Colorado Springs, Colo. (January 8, 2026) – USA Ultimate has recently made available a new, free resource for adults teaching young, beginning ultimate players. This new program, titled Community Coach, offers a learning experience targeted to individuals who have an interest in coaching but limited experience with the sport of ultimate.

The effort — led by USA Ultimate’s Youth and Education Program Manager Sam Callan — was developed in collaboration with Youth Programs Director Dan Raabe and Grant Boyd of USA Ultimate Affiliate, California Ultimate, with input from others in the ultimate coaching community.

The program went live with a soft launch near the end of last year and is currently available through the USA Ultimate’s Mobile Coach website and app.

The course is aimed at those looking to start middle school programs and includes:

• An introduction to coaching, including advice from elite ultimate coach Matty Tsang.
• A module covering the basics of the game and how to facilitate a learning environment with videos covering how to teach skills, including throwing and catching.
• Videos featuring longtime ultimate coach Libby Cravens explaining how to teach offensive and defensive plays.
• Four introductory practice plans with equipment lists and advice for how to change things up to fit different groups and spaces.
• A kid-friendly rules introduction and additional resources.

“We are excited to introduce this new coaching program for adults who are newcomers to ultimate,” shared Callan. “Making ultimate accessible is an ongoing goal of USAU and getting parents and teachers involved is a great way to extend the availability of ultimate programming to youth who are exploring new sports.”

Pima County is getting ready to invest in parks and pools — and new splash pads, expanded aquatics programs and upgraded community centers are coming.

Those measures and many others are included in the county’s first-ever Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will guide how the department spends money and plans facilities for the next 10-20 years. Here are the highlights.

The big ideas

The plan identifies six priority areas to guide decision-making: strengthening organizational capacity, expanding access and equity, maintaining existing assets, broadening recreation programs, enhancing partnerships and advancing sustainability.

Action items in the 20-year plan include:

• Investing in pool facilities at several locations to replace outdated pumps, filters, heaters and locker rooms
• Modernizing community centers on the northwest side, south side and west side to improve accessibility and functionality
• Developing Esmond Station Park in the Vail area to meet recreation needs in one of the county’s fastest-growing regions
• Adding new splash pads and shaded playgrounds countywide
• Expanding aquatics capacity and youth sports programming
• Converting turf to drought-tolerant landscaping and transitioning parks to reclaimed water irrigation
• Installing solar lighting at five or more parks and replacing athletic field lights with LEDs

What the county manages now

Pima County Parks and Recreation oversees 41 parks across 5,707 acres, 12 community centers, nine pools, 106 sports fields, nine dog parks, three shooting range complexes, and 150 miles of multi-use paths — including the popular 138-mile Chuck Huckelberry Loop. The department also runs a swim team program with more than 800 young swimmers.

The City of Tucson and other local towns maintain their own systems of parks, separate from the county system.

Why the plan matters

The department is facing financial pressures. According to benchmarking data in the plan, Pima County’s parks funding is $17 per capita compared to $24 at the low end nationally — a gap of about $6.6 million annually.

Staffing is also below national benchmarks. The department has about 237 full-time employees, roughly 25 fewer than recommended for a system this size. And budget growth has trailed inflation by 22.7%, leaving the department about $1.5 million short of its 2019 inflation-adjusted spending level.

Popular programs like swim lessons and water aerobics regularly sell out early in the season at pools like Manzanita and Kino, but staffing and facility constraints prevent the department from expanding offerings to meet demand.

What the community said

The planning process gathered input from more than 650 households through surveys, plus feedback at community events including Tucson Meet Yourself, the Rillito and Rincon Valley Farmers Markets, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, and the Tucson Rodeo.

Common themes emerged across all five county districts:

• Repairing and updating existing parks, pools and community centers
• Expanding aquatics programs and community events
• Adding walking loops, dog parks and playgrounds
• Improving overall sports field and park access
• More pickleball courts

Among the more surprising requests is a cricket field in Catalina Foothills.

What’s next

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission approved the plan on Nov. 14 and then the Board of Supervisors approved it on Dec. 16.

Implementation will require general fund support and is expected to unfold in three phases: short-term goals through Fiscal Year 2030, mid-term goals through 2035, and long-term sustainability initiatives extending to 2046.

Paying for these improvements will be the topic of future county budget discussions. Some capital projects, including pool renovations and park updates, may be funded through bond initiatives.

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SAN ANTONIO — JJ Redick’s phone buzzed during the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaches meeting Wednesday in San Antonio, just as the staff began trying to figure out a way to beat a conference rival on the second night of a back- to-back.

Redick knew the anniversary was near. But he didn’t know it was that date until he read his wife, Chelsea’s, Instagram post and all of the emotions flooded back. Tears filled his eyes.

“Sorry, guys,” he told his staff.

A year ago, the Lakers were in Dallas when Redick woke up from a pregame nap to learn that his family would be evacuating the house they rented in the Pacific Palisades, a community they planned to make their permanent Los Angeles home. A fire that began in the Santa Monica Mountains sprinted through dried-out vegetation pushed by dangerous winds. By nightfall, it devoured nearly an entire community, including the home in which Redick, his wife and two children were living. Another fire in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains did the same in Altadena. In total, at least 31 people died. An estimated 13,000 homes were destroyed.

In the 12 months since, Redick and his family bounced from hotels to short-term rentals and then back again to hotels. He and his family have vowed to rebuild the Palisades Recreation Center, where his sons once played youth sports. That effort continues this week with the foundation Redick co-founded, LA Sports Strong, hosting its largest fundraiser to date on Thursday.

Following the Lakers’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs on the first anniversary of the fires, Redick told The Athletic that the impact of the fire on his family and friends still lingers — and has even brought to light again the characteristics in the people he loves most.

“Sometimes you have to be reminded by the resilience of people,” Redick said. “We’re having a big event (Thursday). It’s our first real large fundraising event for the rebuild of the rec center. We’re making a lot of headway. And seeing families that have relocated multiple times over the last year — we had to as well — we were in a hotel for five and a half to 10 months before we ended up getting settled. … I told Chelsea today … I’m proud of her, and I’m proud of the kids, and I’m proud of all our friends.

“It’s been a lot for a year.”

Redick and his family recently moved into a new home. Many of his friends and neighbors have not.

As he reflected on the past year, Redick didn’t revisit the horrific drive through the Palisades the morning after the fire, the difficult trip back with a reporter or the grief-filled nights inside hotel lobbies with friends who had lost everything. Instead, he spoke with some level of gratitude for his loved ones and their resilience through a defining period in their lives.

“The first 10 days, you’re devastated,” he said. “You’re in shock, and you’re just trying to function in some ways.”

In some ways, Redick’s family was fortunate. He said his sons’ school wasn’t impacted by the fires, so they had some sense of normalcy. His job, too, created an escape. But the devastation landed hardest at home — particularly for his wife.

“I think for a long time, Chelsea, she wore it the hardest. And she’s a mom, and what do moms want? They want to nest. They want to have a bed for their kids, and they want to have stuff up on the walls that show that this is where we live and this is where our family plays Rummikub together and watches stupid Netflix kid shows together. Like the disruption of that.”

Nearly all of their personal belongings, and the routines that had given the family comfort, were lost in the fires.

“It didn’t really get normal again for a long time,” Redick said. “And I think a lot of people are still going through that. And that was the angst that we felt as a family. I know my boys felt it for months and months after. And it wasn’t until we felt settled again. And even that took two to three weeks of, ‘Oh, OK, we can actually turn off that valve of anxiety that we’ve had for the last 10 months.’”

In the immediate aftermath of the fires, Redick became one of the public faces of the tragedy. He spoke emotionally about the rec center and the bonds he formed in the Palisades following the Lakers’ first practice back after the fires. He was raw, and he promised to try to be a part of solutions.

A year later, he remembered that sentiment.

“I talked about our family. We were, we’re gonna be fine,” he remembered. “We were gonna go through the very specific challenges that our family was gonna face. And that was devastating and sad. And was emotional.

“I think the harder part, and it still is, it’s like that sense of loss of community. … We still feel that. And all the people that we hung out with in Palisades, we still hang out with them all the time, but they’re just not in the Palisades.”

Stories like this, tied to the anniversary, remember the devastation. For Redick, the reminders are constant.

“There are certainly stories like us. Like, now we’re settled. But I know so many people that aren’t still settled,” Redick said. “And it’s just amazing to see their … spirit and hope and optimism. We all have bad days, but the resiliency really just stuck out to me about everyone in that community.”

UW-La Crosse is inviting the community to Mitchell Hall on Saturday for a day of play and remembrance, dedicated to the legacy of Charlie “Bubba” Lonning Weber.

The festivities kick off at from noon-2:45 p.m. with the Charlie’s Kids fest, and lead into the UW-L women’s basketball game after that, where attendance is free and they hope to break the WIAC single-game attendance record of 2,112 fans.

The game will also feature a deeply personal tribute, as the Eagles take the court in special jerseys. Each jersey will be inscribed with the names of 19 infants who have passed away, serving as a visual memorial to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss.

Know before you go: Bubba’s Youth Day & Charlie’s Kids fest

If you are planning to help “Fill Mitchell Hall” Saturday, here is the schedule and what you need to know:

• Charlie’s Kids fest (Noon–2:45 p.m.): The pre-game party takes place in the Mitchell Hall Fieldhouse. It features inflatables, obstacle courses, and activity stations for kids (preschool through 8th grade).
• The Big Game (3 p.m.): Stick around as UW-La Crosse Women’s Basketball takes on UW-Platteville. This is the official push to break the WIAC attendance record of 2,112 fans.
• Admission is FREE: Both the fest and the basketball game are free for fans of all ages.
• Registration & Waivers: While the event is free, children participating in the fest must be accompanied by an adult. You can save time by signing the required waiver online before you arrive.
• The Cause: The event is hosted by Bubba’s Fund, which supports the Charlie’s Kids Foundation. Their mission is to provide SIDS education and “sleep safe” resources to new parents, a mission that has already significantly impacted childcare safety in the La Crosse area.

While the record is a target, organizers say the primary goal is to “Fill Mitchell Hall” with support for a cause that has already transformed local childcare safety.

The event supports Bubba’s Fund, established by UW-L women’s basketball coach Moran Lonning and her husband, Alex Weber, after their son Charlie passed away in 2024 at just three months old.

Since then, the fund has reached a major milestone in successfully providing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to every state-licensed childcare facility in La Crosse.

Saturday’s events will help sustain that momentum and support “Rising Athletes,” a nonprofit that removes financial barriers for local youth sports.

Charlie’s Kids Fest at Mitchell Hall Fieldhouse is free for children (preschool through 8th grade) and features inflatables, obstacle courses, plus a chance to play alongside UW-L student-athletes.

Parents are encouraged to sign a participation waiver in advance at bubbasfund.org.

Moran was a guest on La Crosse Talk on Thursday morning with Sean Dwyer.

La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find the show on Apple Podcast, Spotify or here.

As the calendar turns to 2026, the City of Lauderhill is preparing to place youth development, international collaboration, and elite competition firmly in the spotlight through the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (C.A.S.A.) and City of Lauderhill Youth Classic Soccer Tournament.

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In a statement welcoming the event, Lauderhill Vice Mayor Richard Campbell described the tournament as a fitting way to open what he called a “bright and prosperous New Year,” underscoring the city’s growing reputation as a hub for high-level youth sports and community engagement.

Scheduled for January 15-18, the four-day showcase will be staged at Lauderhill Sports Park, located at 7500 West Oakland Park Boulevard, and will feature top-tier players between the ages of 15 and 20, all competing with one clear objective: exposure, development, and the pursuit of college scholarship opportunities.

A platform where talent meets opportunity

According to Vice Mayor Campbell, the Youth Classic is more than a tournament; it is a launchpad.

The event is designed to give emerging athletes “a platform to compete for college scholarships while showcasing their talents to scouts from across the United States,” placing Lauderhill at the intersection of sport, education, and future opportunity.

With college recruiters and evaluators expected to attend, the tournament reinforces the city’s commitment to youth advancement through sport, while offering players a rare chance to perform on an international stage without leaving South Florida.

Elite field assembled for four days of competition

The 2026 edition of the Youth Classic will feature six elite teams, all sponsored by the City of Lauderhill, and divided into two competitive groups:

Group A: Jamaica, Tekkerz, ESP

Group B: Plantation, Rush, C.A.S.A. Allstars

Vice Mayor Campbell highlighted the strength of the field, noting that the participating teams represent a blend of international flair and domestic excellence, creating a highly competitive environment throughout the tournament.

Jamaica’s best high school talent takes the spotlight

One of the marquee attractions of this year’s event is the Jamaica national selection, composed of standout players from the All-Manning Cup and All-daCosta Cup competitions, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Jamaican high school soccer.

“This talented selection represents the finest high school soccer talent in Jamaica,” Campbell stated, emphasizing the caliber of athletes set to compete.

The Jamaican team is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, January 15, and will take the field on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, with both matches kicking off at 8:30 p.m., drawing considerable attention from fans and scouts alike.

Youth Soccer Clinic adds developmental focus

Beyond match play, the tournament will feature a Youth Soccer Clinic on Sunday, January 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., reinforcing the event’s developmental mission.

Described as a “high-energy, two-hour clinic,” the session is designed to challenge and inspire young players in a competitive yet enjoyable environment. The clinic will provide participants with an opportunity to sharpen technical skills, build confidence, and compete outside traditional match settings, serving as a prelude to the day’s championship finale.

Tournament Schedule: Four days of high-intensity action

Thursday, January 15
7:30 p.m. — Plantation vs. Rush

Friday, January 16
6:30 p.m. — ESP vs. C.A.S.A. Allstars
8:30 p.m. — Jamaica vs. ESP

Saturday, January 17
6:30 p.m. — Plantation vs. Tekkerz
8:30 p.m. — Jamaica vs. C.A.S.A. Allstars

Sunday, January 18
2:00 p.m. — Youth Soccer Clinic
3:00 p.m. — Second Place Group A vs. Third Place Group B
5:00 p.m. — Championship Match: Winner Group A vs. Winner Group B
6:45 p.m. — Medal Presentation

Soccer with a purpose: Community and global support

Vice Mayor Campbell also emphasized the tournament’s broader humanitarian mission. Throughout the four-day event, attendees are encouraged to support Lauderhill’s Sister City, Falmouth, Trelawny, and William Knibb High School through donations of non-perishable food items and school supplies as part of ongoing hurricane relief efforts.

“Beyond the pitch,” Campbell noted, community participation can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.

Families are invited to attend and enjoy the matches, with refreshments available on-site, as Lauderhill comes together to celebrate sport, solidarity, and the promise of the next generation.

When we launched the Kidsburgh Podcast in 2024, our very first interview guest was former Pittsburgh Pirate Travis Snider. We knew that his message was one that could help many families: The growing professionalization of youth sports has made athletics a source of tremendous stress for many kids, but parents and coaches can change that. 

We shared Travis’s advice again last summer as the school sports season was approaching. Now, midway through the school year, we were glad to see that the New York Times interviewed Travis about finding ways to ensure a mentally healthy experience for kids in youth sports. 

Their recent article — “As Youth Sports Professionalize, Kids Are Burning Out Fast: A growing body of research shows how pressure from overbearing coaches and parents is stunting children’s emotional well-being and leading to injuries” — explores the issues that kids face and the ways parents can help. 

“Though he reached the highest level of his sport, Mr. Snider felt that distorted priorities turned baseball into a burden, something he wanted to help others avoid,” the New York Times writes. “Last year, he started a company, 3A Athletics, to help children, parents and coaches develop healthier approaches to sports that include separating professional aspirations from the reality that most young athletes just want to get some exercise and make friends.” 

“We as a culture really blended the two into the same experience, which is really toxic for kids as they’re going through the early stages of identity formation,” Mr. Snider said. “You have a lot of parents who are sports fans that want to watch youth sports the same way they watch pro sports without recognizing, hey, the thing I love the most is out there running around on the field.”

To learn more about healthy sports parenting, listen to this episode of the Kidsburgh Podcast. 

Photo by Adrià Crehuet Cano via Unsplash.