Knott said there’s a reason for that.

“We plan everything out as if there’s going to be a calamity every day,” Knott said. “And so, for us, this is the reward we all get for extreme logistical planning.”

The iceplex will bring in traveling teams, host events for the University of Arizona, and offer recreational memberships for the community.

You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.

Copyright 2025 13 News. All rights reserved.

From left: Lisa Licata, Sr. Director of Youth Sports Administrators for National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS); Jerry Arrington, Youth Sports and Fitness Director at Fort Belvoir; and John Engh, Executive Director of NAYS.

Fort Belvoir Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Youth Sports

Exercise and physical activity play key roles in quality of life, health and mental fitness, according to the World Health Organization, and Fort Belvoir Families have been reaping the benefits of an innovative Fort Belvoir program that has recently been awarded by the National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS).

Jerry Arrington, Fort Belvoir’s Youth Sports and Fitness Director, said he was thrilled to see their Pre-K Health, Fitness and Wellness program earn such praise, as it delivers action-packed activities, fun challenges and interactive lessons.

“To manage a sports program, you have to start developing the young kids to feed into the program as they get older,” Arrington said. “We have a Start SMART program for kids 3-to-5 years old, which covers baseball football basketball, tennis and soccer.”

The outreach program covers many areas that are helping young children build that all-important foundation that can help forge healthy habits and lead to embracing active lifestyles. Executing this initiative at three of the base’s Child Development Centers provides a valuable sports and fitness segment that introduces skills needed for soccer, basketball, football and other team sports in a stress-free setting.

Classes begin with a song and a warm-up, helping kids latch onto the importance of preparing their bodies and minds for activity. Relay races and cone drills are woven into the sessions, giving kids the chance to experience and learn about teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance.

Sessions culminate with yoga, as kids get to twist and turn their young bodies into calming poses while learning the art of relaxing and re-setting.

“The program encompasses developing team bonds and camaraderie,” Arrington says. “Plus, they get the chance to learn, have fun, and be successful.”

The department’s partnership with the Child and Youth Nutritionists has enabled children to learn about the importance of healthy nutrition and hydration choices through movement-based lessons.  

Moms and Dads report that their kids are practicing stretches, dances and exercises at home while talking about teamwork and their favorite yoga poses.

And teachers have seen noticeable improvements in attention spans, behavior and peer interaction.

George Dickson, Director of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), said the sports and fitness programs help to prepare the mind and bodies of Fort Belvoir children.

“We offer Sports and Fitness programs for all four seasons to keep our children moving and learning skills that will stay with them for their entire life,” Dickson said. “We are all very proud of our CYS Sports and Fitness Team and for being recognized by the National Alliance for Youth Sports.”

Founded in 1981, NAYS is focused on educating volunteer coaches on their roles and responsibilities. To date, NAYS Coach Training & Membership has educated more than four million member-coaches worldwide.

This is the second major award for Arrington at Fort Belvoir, who modestly credits his team.

“It’s about the staff that work with me,” said Arrington. “I’ve got a great staff – they do a tremendous job.”

Dickson said he could not agree more with that sentiment, and what it means for Fort Belvoir Families, proclaiming “Fort Belvoir Child and Youth Services (CYS) Sports and Fitness Programs are the best in the US Army!”

Paul Lara, Fort Belvoir Public Affairs Specialist

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) – Chesterfield County has announced the newest round of athletes to be inducted into its 2026 Sports Hall of Fame class.

The Hall of Fame celebrates athletes, coaches, and community leaders whose achievements have shaped the region’s sports landscape.

This year’s inductees include:

LaRee Sugg (golf) – A Matoaca High School graduate, Sugg was a standout UCLA golfer and the third African American woman on the LPGA Tour. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of Athletics at the University of Richmond.

Morgan Moses (football) – A Meadowbrook High School standout, Moses was a University of Virginia offensive lineman who was chosen by Washington in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. A veteran of four different NFL franchises, he is also the founder of the Morgan Moses Foundation.

Stan Morgan (cross country) – A Midlothian High School coach whose distance running program earned 14 state championships and 37 regional titles, Morgan is a strong supporter of the running community and Pocahontas State Park trails.

Will Bates (men’s soccer) – A two-time state champion at Thomas Dale High School, Bates was a University of Virginia soccer standout, who played on the U.S. Under-18 National Team and was drafted by the Seattle Sounders of the MLS in 2013.

Along with the induction, two new awards will be given out, the Rudi Johnson Community Impact award and the Play Chesterfield Scholar Athlete of the Year award.

The Rudi Johnson Community Impact Award is named in honor of the late Thomas Dale High School and Cincinnati Bengals standout. It recognizes an individual whose decades of service have made a lasting impact on youth sports.

This year’s recipient:

Sherman Litton – A leader in youth sports and community development for more than four decades, Litton served as president of the Beulah Athletic Association, helping to expand opportunities for young athletes.

The Play Chesterfield Scholar Athlete finalists are made up of 22 high school athletes.

Two of the finalists will be named the 2026 Scholar Athletes of the Year and have their names added to the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame Wall. The county says this symbolizes the connection between Chesterfield’s storied past and its next generation of leaders.

Each inductee will have their name permanently added to the Sports Hall of Fame Wall located at River City Sportsplex.

The 2026 Sports Hall of Fame Banquet will be held Friday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m., at the Stonebridge Recreation Center.

More details and ticket information can be found here.

Copyright 2025 WWBT. All rights reserved.