Rec Sports
Roundup of news from Hull’s wide world of sports — The Hull Times
• After two wins in a row, the Hull High School Football Team fell to Cohasset, 28-7, on Thanksgiving Day at home. The Pirates finished their season with a record of 4-7.
• Hull High’s winter sports season gets under way in only a few weeks. The Boys Basketball team begins the 2025-26 year on the road against Calvary Chapel Academy in Rockland on Friday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m. and then plays Rockland at home on Monday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. (JV at 5 p.m.). The Girls Varsity team begins on Wednesday, December 10 at West Bridgewater at 4:30 p.m., and then will play Calvary Chapel Academy in Rockland on Friday, December 12 at 4 p.m. The JV squad will be at Rockland on Tuesday, December 16 at 5 p.m. The first meet for the Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams will be on Monday, December 15 at 4 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.
• For the full schedule for each team, visit https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=10611.
• Coaches, league organizers, and superfans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.
Thank you for your help!
Rec Sports
Subaru Partners with Philadelphia Union to Distribute Soccer Equipment to Five Local Youth Organizations
Key Takeaways
- Subaru’s Gear for Good initiative targets distribution of at least 2,026 pieces of soccer equipment through April 2026 across Philadelphia and Camden communities
- Five beneficiary organizations selected to receive new gear tailored to their program needs: Capitolo Youth Soccer Club, Dr. Henry H. Davis School, Project Primacy, Safe-Hub Philly, and Youth Development United
- Collection network includes 17 Subaru retailers and Subaru Park, with equipment flowing to more than 100 youth programs through partnerships with Leveling the Playing Field and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
- Initiative launches ahead of major soccer events coming to Philadelphia in 2026, leveraging timing to expand youth access to the sport
- Community members can donate gear through April 3, 2026, with sweepstakes prizes including a trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend
Subaru of America announced December 5 the five local organizations that will receive equipment through its Gear for Good initiative, a soccer-focused program designed to expand youth access in the Philadelphia and Camden region. The automaker structured the program around both direct equipment grants to selected organizations and an ongoing collection system that distributes gear to youth programs across the area.
Equipment Distribution Through Dual-Track System
The initiative operates through two distribution channels. The five named beneficiary organizations will receive brand-new equipment from Subaru customized to their specific program requirements. Separately, Subaru established a collection network of 17 retail locations plus Subaru Park in Chester, PA, where community members can donate new or gently used soccer gear including cleats, goalie gloves, shin guards, and balls.
Collected equipment flows to more than 100 youth programs through coordination with Leveling the Playing Field, a nonprofit specializing in sports equipment redistribution, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The collection period runs through April 3, 2026, with Subaru targeting distribution of at least 2,026 pieces of equipment. Any surplus items beyond the five primary beneficiaries will reach additional youth organizations throughout the collection period.
“At Subaru, we believe in showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America. “These organizations are already doing powerful work to support kids through the game of soccer, and we’re proud that Subaru: Gear for Good will help deepen that impact, especially as we head into 2026.”
Five Organizations Selected Based on Youth Development Mission
Subaru selected each beneficiary organization for its established work supporting local youth through soccer and sports development programs:
Capitolo Youth Soccer Club uses soccer to teach fitness, sportsmanship, respect, and community values. The club emphasizes player development through experimentation and creativity without judgment.
Dr. Henry H. Davis School in East Camden serves approximately 475 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade across various learning modalities. The school is named after Camden’s first medical inspector, whose work in school health and nutrition saved children’s lives in the early 1900s.
Project Primacy focuses specifically on Black and Brown children in inner-city Philadelphia, providing access to sports, mentorship, and development opportunities. The foundation runs free soccer clinics and fundraising events including its “Dribble & Carry” Broad Street RUNdraiser.
Safe-Hub Philly operates soccer-based out-of-school-time programs focused on personal development, health, education, and employment. The organization positions soccer as a stigma-free entry point for families to access supportive services.
Youth Development United provides children from under-served communities with extracurricular opportunities through sports and recreational programs, offering after-school and weekend activities that increase access to mentorship, wellness, and personal development.
Partnership Leverages Existing Infrastructure and Nonprofit Expertise
The program builds on existing relationships between Subaru, the Philadelphia Union, Leveling the Playing Field, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Subaru already has naming rights to the Union’s home stadium in Chester, giving the company an established presence in the region’s soccer community.
Leveling the Playing Field brings operational expertise in equipment collection and redistribution. Founded in 2013, the organization addresses cost barriers in youth sports by collecting and sorting donated equipment, then supplying it to schools, community programs, and youth organizations. This model allows youth programs to redirect limited budgets from equipment purchases toward transportation, nutrition, staffing, and program expansion.
“Partnering with Subaru in celebration of the global soccer heading to Philadelphia greatly amplifies our mission, to expand access and equity within the realm of youth sports,” said Kaitlin Brennan, Chief Operating Officer of Leveling the Playing Field. “This effort provides children with the opportunity to get involved with sports at a young age, granting the chance to experience the holistic benefits of youth sports on their physical, mental, and emotional health.”
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation manages nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways plus 500 recreation buildings, providing the public infrastructure where much of this equipment will be used. Commissioner Susan Slawson noted the initiative aligns with the city’s preparation for hosting major soccer events in 2026.
Community Engagement Through Donation Sweepstakes
To encourage community participation, Subaru created a sweepstakes tied to equipment donations. Legal U.S. residents age 18 and older living within a 75-mile radius of Subaru Park can enter for a chance to win prizes including a trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend. The sweepstakes runs concurrent with the collection period through April 3, 2026.
The initiative launched on the same day as draw announcements for soccer events coming to Philadelphia in 2026, timing designed to leverage heightened interest in the sport. Charlie Slonaker, Chief Revenue Officer of the Philadelphia Union, connected the equipment access initiative to broader participation goals.
“The Subaru: Gear for Good initiative helps remove equipment barriers, so access is determined by passion, not resources,” Slonaker said. “With the excitement of 2026 coming to Philadelphia, we’re proud to work with Subaru of America and Leveling the Playing Field to expand opportunities for youth across the area and help continue to grow the game.”
Strategic Context for Corporate Youth Sports Investment
The initiative represents Subaru’s approach to community engagement in a region where it maintains significant retail and branding presence. The company operates through approximately 640 retailers nationwide and manufactures vehicles in zero-landfill plants. Over the past 20 years, Subaru of America and its foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes aligned with company values, with employees logging over 115,000 volunteer hours.
For the Philadelphia Union, the program extends the club’s youth development focus. The Union has signed 25 academy prospects to homegrown player contracts and operates Philadelphia Union II, the Academy, Foundation, and Youth Programs under parent company Union Sports and Entertainment LLC. The club’s waterfront campus in Chester includes a training complex and over seven acres of professional-grade practice pitches, with a newly announced WSFS Bank Sportsplex featuring an indoor fieldhouse and seven outdoor fields.
The timing ahead of 2026 positions the initiative to capitalize on increased soccer interest while addressing equipment access barriers that limit youth participation. By distributing gear through established community programs and municipal recreation systems, the partnership aims to reach families who face cost barriers to sports participation.
Community members interested in donating equipment or learning about sweepstakes eligibility can find details at philadelphiaunion.com/SubaruGearforGood.
via: Subaru of America, Inc.
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
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.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
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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.
Black Bear Sports Group is the private equity-sponsored organization that purchased Wings West in October and plans to reopen it next year. They’ve allegedly been buying struggling ice rinks and forcing their resident youth hockey teams to pay premiums for in-house services like insurance and game streaming.
That’s according to a report by investigative news outlet The Lever published last month.
The report says that parents are not allowed to record their kids’ games. Instead, they can opt to use Black Bear TV, the company’s streaming service that costs between $25 and $50 per month. Black Bear also charges each player $50 a year for registration and insurance fees.
A source connected with a Kalamazoo ice user group that uses Wings West spoke to WMUK on the condition of anonymity so they don’t jeopardize their relationship with Black Bear. They said that Black Bear has proposed an hourly ice rate that’s 30% more expensive than the previous owner’s rate. For locker room rentals, they plan to charge about twice as much annually.
Black Bear is allegedly forcing the source’s group to purchase their uniforms from a partner in New Jersey called Breakaway Sports – business that, in the past, went to local manufacturers.
They’ve also been asked to tack a brand partnership onto their longtime club name. According to the source, Black Bear has threatened the group with heightened fees if it fails to comply.
At the time of publication, Black Bear Sports Group has not responded to WMUK’s requests for comment by phone and email.
Brad VandenBerg — managing director of Stadium Management Corporation, which sold Wings West to Black Bear in October — declined to comment.
Together, We Change Lives
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 5, 2025 / Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report
Today we’re bringing you the latest quarterly giving series from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to highlight the great work being done in support of our mission to help inspire and enable youth sports participation.
In our third quarter of 2025, we:
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Committed up to $2 million in matching funds to The Josh Gibson Foundation to build a new state-of-the-art youth sports facility in Pittsburgh.
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Supported coaching summits in Chicago and New York City to give coaches tools to communicate with and empower youth athletes.
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Put more gear that gives back on store shelves.
Read on to learn more.
Coming Soon: The Josh Gibson Champions Club & Sports Matter Center
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation will contribute up to $2 million in matched donations to The Josh Gibson Foundation to build a new state-of-the-art youth sports facility in the Pittsburgh area.
The new facility, which will be called The Josh Gibson Champions Club & Sports Matter Center, will be developed and managed by The Josh Gibson Foundation. Designed to promote the mental, emotional and physical well-being of children, the facility will offer modern sports amenities, safe spaces for play and programming to help youth grow both on and off the field.
Read more about this powerful new partnership here.
The Power of Youth Sports Starts With Coaching
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and GameChanger recently joined Nike for its coaching summits to Chicago and New York City. Sports Matter grantees in those cities were invited to a free training experience led by the Center for Healing & Justice Through Sport (CHJS). Coaches walked away with tools for communicating with athletes, building team engagement and belonging and empowering youth athletes to be brave, not perfect.
Take a look back at the Chicago summit here.
Meet the Sports Matter Impact League Organizations
This year we launched the Sports Matter Impact League, making three-year commitments to nine incredible organizations in nine cities across the country. Now we want to introduce you to those organizations! Watch this video to learn more about them and all the great work they do to support youth athletes.
Gear That Gives Back
DICK’S Sporting Goods athletes (consumers) helped us turn shopping into support! Through a grant made possible by DSG’s giveback program, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Sports Matter Program donated a $100,000 grant to Kesem, a national nonprofit organization helping children cope with a parent’s cancer by offering free summer camps, day programs and virtual meetups.
Rec Sports
‘Horrible location:’ Proposed Eagle Costco sparks heated backlash and traffic concerns in a neighborhood meeting
Tensions flared as nearly 200 Eagle residents packed a gymnasium to oppose Costco’s plans, voicing concerns about traffic safety and community character.
EAGLE, Idaho — Nearly 200 Eagle residents filled the gymnasium at Eagle Academy High School on Thursday night to voice concerns about a proposed 160,000-square-foot Costco warehouse and fuel station at the intersection of Highway 55 and Hill Road.
The membership-only retailer wants to build on 27 acres that once housed the Masterpiece Quarry, which closed in 2003. The site has sat largely vacant since, though previous plans for a Village at Meridian-like concept never materialized. A for sale sign is currently on the property.
Highway 55 is one of Idaho’s most heavily traveled roads, and residents told KTVB traffic is already a major concern.
“There’s been a lot of development and a lot more traffic than it used to be,” said Greg Drabek, who lives near the intersection. “Eagle is not the little town it used to be.”
Erika Lunbeck, who lives just 500 feet from the proposed site, said she learned about the project only recently.
“48 hours prior to this meeting, I received a notice on my door that there was going to be a question-and-answer session here tonight,” Lunbeck said.
When the meeting turned out to be an informational open house rather than a group question-and-answer format, tensions rose among attendees.
“It’s a waste of our time to be here,” said Ray Gillenwater, who also lives near the project. “We get a three-minute spiel from a real estate developer, and then he says, now it’s an open house. Go and walk around. It’s like, well, no, we’re here to give you our feedback. We’re here to have a conversation.”
John Shaw, a director of real estate development for Costco, facilitated the meeting. He told KTVB this is the typical style of neighborhood meetings they’ve held in the past, and once a formal application is submitted with the city a public hearing opportunity would be held. He added that a neighborhood meeting is a requirement to hold before a formal application for the project to the city.
Residents could ask questions individually to engineers stationed around the room at different poster boards. The majority of people KTVB spoke to were against the project, mainly due to traffic concerns, while a few saw the project as a good economic opportunity for the area.
Engineers at Kittleson and Associates, who completed a traffic study for the project and submitted it to Ada County Highway District (ACHD), said they estimate thousands of vehicle trips to and from the Costco each day. They’ve drafted plans to widen roads and add roundabouts in the area to help with any concerns. The engineers said the traffic study could be modified before Costco submits a final application, with a traffic study to the city for consideration.
Costco is planning for approximately 900 parking spots at the location. Even with proposals for traffic improvements, residents still worry traffic will spill over into the nearby neighborhoods and roads.
“You put a business with that much volume right next to all these houses, and it just destroys the whole community,” Gillenwater said.
“It’s a horrible location,” Lunbeck said.
Lunbeck said the location is particularly dangerous because it sits across from the Optimist Youth Sports Complex.
“There are so many children crossing the streets. The amount of cars going through is astronomical, astronomical, and it’s only a matter of time before something seriously tragic will happen,” Lunbeck said. “It is a horrible location.”
She also raised concerns about local wildlife but said project members didn’t have many answers.
“We have prong horn on our street,” Lunbeck said. “We have golden eagles flying above it. These are supposed to be protected habitats, and I see no protections happening.”
Shaw did not indicate when Costco plans to submit land use applications to the city of Eagle.
Rec Sports
GEAR FOR GOOD INITIATIVE NAMES FIVE YOUTH SOCCER PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES TO HELP GROW THE GAME IN 2026
- Capitolo Youth Soccer Club (CYSC) – CYSC uses soccer as a vehicle to instill universal values of fitness, fun, sportsmanship, respect, community, access, and equality. CYSC has a unique approach and philosophy to teaching soccer, nurturing players’ passion by providing an atmosphere in which they are free to experiment, create, and fail, without fear of judgment, resulting in truly fine players and ambassadors of the Beautiful Game.
- Dr. Henry H. Davis School – The Dr. Henry H. Davis School in East Camden is named after a Camden physician, school board member, Camden’s first medical inspector, and first chief medical inspector. His work in the areas of school health and nutrition saved countless children’s lives in Camden City. Currently, the school houses Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade for approximately 475 students of various learning modalities.
- Project Primacy – Project Primacy Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on youth soccer, particularly for Black and Brown children in inner-city Philadelphia. They aim to provide access to sports, mentorship, and other opportunities to support their development. The foundation has been involved in various initiatives, including free soccer clinics, and fundraising events like their “Dribble & Carry” Broad Street RUNdraiser.
- Safe-Hub Philly – Safe-Hub provides a physically and emotionally safe space for young people to access opportunities and support through soccer-based out-of-school-time programs that focus on personal development, health, education, and employment. Their goal is to bring high-quality sports programming and supportive services to families, providing a one-stop-shop for families to receive support through the stigma-free circumstances of coming to soccer practice.
- Youth Development United provides children from under-served communities with extracurricular opportunities, inspiring them to excel. Specifically, YDU provides children and their families with memorable after-school and weekend opportunities that increase their access to mentorship, wellness, and personal development through various sports and recreational opportunities.
Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America: “At Subaru, we believe in showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter. These organizations are already doing powerful work to support kids through the game of soccer, and we’re proud that Subaru: Gear for Good will help deepen that impact, especially as we head into 2026. Every piece of equipment collected and donated brings us closer to breaking down barriers and making the game more accessible for all.”
Each beneficiary was selected for its mission to support local youth through soccer, sports, and development programs. These organizations will receive brand-new gear from Subaru tailored to their specific programs and needs. Through partnerships with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and the youth sports nonprofit Leveling the Playing Field, Subaru is also collecting soccer equipment via its donation bin network, which includes 17 Subaru retailers and Subaru Park, the Union’s home stadium in Chester, PA. This gear will be distributed to more than 100 youth programs on an ongoing basis in coordination with Leveling the Playing Field and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Collection will continue through April 3, 2026, as Subaru works toward its goal of distributing at least 2,026 pieces of new and gently used equipment.
Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: “Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is proud to stand alongside Subaru, the Philadelphia Union, and Leveling the Playing Field in a partnership that puts our young people first. Every day, we see how access to sports can open doors—building confidence, community, and dreams for the future. As we prepare for the world stage in 2026, this initiative underscores Philadelphia’s commitment to giving every young person a chance to truly see themselves in the game.”
As part of the collection initiative, community members throughout Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey can donate new or gently used soccer gear, including cleats, goalie gloves, shin guards, soccer balls, and more, through April 3, 2026, for a chance to win a range of prizes, including a trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend. The Subaru: Gear for Good Sweepstakes (official rules) is open to legal U.S. residents at least 18 years of age who live within a 75-mile radius of Subaru Park.
Kaitlin Brennan, Chief Operating Officer, Leveling the Playing Field: “Partnering with Subaru in celebration of the global soccer heading to Philadelphia greatly amplifies our mission – to expand access and equity within the realm of youth sports. This effort provides children with the opportunity to get involved with sports at a young age, granting the chance to experience the holistic benefits of youth sports on their physical, mental, and emotional health.”
Charlie Slonaker, Chief Revenue Officer, Philadelphia Union: “At the Union, we’re committed to making the game accessible to every child who wants to play. The Subaru: Gear for Good initiative helps remove equipment barriers, so access is determined by passion, not resources. With the excitement of 2026 coming to Philadelphia, we’re proud to work with Subaru of America and Leveling the Playing Field to expand opportunities for youth across the area and help continue to grow the game.”
The Subaru: Gear for Good initiative will give even more kids access to the gear they need to join teams, stay active, and enjoy the game. Any surplus donated items will be shared with additional youth organizations throughout the collection period. For more information, including donation locations, eligibility details, and official rules, visit philadelphiaunion.com/SubaruGearforGood.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
About Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union is an innovative, forward-thinking professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) and one of Philadelphia’s five major league sports teams. Driven by unprecedented fan support, MLS awarded the Philadelphia expansion franchise rights to Jay Sugarman in 2008 and the Union kicked off its inaugural season in 2010. The club has reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and has appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2020, the Union were awarded the club’s first Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular season record in MLS. In 2022, the Union reached the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history. In 2023, the Union reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, becoming the only Eastern Conference team to reach the semifinals in four of the last five seasons.
The Philadelphia Union is part of parent company Union Sports and Entertainment LLC, which also operates Philadelphia Union II, the Philadelphia Union Academy, Philadelphia Union Foundation and Philadelphia Union Youth Programs. With a commitment to developing youth, the Union has signed 25 academy prospects to homegrown player contracts.
The Union play at Subaru Park in Chester, PA on the banks of the Delaware River. The custom-built stadium is part of the Union’s unique waterfront campus, featuring a historic power plant rebuilt into a 400,000 sq. ft. creative office building, a state-of-the-art Training Complex, over seven acres of professional-grade practice pitches, and the newly announced WSFS Bank Sportsplex, a world-class, 365-day-a-year sports and recreation complex featuring indoor fieldhouse and seven outdoor fields. For more information about the Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com and follow @PhilaUnion on Twitter or Instagram.
About Leveling the Playing Field
Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding access and equity in youth sports by redistributing new and gently-used sports equipment to under-resourced communities. Founded in 2013, LPF addresses the growing gap between those who can afford to participate in sports and those who cannot, recognizing the high cost of sporting goods as a major barrier.
Through a network of community donations and volunteers, LPF collects and sorts sports and recreational equipment, then supplies it to schools, community programs, and youth organizations across several regions. This philanthropic model not only provides gear but also empowers organizations to redirect limited budgets toward transportation, nutrition, staffing, and program expansion—making youth sports more inclusive and accessible for all.
With LPF’s support, youth programs are able to stretch their resources further. By removing the barrier of equipment cost, LPF helps create more inclusive and enriching opportunities for young athletes. Together, we’re building a future where every child has the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sports.
For more information, visit levelingtheplayingfield.org and follow us @lpfsports on Instagram.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and management of 500 recreation buildings, 166 miles of trail, and 250 playgrounds. PPR offers safe, enjoyable recreation, environmental and cultural programs and events throughout Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. More than 3,000 full-time and seasonal employees proudly serve Philly residents every day, ensuring the department remains a modern, equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system. Visit www.phila.gov/parksandrec and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook or Instagram.
Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
[email protected]
Adam Leiter
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-8668
[email protected]
SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.
Dec. 5, 2025, 6:01 a.m. ET
You’ve probably spotted the billboards around the region or seen the TV ads for Akron Children’s featuring the pediatric hospital’s latest campaign: More childhood, please.
We completely agree with this sentiment.
This clever trademarked slogan refers to the hospital’s mission of “protecting, preserving and enriching every moment in your child’s life – from birth to graduation day.” But to us, it also touches on an increasing societal concern.
These days, it seems, children and adolescents are being pushed to grow up faster than ever before.
We see the introduction of name, image and likeness deals at the high school level in Ohio as just another example of this concerning trend.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced last month that a referendum vote for name, image and likeness by high school principals passed 447-121, with 247 schools abstaining from voting. The vote comes after Ohio State commit Jamier Brown successfully sued to benefit from up to $100,000 in potential NIL deals.
Ohio is one of the last states to permit some form of NIL for high school student athletes with their parents’ permission. Only Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan and Wyoming still prohibit it.
Granted, only a select few athletes will command six- or seven-figure deals, Thilo Kunkel, a Temple University professor who has studied NIL for a decade, told the Beacon Journal. And we understand why these elite athletes and their families would be hard-pressed to turn down opportunities for financial security.
But will more young athletes − even those who aren’t truly at an elite level − feel pressured by their parents or their peers to pursue NIL deals rather than simply enjoying their sport for the fun of it?
Several Greater Summit County athletic administrators expressed concerns last month in an anonymous survey conducted by the Beacon Journal.
“I am very concerned that parents will be expecting coaches to secure NIL deals for their students,” one administrator said. “It will be an unfair expectation on our coaches, who are already overburdened with unrealistic parental expectations and demands. Parents will ‘shop’ their students to the schools and coaches that can promise them NIL deals. Also, NIL has had a very negative impact on the NCAA model, and I am concerned that we will see the same effect at the high school level. It may not be Year 1, 3 or 5 … but eventually I believe we will regret having opened this Pandora’s box.”
“I understand and can appreciate an athlete earning money based on their athletic ability,” another said. “However, I believe earning revenue while still in high school violates the philosophy of amateurism and school-based athletics.”
One area athletic director said they fear NIL will become a distraction: “We want to maintain the educational and developmental focus of high school athletics, not let commercial opportunities overshadow the core values of teamwork and sportsmanship.”
Some young athletes already have been under increased pressure to pick their sport and specialize, training year-round in a single activity beginning as early as age 11 or younger. According to the American Orthopoedic Society for Sports Medicine, early specialization can hinder overall motor development, increase the risk of overuse injuries and lead to burnout.
“Youth often specialize early due to the influence of coaches and parents, but relying on these external pressures can hinder long-term engagement and elite success,” Drs. Joseph H. Guettler and Alexandria Chrumka wrote in an article on the topic.
At the same time, the prevalence of private club and travel teams is turning sports into high-stakes − and high-cost − ventures for some kids.
Researchers at Ohio State University and Vassar College found children who were born in the 1990s were about three times as likely to participate in private clubs and travel sports as those who were born in the 1950s, according to a study published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues.
“For a lot of parents, there’s been a shift from sports as a way to have fun and get exercise to using sports as a way to position their kids for future success in college and beyond,” said Chris Bjork, a professor of education at Vassar College.
At least one Ohio lawmaker wants to prohibit high school and middle school students from profiting from NIL. Rep. Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, told the USA TODAY Network Ohio statehouse bureau that Ohio’s young athletes shouldn’t face the pressure of making money from their sport
“Sports should be about fun and learning and growing,” said Bird, a former coach and school superintendent. “It’s absurd to think that the athletes are going to now make more money than the coach or the referee or the bus driver that’s hired to bus them to the games.”
It’s a proposal worth further consideration.
In the meantime, let kids be kids.
Encourage them to try different activities and play sports for the fun of it − not for the pursuit of money or fame.
This piece was written by Akron Beacon Journal Executive Editor Cheryl Powell on behalf of the editorial board of the Beacon Journal. Editorials are fact-based assessments of issues of importance to the communities we serve. These are not the opinions of our reporting staff members, who strive for neutrality in their reporting.
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