A bold new partnership between Play It Forward and Prep Baseball is expected to put North Texas on the map as a premier destination for elite youth baseball tournaments.

The deal will bring an estimated 44 weeks of baseball events annually to the Play It Forward Roanoke Sports Complex, with eight weeks dedicated to national-level tournaments.

Organizers anticipate the events will draw around 2.2 million visitors each year — a major boon for the region’s hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

The partnership builds on momentum previously reported by The Dallas Express in September 2024, when Play It Forward broke ground on the $60 million sports facility. The complex was launched by former MLB pitcher Blake Beavan and businessman Dave Dickson, co-founders of Play It Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to combining youth sports with community impact.

“This park is about more than athletics — it’s about fostering growth and opportunities for our youth. It’s about creating a hub for community engagement and economic opportunity,” Dickson said in a press release announcing the groundbreaking.

Now, with Prep Baseball on board, that vision will be made a reality.

Prep Baseball, a national leader in tournament programming, brings a reputation for organizing top-tier events that draw scouts, media, and collegiate programs. Blake Hibler, the group’s senior vice president of operations, said the Roanoke partnership represents a “perfect fit” for their mission.

“We’ve been committed to creating top-tier tournament experiences, and this collaboration takes that mission further,” Hibler said in a press release. “It’s about more than just baseball; it’s about building community and enhancing the sports experience for everyone involved.”

City officials see the partnership as a game-changer.

“This partnership is a major step forward for Roanoke, offering a premier venue for youth sports that will drive economic growth and bring new opportunities to our community,” Roanoke City Manager Cody Petree said in the press release. “It’s a significant development that will not only attract visitors but also elevate Roanoke’s standing as a thriving center for family activities and community engagement.”

Roanoke has already begun to see the ripple effects. As The Dallas Express previously reported, early philanthropic support for the Play It Forward Foundation has come from local donors and business leaders who believe in the project’s long-term vision. With the ballfields expected to open in late 2025 and mixed-use retail space to follow in 2026, the complex is set to become a fixture in the region’s sports and economic landscape.

For Play It Forward, the mission remains clear: use sports as a vehicle for empowerment, engagement, and lasting community change.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Before fireworks lit up the sky this Fourth of July, families in Lincoln kicked off the holiday with sweat, splashes and smiles at the YMCA of Lincoln’s 13th annual Youth Sports Adventure Run.

Held at Wright Park, the event transformed open soccer fields into a 1.5-mile obstacle course featuring more than 30 challenges — from flag runs and climbing walls to a water slide that sent participants coasting down a grassy hill. More than 200 runners, from age 5 to 60, took part in the annual tradition.

Designed to encourage movement and family togetherness, the morning event has grown into a Lincoln holiday staple.

“At the Y, we’re always looking for family-friendly ways to promote health and activity,” YMCA of Lincoln President and CEO Rene Yost said. “Since many Fourth of July events don’t begin until later in the day, this morning run gives families a way to be active and celebrate together.”

The course is challenging but rewarding, according to runners and volunteers. “Some of the obstacles were really hard,” one young participant said. “You had to push through them. It was very hard — but very fun.”

Alongside participants, YMCA staff and volunteers brought energy and enthusiasm. One volunteer helped manage the water slide, making sure kids and parents alike had fun. Others served healthy drinks and encouraged runners along the route.

All proceeds from the event support the YMCA’s community mission, helping ensure that no family is turned away from memberships or youth programs due to financial barriers.

“This event directly supports our ability to provide access to sports and wellness programs for kids in the community,” YMCA of Lincoln Executive Director Todd Johnson said. “It’s more than just a race — it’s a celebration of wellness, togetherness, and the power of play.”

To learn more about YMCA programming:

YMCA of Lincoln

Find your local YMCA

Slowly but surely, the Philadelphia Eagles have been losing veteran talent over the years. They took another hit after Super Bowl LIX on the defensive side of the ball.

The big one was Brandon Graham, who rode off into the sunset following his second Super Bowl title. The Birds parted ways with Darius Slay and Josh Sweat due to the salary cap, both full-time starters since 2020. Another loss, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, was an experienced leader, despite being 27.

Fortunately, Philadelphia has equipped its defense well to handle sudden losses of veteran leadership. But now, it’s fully up to the youth.

Graham, Slay Departures Make Eagles’ Defense One of the Youngest

The departures of Graham, Slay, and Sweat marked something significant. Now, the longest-tenured Eagles starting on the defense were only rookies in 2022: Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship. At 28 years of age, Zack Baun is the unit’s elder statesman, just slightly older than the average NFL player.

With Graham and Slay leaving, especially, the Eagles have one of the youngest defenses in football. While those two only had a marginal impact in the grand scheme of things, the youth now fully controls the unit’s direction.

It’s not totally abnormal that this is the case (some good teams prioritize young defensive players), but it’s new for Philadelphia. Graham and Fletcher Cox led the defensive line for over a decade—retiring a year apart is a big and sudden change. But the kids should be alright.

Eagles’ Youth Already Comfortable in the Spotlight

Good news: the Eagles’ youth has already seen this movie before. They led what was inarguably the best defense in the NFL last season without depending on veteran representation. From the electrifying duo of rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to sophomore Jalen Carter’s superstardom in the trenches, the most impactful Birds on the defensive side of the ball were already quite young.

Aside from Baun, almost all of the Eagles’ most essential contributors last season are still very early in their careers. As mentioned, Carter’s impact is superstar-caliber, and he just started. The secondary was rebuilt through the draft overnight following the team’s detrimental performance on that front in 2023.

The fact that Dean, tied for the longest-tenured starter, is still considered fresh in his career by most should tell you everything. This group is fresh in the league.

Eagles Added New Blood

At the 2025 NFL Draft, the Eagles further prioritized adding youth to their defense. In the first and second rounds, Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba were selected.

Obviously, the expectation isn’t that they’ll be the next Mitchell and DeJean—that was an outlier happenstance. Still, the two rookies are expected to contribute. The Eagles hope they’re the next in line to lead the charge.

Just like in 2024, the Eagles will be relying on their young players to command the defense in 2025. But now, even more so than before. This shift to youth was pivotal in winning the franchise’s second Super Bowl—can it win them a third?

PHOTO: Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

Tags: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Cooper DeJean Darius Slay Jalen Carter Jordan Davis Josh Sweat Nakobe Dean Philadelphia Eagles Quinton Mitchell Reed Blankenship Super Bowl LIX

Categorized:Eagles

LAUSANNE (Switzerland) – New Zealand wrote another chapter in their recent youth basketball history by reaching the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 – their first-ever top four finish in the competition.

Let us know what you think and vote:

Who will be crowned U19 World Cup 2025 champions?

The Junior Tall Blacks spoiled the party in Lausanne as they beat hosts Switzerland 84-70 to set up a date with United States in the Semi-Finals.

“It means a lot”, said Oscar Goodman, one of the players tonight for New Zealand. “Basketball has been on the rise for the last five years. It keeps getting bigger every day, and this just shows we can compete with the best teams in the world.”

“It’s amazing. I am so proud of the group. We all stuck together, got it done and are now moving it.”

New Zealand gained control of the game with 24-9 run spanning the second and third quarters. And the Oceanians led 67-56 after 30 minutes. New Zealand were ahead 77-64 with under 3 minutes when the Swiss crowd tried to give them one more push – similiar to the 18-0 run late in the Round of 16. But New Zealand would not be denied.

Hayden Jones was exceptionnal in the second half and scored 23 points with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Julius Halaifonua scored 17 points and Oscar Goodman had 13 points and 13 rebounds for an efficiency rating of 26.

Switzerland’s Cinderella run ends here. The Hosts left it all on the floor.

Jones and Goodman were part of more New Zealand magic last summer in reaching the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024 – tying for the best-ever result for the country along with the Tall Blacks finishing fourth at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2002.

New Zealand also played against USA last summer – with many players from the 2024 teams playing in Lausanne as well.

Let us know what you think and vote:

Who will be named FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 TISSOT MVP?

FIBA

INDIANAPOLIS — The 36th annual Ice Cream Social will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 10 on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

All proceeds will benefit Indiana Sports Corp to support the nonprofit’s mission to inspire and advance Indiana communities through sports and create opportunities for Indiana’s youth.

Guests can enjoy hand-scooped ice cream, mascot visits, music, dairy merchandise and more.

Donations of $5 for an ice cream sundae and $2 for bottled water will be available at each of the four serving tents, where community all-stars will serve up the ice cream.

“Every year, the American Dairy Association Indiana selects a partner that shares our commitment to enhance youth well-being,” said Brooke Williams, director of communications at ADAI.

“As a recognized leader in our community for instilling a sense of teamwork that inspires, unites and empowers kids across the state, the Indiana Sports Corp is the perfect fit. We look forward to teaming up for this fan-favorite event.”

“Indiana Sports Corp is grateful to be selected as the beneficiary of the American Dairy Association Indiana’s Ice Cream Social,” said Ashleigh Newbold, vice president of engagement at Indiana Sports Corp.

“The funds raised through this partnership will help us expand access to sport and create meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of youth across Indiana.”

You can also preorder an ice cream party pack to throw an ice cream social at work or home.

The packs are available for $25 and include a small cooler with prizes along with:

• Two 48-ounce ice cream cartons.

• Ice cream scoop.

• One topping.

• One can of whipped cream.

• Bowls, spoons and napkins.

Preorder by July 7 and then pick it up between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 10 from the large tent in front of the Columbia Club in Indianapolis.

Learn more at winnersdrinkmilk.com/ice-cream-social/.