By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Youth sports will have a new look in Birmingham after Mayor Randall Woodfin announced on Friday the formation of a league beginning this summer with youth football and cheerleading, and basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer to come in future phases.

During a press conference at Legion Field flanked by members of his administration, City Councilors and area officials and leaders, Woodfin said the Birmingham Youth Sports League “will serve as the official organization to streamline organize and elevate youth sports across the Magic City.

“This is a chance for Birmingham to support and enhance the youth sports experience across our city,” he said. “We’re not just building athletes, we’re building character, community, and opportunity … Ages as young as five to 12 years old” will have the opportunity to join.

The league will be governed by an advisory team, a commissioner, an assistant commissioner, an operations director for each sport with support from the mayor’s office, Park and recreation, and the Department of youth Services.

Woodfin said the city plans to invest $500,000 in the program. “This is not just seed money from the city,” he said. Corporate sponsors will make it a public-private partnership, he added. “We’re grateful for the private sector (support),” Woodfin said.

Cedric Sparks, chief of staff for Mayor Woodfin, said uniforms in first year will be free.

“Uniforms, training, security, all of the things that we’ve seen, that are really challenging for youth sports programs, we’re taking those costs away,” he said. “The stress that comes with trying to raise revenues for those programs, those will be eliminated.”

The program is rooted in character, excellence, equity, teamwork, and accountability, the city said. In addition to athletic training, the league will focus on providing life skills, conflict resolution strategies, and academic mentorship to participating youth.

This pilot project also builds on recent efforts to revive city-run youth engagement programs like the Police Athletic Teams (P.A.T.) by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board and Birmingham Police Department.

The independent Birmingham Crime Commission highlighted the importance of such programs in its Jan. 6 report recommending “reinvest in mentorship, education, and diversion programs to reduce juvenile crime and foster positive relationships. Re-implement the Police Athletic Teams (P.A.T.) and other proven youth engagement and mentorship partnerships.”

For more information or to get involved, visit: www.birminghamal.gov/youthsports.

NEW ORLEANS — Umbrellas were out at Privateer Park on Friday, but sunnier skies lie ahead for the University of New Orleans.

UNO cut red tape with the NOLA Coalition, a collective of over 500 non-profits and businesses aimed at public safety and youth recreation initiatives. The university will collaborate with The 18th Ward, a non-profit dedicated to easing access to youth sports programs.

Through an influx of $1.95 million, UNO will renovate several athletic facilities to initiate recreation, mentorship and workforce opportunities for young people in Greater New Orleans. The plan also incorporates affordable youth athletic programs.

Structural enhancements include a turfed Maestri Field and resurfaced campus tennis courts, along with refurbished soccer pitches and swimming pools.

These amenities have been long overdue for improvement, deteriorating long before UNO’s recent financial crisis. A $10 million budget deficit has plagued the university, leading to staff layoffs and widespread furloughs this spring.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” said UNO Interim Athletic Director Vince Granito.

“It gives us the opportunity to do some upgrades on some facilities that they are going to need and [will] press our capabilities to handle, for example, tennis and some other green spaces on campus … To provide some services that [18th Ward] might need. But at the same time, allow us to do some things that will help our programs too.”

Laura Rodrigue, an attorney and longtime confidant of Governor Jeff Landry, led the charge for this public-private partnership that pushes for crime prevention through youth engagement while helping UNO transition to LSU’s fiscal system.

Rodrigue’s efforts in stringing together local, state and university leadership helped acquire nearly $2 million in state funds. Representatives of the Business Council of New Orleans, the Metropolitan Commission and the NAACP joined her at the podium on Friday.

For decades, legendary Privateers baseball coach Ron Maestri has stumped for turf to blanket the field named in his honor.

He’ll likely get his wish. An artificial surface would keep the park usable year-round for the new youth programs and disallow shortstops from dodging puddles on ground balls.

“It gives the opportunity to play or practice when you can’t, like now,” said Maestri as rain poured outside. “The opportunity to have high school games, travel teams [and] generate revenue.”

Friday’s festivities shed light on the Lakefront’s next generation. After starting a union that opens a door for New Orleans’ youngest athletes, UNO introduced its newly hired baseball coach, Andrew Gipson.

RENO, Nev. – On Friday, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents gave final approval for construction of an indoor fieldhouse and resurfacing of two turf fields at the University of Nevada.

Groundbreaking for the state-of-the-art fieldhouse, set to be located adjacent to the southeast entrance of Mackay Stadium, is set to take place later this summer with completion of the facility targeted for summer 2026.

The 72,000-square foot facility will benefit the University student body by serving in a multi-purpose capacity. The fieldhouse’s 110 yards of indoor turf and recreation space will accommodate Nevada club and intramural sports while enhancing wellness and activity for the campus community. The facility also provides a critical practice area for the Wolf Pack Marching Band and Nevada spirit teams with additional opportunities for ROTC exercises, ASUN and community events, youth sports’ activities, and pregame events.

“With the approval by the Board of Regents, the entire University stands to benefit from the new fieldhouse. In addition to the major leap forward that Wolf Pack Athletics will experience, the University’s emphasis on student success also benefits greatly,” said University President Brian Sandoval ’86. “From the very beginning, we have envisioned the fieldhouse as enhancing the student experience for all students through its multi-use nature. The student events, activities, intramurals and more that will be regularly held in the fieldhouse will further the University’s goal of health, wellness and connection for our entire campus community. I would like to express my gratitude to the Board of Regents for approving this important project.”

The fieldhouse has long been essential for Wolf Pack student athletes to train, compete, and succeed year-round. It will positively impact all 17 Nevada sports by providing training space for football and women’s soccer, batting cages for softball, and conditioning space for all Wolf Pack programs.

“Today’s decision by the Board of Regents will have a momentous positive effect on the University of Nevada. We are grateful for the support and action of the Regents, President Sandoval, and ASUN in making this possible,” said Nevada Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe. “This long-awaited indoor facility is essential for the long-term success and championship potential of our programs and student athletes. It will elevate our department, our University, and our community, and I am excited for Nevada’s College Town to come together with pride and purpose to help us make this transformational project a reality.”

Nevada Athletics is committed to securing $5-7M in philanthropic support for the Fieldhouse & Turf Fields Project to expand and improve student access to recreational opportunities that support physical and mental well-being, elevate program competitiveness, and address vital health and safety needs. The goal will be achieved through a comprehensive fundraising campaign focused on major gifts, naming opportunities and donor engagement strategies.

 

If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact the WPAA at wolfpack@unr.edu.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

Jeff Choate — Head Football Coach

“Having an indoor facility at the University of Nevada is long overdue. It is a total gamechanger for all of our athletic programs and also for our student body. The ability for our student body to recreate and have intramural sports and for our program to have the ability to prepare when the weather is inclement is something that’s needed. It is especially critical given that we’re the only Division I program in a cold-weather climate that doesn’t yet have such a facility.”

Vanessa Valentine — Head Women’s Soccer Coach

“The new indoor facility is an absolute gamechanger for our student athletes, our program, future recruits, and for the University. It shows growth and investment. We are grateful to have the support of President Sandoval and the Nevada student body, as this facility is going to help bridge the gap to the student athlete experience. We will now have the advantage of having this safe space to train year-round in a climate-controlled environment. We’re excited for this facility furthering the future of our athletic department and women’s soccer, allowing us to continue to grow and compete at a higher level.”

Victoria Hayward — Head Softball Coach

“This fieldhouse will put Nevada Softball on a completely new level. As we continue to aim even higher after winning our first Mountain West championship, this fieldhouse will be pivotal towards our offseason training and elevate our level of preparation for spring. I am excited for the opportunities this facility will provide our current and future student athletes in our continued pursuit of championships.”

 

Heather Speed, EdD, University of Nevada Vice President of Student Affairs

“A modern fieldhouse is far more than just a venue for athletics.  For our students, it will be a gathering space and a symbol of pride.  It will be a space where students will come together, celebrate their university, and experience a true sense of belonging.  That sense of community and belonging matters – it fosters relationships, strengthens identity, and improves the overall college experience.”

 

Carmina Aglubat, ASUN President

“The Fieldhouse boasts exciting opportunities for the University of Nevada. Infrastructure is always an incredible thing for universities. However, it is even better when the infrastructure is built to enhance the exciting parts of the student experience and when members of the student body can actively engage with the space. Officers of the Associated Students are excited to use the space for engaging programming; intermural and club sports members are energized to use it for practice and games; and all students have the chance to walk onto the field for both structured and unstructured activity. I always like to say, ‘now is not the time to play it small- play big.’ This initiative is the definition of playing it big. It is more than just a building; it represents a legacy full of endless opportunities for generations to come.”

As partner and corporate practice leader at Nixon Peabody, Todd Tidgewell leads a robust team of attorneys who help clients navigate complex transactions and the business challenges of today. 

In this Q&A, Todd shares how his team’s collaborative, cross-functional approach supports clients through the concerns they’re facing in an unpredictable market. He also reflects on lessons learned throughout his career, and how coaching youth sports has influenced his leadership style. 

What differentiates Nixon Peabody’s Corporate practice?

Our corporate practice brings together over 100 attorneys across all Nixon Peabody offices. What sets us apart is our fully integrated approach to corporate law. We combine deal lawyers—who focus on complex transactions—with all the practices that support those deals. This includes M&A and private equity attorneys, tax and benefits attorneys, and our immigration team. By aligning these capabilities from the start, we deliver a comprehensive set of services and ensure that we operate as a cohesive team, all pulling in the same direction.

What questions are you hearing most often from clients?

Clients are always concerned about market uncertainty, and right now, there’s quite a bit of it. This uncertainty can affect their day-to-day operations, long-term strategic goals, and even their personal lives. Our role as corporate attorneys is to help them strategize, identify risks, and understand how uncertainty impacts their business. We work closely with them to navigate these challenges, helping them feel supported and confident in their decisions.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You never really know what to expect in this career. It’s crucial to be confident, but also confident enough to ask questions, seek out education, and rely on your colleagues. And do it all while keeping a sense of humor. It’s important to stay humble, approachable, and personable. While we take our work seriously, maintaining perspective and balance is key.

Where can we usually find you when you’re not working?

I’ve been fortunate to coach my kids in a wide range of sports—from age five up to their late teens. I coach baseball and basketball, both at the competitive travel team level and in recreational leagues. So, most weekends and a few nights a week, you’ll find me on a basketball court or baseball field running around with the kids.

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