Rec Sports

Sportsmanship, character matter to UnitedGoals USA | News, Sports, Jobs

Published

4 months ago

September 11, 2025

A youth soccer organization in Lycoming County has several goals in mind.

UnitedGoals USA is not only getting youngsters into competitive matches but raising awareness for a variety of great causes.

It is a relatively new organization founded by Colin Gorini of Montoursville.

“In 2024, our first year, 26 teams participated, and we donated to Laura’s Hope Rescue and Haven to Home Canine Rescue, both organizations that my family has adopted from,” he said.

“This year, 53 teams joined us, and we contributed to the Pet Pantry of Lycoming County and Arthur’s Pet Pantry in Milton,” he added.

“Based on their data, that support will help feed around 1,000 pets for the year,” Gorini observed.

That kind of local growth is energizing and reflects the strong appetite for quality, community-focused soccer events in the region, he noted.

“Rescue dogs have given so much to my family, and this tournament is our way of giving back to them and the organizations that support them,” Gorini said.

Kicks 4 Canines is UnitedGoals USA’s annual 4v4 youth soccer tournament held every July at McCall Middle School in Montoursville.

“We started it to raise funds for local animal nonprofits, and it has grown into a true community tradition that supports pets and families across our region,” he said.

At UnitedGoals USA everything done is rooted in the belief that sports, especially youth sports, have the power to bring communities together, develop character, and create lasting impact. “Soccer is just our vehicle for delivering those deeper values,” Gorini said.

No stranger to the game, Gorini started his game play in his early years.

“I’ve played soccer since I was four, and I’m now 23, so I’m entering year 20 of my career,” he said.

“My parents were my biggest influence,” he said.

“My dad, Vic, coached both me and my sister growing up and has coached the Montoursville Girls Soccer program for 12 years. My mom, Amy, has always been my biggest fan.”

At Robert Morris University, Gorini played club soccer and served as club president for two years.

He called it the most impactful leadership experience of his life. “UnitedGoals USA grew out of my love for the game and my desire to give kids those same opportunities,” he said.

Soccer is growing exponentially locally in popularity among youths.

Games run between 20 and 50 minutes depending on the format.

“We follow an inclement weather policy, but our priority is always player safety and clear communication with coaches and families,” Gorini said.

Soccer rules and positions are widely known, but what makes this organization’s events unique is the flexibility of formats offered.

“At our events, teams range from small-sided 4v4 to full-sided 11v11, with roster sizes between seven and 18 players depending on the format,” Gorini said.

“Our tournaments typically serve youth players ages 7 through 16, with formats designed to give every age group meaningful opportunity to compete,” he said. “As we grow, we’d love to expand even further.”

Another nice aspect is most of the matches are local.

For the local events, players come primarily from the Greater Susquehanna Valley – nearly every township and community from Lock Haven to Berwick and beyond.

The group’s tournaments in Western Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia draw from a much wider scope of players across multiple states.

“Our upcoming Veteran’s Day Freedom Cup will take place at the East Lycoming Soccer Complex in Hughesville, which has seven great fields,” Gorini said.

Earlier this year, the organization also hosted a 4v4 tournament at UPMC Field at Pennsylvania College of Technology, “and we’re exploring options to return there in 2026,” Gorini said.

“Events hosted locally draw teams mostly from the Greater Susquehanna Valley, though we’ve welcomed teams from as far as Lancaster, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, and throughout the Northern Tier including North-Penn Liberty and Williamson,” he said.

The Pittsburgh and Northern Virginia events pull from across Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C., he said.

How do the coaches handle the emotions of the winning and losing? Is sportsmanship taught?

“Sports are wonderful because they bring out real, raw emotions,” Gorini remarked.

“Most coaches and programs handle all outcomes with positivity, which rubs off on their players and keeps the focus on their effort and growth,” he said, adding “others struggle with adversity, and that can affect kids negatively.

“We work hard to create an environment where competition and sportsmanship coexist – where kids are learning the game but also learning life lessons about respect and resilience.”

“We rely heavily on volunteer support from our partner programs for some events, like the East Lycoming Soccer Association and the Montoursville Lady Warriors,” Gorini stressed.

“I am very blessed with my support system– including my parents and girlfriend, who volunteer alongside our partner programs at events,” he said.

Paid staff include referees, athletic trainers, and event photographers, ensuring professionalism where it matters most.

There are concessions.

“Our partnered soccer programs run a concession as part of their fundraising component from the event, and we collaborate to ensure the menu is fun and appealing for everyone,” Gorini said.

“We also bring in food trucks and local vendors to make it a family-friendly experience,” he said.

Past favorites include Divine Creations, Faddie’s Pizza & Subs, and Kona Ice – which has become a staple,” he added.

Additionally, the partnered soccer programs run a concession as part of their fundraising component from the event.

“We collaborate to ensure the menu is fun and appealing for everyone,” Gorini said.

“We also bring in food trucks and local vendors to make it a family-friendly experience.”

“Every event is staffed with a certified athletic trainer. Safety is non-negotiable for us,” Gorini said.

Have any players gone on to compete at upper levels?

“We’re still young as an organization – founded in 2024 – so we haven’t had enough time to see our alumni rise to new levels yet,” Gorini said.

“But the amount of talent we’ve seen in this region and beyond is undeniable, and we fully expect to see many of these kids playing in college and beyond,” he said.

“We run tournaments March through November, scheduled around youth league seasons so we complement, not compete, with them. Teams get themselves to events — usually parents or coaches carpooling.”

“The support from parents has been tremendous, whether it’s through coaching, volunteering or cheering on the sidelines,” Gorini said.

Events are designed to be family-friendly because youth sports thrive when parents are actively involved.

How can people help the organization?

“The biggest way people can support us is by participating in our tournaments, sponsoring events, or volunteering,” Gorini said.

“That fuels everything we do. Beyond that, simply spreading the word — following us on social media, signing up for our newsletter, or introducing us to those that share our passion for youth soccer & impacting our community – helps us grow and reach more families.”

“We’ll be finalizing and announcing our 2026 schedule this fall,” Gorini said.

“We expect to run three tournaments in Lycoming County next year, along with events throughout Western Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, and beyond.”

In 2026, the organization aims to host three youth tournaments in Lycoming County, in addition to multiple events in the Pittsburgh and Northern Virginia regions.

“The goal is to keep expanding affordable, high-quality playing opportunities for youth across the Mid-Atlantic,” Gorini said.

As a side note: September is Youth Soccer Month

Veterans Day Freedom Cup is the next local tournament, happening Nov. 8-9 in Hughesville. “We’re partnering with the East Lycoming Soccer Association, and proceeds will benefit PA Wounded Warriors,” Gorini said.

“The event will include a veteran presence on-site and an online apparel fundraiser to support the cause. We expect over 40 teams to participate.”

“I want to give a special thank you to Bob Hall and his team for welcoming us into this cause,” Gorini said.

“We’re always looking to partner with local businesses and nonprofits who share our mission of using sports to bring communities together,” he said.

“Our long-term vision is to keep expanding affordable, high-quality playing opportunities for youth across the Mid-Atlantic, while keeping community impact at the heart of everything we do.”

If anyone wants to get involved, whether it’s registering a team, sponsoring, or volunteering the best place to start is the organization’s website: www.unitedgoalsusa.com.

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Rec Sports

Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games sets new benchmark

Published

17 minutes ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Dubai 2025 was one of the most unforgettable editions of the Asian Youth Para Games, bringing together 1,500 athletes from 35 nations in December 2025 in a celebration of youth, excellence and inclusion.

For the second time since 2017, Dubai welcomed the region’s young Para athletes, underlining its growing role as a hub for Para sport in Asia. Over four action-packed days, the Asian Youth Para Games witnessed 25 record-breaking performances, including nine world records and 16 continental records.

Dubai 2025, which took place from 10-13 December 2025, showcased unprecedented continental depth, with 30 nations claiming at least one medal and 25 securing gold, six more than at Bahrain 2021. The results reflect the rapid growth and competitiveness of youth Para sport across Asia.

Memorable performances and historic firsts

The United Arab Emirates delivered an outstanding performance on home soil, finishing with 24 medals – seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze.

Several nations celebrated historic milestones in Dubai. Bangladesh and the Maldives won their first-ever medals at the Asian Youth Para Games, marking breakthrough moments for both nations.

Bangladesh made a stunning debut, capturing four medals, including three gold in Para athletics and Para swimming.

The Maldives also celebrated progress, securing a bronze medal in Para swimming in its second appearance.

A male Para powerlifting athlete is lifting weights — Thirty delegations won at least one medal, including 25 that secured gold. @Dubai 2025 AYPG Local Organising Committee

Medal table highlights

Uzbekistan topped the overall medals table, finishing with 254 medals, including 125 gold, a huge increase from its previous tally of 18 medals, including 11 gold.

The Islamic Republic of Iran followed with 73 gold medals (261 medals), while Japan finished third with a total of 90 medals, including 48 gold.

Para armwrestling was included in the programme for the first time, with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan dominating the discipline by winning eight and seven gold medals, respectively.

A male boccia athlete, who is in a wheelchair, is adjusting a ramp with his sport assistant — The hosts United Arab Emirates won 24 medals – seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze. @Dubai 2025 AYPG Local Organising Committee

Meet Asia’s young stars

Dubai 2025 featured some of Asia’s leading Para athletes. Para taekwondo athlete Zahra Rahimi of Iran, who won silver in the women’s -52kg K44 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and Para table tennis player Chen Po-Yen of Chinese Taipei, who is ranked World No.1 in class 11, finished on the podium in Dubai.

Dubai 2025 also set new standards for innovation, becoming the first Asian Youth Para Games to integrate AI-powered robots into operations and delivery, including during ceremonies and medal presentations.

A female Para table tennis player wearing a red shirt in action — Competition took place at eight venues in Dubai. @Dubai 2025 AYPG Local Organising Committee

Dreams fulfilled

The Closing Ceremony on 14 December was a vibrant spectacle, featuring a Parade of Nations and the symbolic handover of the flag to Cambodia, host of the next edition in 2029.

Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasising that Dubai 2025 was more than a sporting event – it was a journey of inspiration, unity and dreams fulfilled. He also praised the volunteers as heroes of the event.

Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, hailed Dubai 2025 as one of the finest editions ever delivered, commending the UAE’s leadership, the Dubai Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee and all partners involved.

With record-breaking performances, historic firsts and inspiring human stories, Dubai 2025 set a new benchmark for the Asian Youth Para Games. The Games highlighted Asia’s growing strength and shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Para athletes.

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Rec Sports

Building Confidence and Wellness Through Coaching

Published

25 minutes ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Sport brings communities together and helps young people grow confidence and resilience. Through this partnership, Kaiser Permanente supports programs that guide local coaches beyond the field, helping youth stay healthy and succeed in life.

On the field

At the clinic, coaches participated in drills and exercises that put strategies into action and gave them hands-on experience to bring back to their teams. The clinic also gave coaches the opportunity to learn directly from Kaiser Permanente experts and other professionals about best practices for supporting youth athletes.

Gabrielle Ahlzadeh, MD, a sports medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park and the official medical advisor to Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, led a session covering how athletes can play longer, prevent injuries, and maintain overall health and wellness.

“Coaches shape the way young athletes experience sport,” said Dr. Ahlzadeh. “When we equip coaches with knowledge about injury prevention and health, we’re helping them create safer, more supportive environments for the team they lead.”

Our community impact

The clinic gave coaches a chance to share ideas and strategies with each other. Programs like this reflect the partnership’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth across Southern California. By supporting the Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series, Kaiser Permanente provides health and wellness expertise that strengthens local communities and prepares young athletes and coaches for a brighter future.

Looking ahead

The Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series is the first in a series of programs planned for coaches, referees, and players ahead of the World Cup in 2026. Future events will include opportunities for youth to participate, using the power of sport to advance health, confidence, and opportunity throughout Los Angeles.

Learn more about the impact of the first clinic.

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Rec Sports

Louise (Murphy) Devaney Obituary – Cape Cod Times

Published

1 hour ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

May 28, 1932 – January 1, 2026

Louise Mary (Murphy) Devaney, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and tireless community volunteer, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 93. A longtime resident of South Dennis, MA Louise brought energy, kindness, and humor to every life she touched.

Born in Boston on May 28, 1932, Louise was the beloved daughter of Louisa (Herlihy) and William R. Murphy. She spent her early years in Belmont before the family relocated to Newton Center in 1935 alongside her parents and older brother Robert, and younger siblings Gerard and Winifred. Louise grew up in a lively household rooted in Catholic values and civic spirit.

After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1949, she attended Framingham State College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach fourth grade in Wrentham from 1953 to 1960, a role that perfectly matched her lifelong love of children and learning.

In 1955, Louise married Alan Devaney, the love of her life. Together they built a home in Wrentham and started a family. While there, she co-founded the local Red Cross swimming program and, alongside Alan, helped establish the town’s Little League program. She also served as President of the Catholic Women’s Club and coached Wrentham High School’s award-winning cheer-leading squad.

Louise and Alan moved their growing family to South Dennis in 1968, where they raised five children and became deeply involved in the Cape Cod community. Louise embraced her role in local schools and youth sports, running the snack bar at the Dennis Babe Ruth field and serving as club treasurer for many years. She was also active in the Framingham State Alumni Club of Cape Cod, eventually serving as its president in the 1980s.

Volunteering was a pillar of Louise’s life. For over 30 years, she served with VNA Hospice, where her compassion and energy earned her the “Volunteer of the Year” award, not once, but twice. Even after retiring from hospice work, she continued giving back through the VNA’s thrift shop, where she made dear friends and lasting memories. Louise continued her volunteering even through her illness.

Louise also worked at Colonial Candle in West Dennis and later at the beloved local spot, The Breakfast Room, where she was known for her wit, warmth, and loyal friendships.

Family meant everything to Louise. She cherished holidays, traveling, attending her children and grandchildren’s events, backyard gatherings, and especially the annual “lobster fest.”

A devoted fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Boston College. She fondly recalled taking the bus in her youth to Fenway Park, where she watched legends like the great Ted Williams from the left field bleachers.

She is survived by her loving children: Lynn Felix and her husband Tony, Mark Devaney and his wife Laurie, Brian Devaney, and Jon Devaney and his wife Colleen and by her cherished grandchildren: Keenan, Cassandra, and Aidan and her sister Winifred Murphy. She was predeceased by her husband Alan, her son Bruce, her brothers Robert and Gerard, and her parents.

Louise will be remembered for her generous heart, her tireless spirit, and the laughter and love she brought to every room she entered.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Rt 134, S. Dennis, MA.

All are then welcome to celebrate Louise’s life at a reception at the Yarmouth House Restaurant, Rt 28, W. Yarmouth

Donations in her memory can be made to: CCHC Foundation, VNA of Cape Cod Hospice & Bereavement Support Services, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

The service will be live-streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stpiusxsy/videos

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Posted online on January 07, 2026

Published in Cape Cod Times

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Rec Sports

Spring youth soccer registration through Jan. 31

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FROM FACEBOOK__Bluffton Soccer Club has announced that Spring youth soccer registration is open for U18-U15 Rec & Travel teams.

The deadline to register is January 31.
Schedules will be sent to coaches on March 16.
Games begin March 28.
U8-U10 Riverdale Tournament is May 8-10 and the U12-U15 Bluffton Tournament is May 15-17.

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Rec Sports

Goochland Sports Complex Serves Youth, Community and County Recreation

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Goochland Sports Complex, located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, is an eight-acre county-run facility that functions as a hub for athletics, fitness and Recreation Division operations. The complex includes a fully irrigated and lighted football field, a lighted baseball field with a grass infield, and a lighted softball field. Scoreboards, press boxes, a public address system, and a concession stand with restrooms support spectator events and organized league play.

Inside the main building the complex houses the Recreation Division’s administrative offices alongside a range of indoor amenities: a dance studio, cardio room, weight room, classroom and lounge areas, and a full-sized hardwood gymnasium. The property also features picnic tables, meeting rooms and internet access. As the county’s only public skateboard park, Skate 522 adds a unique recreation option for older youth and teens.

The Complex is a primary venue for Goochland Middle School baseball and softball and for activities organized by the Goochland Youth Athletic Association. Those partnerships underscore the facility’s role in youth development and local sports programming, where scheduling, lighting and irrigation allow for extended seasonal use and evening games. The presence of administrative offices on site centralizes permitting, programming and oversight for county recreation services.

For Goochland residents the complex serves multiple public functions: it provides structured athletic opportunities for school-aged children, outlets for adult and family fitness, and public space for weekend events and informal recreation. The combination of indoor and outdoor amenities also supports year-round programming that can contribute to public health, volunteer engagement and local economic activity tied to sporting events.

County management of the complex carries budgetary and policy implications. Maintenance needs for irrigated fields, lighting and the skate park demand consistent funding and oversight if the facility is to remain safe and available for scheduled youth athletics and community use. Residents seeking access, reservations or current hours and facility policies should consult the county Parks & Recreation page for the most up-to-date information.

As a visible municipal asset that hosts school teams and community leagues, the Goochland Sports Complex remains a focal point for civic participation in recreation planning, volunteer coaching, and attendance at local events that shape county programs and priorities.

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Rec Sports

BernCo Fire & Rescue Welcomes New Engine with Traditional “Push-In” Ceremony

Published

3 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Jan. 6, 2026

Bernalillo County, N.M. – Today, BernCo Fire & Rescue (BCFR) welcomed a new ladder truck into service with a traditional push-in ceremony at Fire Station 36, located in the North Valley.

The new ladder truck offers state-of-the-art communications and extended vertical and horizontal reach, allowing crews to more effectively operate multi-story incidents and complex rescue scenes. In addition, the shorter wheelbase will allow for easier maneuvering through North Valley neighborhoods.

“On behalf of Bernalillo County, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Office, our state lawmakers, the International Association of Firefighters and the BernCo Board of County Commissioners for their support and commitment in approving the purchase of the new apparatus,” says Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue Chief Zach Lardy. “The new truck not only enhances BCFR’s operational capabilities but also reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable, high-quality emergency services to the community.”

The approximately $1.9M truck was purchased utilizing a combination of capital outlay monies, public safety tax dollars and county general fund monies.

The push-in ceremony honors a long-standing fire service tradition dating back to the late 1800s, when firefighters manually pushed horse-drawn fire wagons into their stations after returning from calls. During the event, firefighters pushed the new ladder truck into the station bay by hand, officially placing it into service.

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About Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,800 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

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