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Subaru Partners with Philadelphia Union to Distribute Soccer Equipment to Five Local Youth Organizations

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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.

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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:

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  • Sports technology and data analytics innovation
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  • 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.

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Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

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About Play Up Partners

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Los Angeles partners kick off “Grow the Game of Soccer” free clinic series aimed at empowering youth sports

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December 7, 2025

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LOS ANGELES- More than 200 participants gathered for the kick-off of the “Grow the Game of Soccer” clinic series hosted by the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, in collaboration with the Play Equity Fund and community members, at the Los Angeles Community College soccer field on Saturday morning. The energy was high as groups of youth coaches and leaders heard from community members, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Inglewood Mayor James Butts Jr. 

Dec 5, 2025; Coaches, community members, and participants of the

Michelle Chavez- The Sporting Tribune

Dec 5, 2025; Coaches, community members, and participants of the “Grow the Game of Soccer” inaugural clinic kick-off event at Los Angeles Community College Soccer Field.

“Long after the whistle of the final match at SoFi Stadium next summer, the impact of the World Cup will be manifest and live on in our local communities. The training these clinics provide to our coaches and players will impart skills to help our youth excel on the field and in life,” said Mayor Butts during opening remarks, “Sports have a tremendous power to inspire community building… the Grow the Game Soccer initiative gets us off to a great start as one of several legacy programs.”

The initiative is a community legacy program of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee in collaboration with the Play Equity Fund, meant to shine a spotlight, develop, and inspire the next generation of soccer players, coaches, and referees. Saturday’s free coaching clinic is the first of three scheduled for the months leading up to the 2026 World Cup this summer. Eight of the tournament matches are set to take place at SoFi Stadium, including the opening match for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

The coaching clinic brings together community stakeholders, including sponsors Kaiser Permanente, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), as well as Los Angeles’ three professional soccer clubs: LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club, and Angel City Football Club. 

The importance of the World Cup and the impact of coaches on the youth were underscored throughout the morning. Kevin Hartman, former professional soccer player and current assistant coach for the LA Galaxy, spoke during the kick-off. “We’re not just preparing players for tournaments or seasons, we’re preparing them for a wave of inspiration that’s coming to our country. My path in soccer was shaped because this country made a commitment to growing the game,” he said. ” The 2026 World Cup is coming, and the opportunity is enormous. Some of the young players we’re coaching today might be the ones who say years from now, “that World Cup changed me,” and some might fall in love with the game that shapes them as they become better people.” 

In collaboration with the LA84 Foundation, community nonprofits Cal South Soccer and the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport are implementing a new coaching curriculum to promote wellness, emotional growth, and physical and mental development. Community members emphasized the significance of ensuring access to proper training. 

“I work for the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sports, so we are the brain coaches for the day. I’ve actually been in conversation with LA84 for two years now about how we can build something successful for coaches, while also being impactful for the youth they serve in LA. And this was a great opportunity with the World Cup coming. With partnerships like Cal South, we’re able to bring their knowledge of the game, our knowledge of brain science, together to give coaches a higher understanding of not only what they do on the field, but also the impact they have on the kids off the field,” Chris Reed, Director of National Partnerships for CHJS, told The Sporting Tribune. 

The initiative focuses on removing barriers to coaching education and increasing access to soccer for learning and play. With more than 640,000 youth in Los Angeles County reported to have played soccer in 2024, according to a 2024 Play Equity Fund report, the need for practical, holistic training is increasing.

“I think a couple of barriers are the pay-to-play system that is currently in this country, particularly with soccer. And I do think a lot of the available facilities are nonexistent. Not only are we trying to encourage people to play, but we also need the facilities to let them play. I mean, working in recreational areas with cities, they only have maybe one field, and then 10 teams are trying to practice on it. So they get, maybe, a third of the field at one time. That’s a big barrier as well, and I think knowledgeable coaches are as well. I think that U.S. soccer and Cal staff now regularly offer coaching courses to try to entice coaches to come in and learn. It’s more about the holistic approach, how to really understand these kids on a different level, rather than just on a sporting level. I think that’s another barrier as well,” said Chris Stone, a coach at Cal South Soccer.  

The report details that while exposure to youth sports and activities is high, nearly one-third (30%) of youth have stopped playing a sport or participating in a sport in the last two years due to barriers, including total cost, loss of interest, time commitments, and a decline in fun associated with playing. This clinic series aims to reduce these barriers through training specifically for youth coaches, referees, and players. 

The clinics had more than 150 coaches registered, representing 26 regions of Southern California and serving about 10,000 youth. 33% of Saturday’s participants have no formal certification in youth coaching, and about 12% have just the basic certification, according to Renata Simril, President of the PlayEquity Fund and President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation.

“You know, I was getting some coffee earlier today, and a coach stopped me to say thank you for the remarks because this is about shining a light on them. They’re the ones who show up every day in communities to support kids’ skills and their youth development. He said, ‘Thank you for your remarks. I’m a parent volunteer coach. And he says, I can’t, you know, find free coaching certification. You know, it’s just this is such an extraordinary opportunity. Thank you for providing me with the skills to be a better coach and a better parent.’ To me, I can’t think of anything deeper than—more of a deep legacy than that. And we’re using the World Cup platform to drive change in neighborhoods across Southern California,” Simril told The Sporting Tribune. 

The clinic features four stations, each designed to specifically target a central component of coaching with an emphasis on emotional wellness. Saturday’s curriculum is a brand-new one for coaches to implement, intending to become standardized throughout the region by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Coaching programs are certified through the USSF; however, Cal South provides coaching to other soccer organizations. 

“We’re about system change at the Play Equity Fund. We’re creating a new curriculum. We’re working with Cal South and the U.S. Soccer Federation to make this part of the Level G coaching certification for coaches in the Cal South territory. We’re working to embed this particular curriculum that we’ve created for this program to be embedded in the certification program so that any coach who goes through the Level G coaching certification for soccer will have the youth development component tied to the skills and drills,” says Simril. 

“That’s another powerful impact of this program: it will have permanence in terms of how all coaches are trained, and then it becomes a continuous learning effort. What are the new things that we’re learning through our research, through our conversations with coaches, and how do we make sure that we’re keeping the coaching curriculum updated to meet the needs of young people across the Southern California region? We’re creating a ripple effect from this coaching program.” 

With the World Cup 200 days away, the goal is to continue providing training to staff and players of all sports with the proper knowledge and resources to create healthy, sustainable environments for youth sports. 

“This event actually is the first of three for the World Cup. So this is just a kickoff. We’re hoping that after these three events, we can build a coaching cohort that will last for a few years, that we can continue to do training and continue to upgrade and support them over time. This is a base layer model for what we can do impact-wise for coaches,” says Reed. 

Two more clinics are expected to be held in early 2026, with information on how to register forthcoming. 



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Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. connects with local Big Blue fans at Limitless Athletics on Staten Island

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December 7, 2025

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— Just two months after New York Giants tight ends Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger visited Staten Island to connect with local fans, Big Blue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. made his own trip to the borough on Saturday afternoon, taking time to meet with dozens of supporters at fitness center Limitless Athletics in Oakwood.

“It’s amazing; it fills my heart that people want to talk with me,” Tracy Jr. told the Advance/SILive.com when asked about the opportunity to engage with fans, especially during the holiday season.

“It’s great getting to talk with fans and get to know them in addition to them getting to know me off the field a little better,” he added.

Brandon Auerbach, co-founder of Limitless Athletics, said hosting Tracy was an ideal opportunity to use their space to bring the local community together — a core pillar of their mission.

“We’re very involved with the community here. We like to be very engaged, and we’re big on getting everybody to come together in some way, shape or form,” Auerbach began.

“We throw a lot of events here, so this was a great one that we were very excited to host. We had a lot of vendors and sponsorships, and, like I said, we hope it was beneficial for everyone — a great community event to bring everyone together.”

Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. connects with local Big Blue fans at Limitless Athletics
Nicole Minstretta and Vanessa Raggi, representatives from Next Level Sports, were on hand to raise awareness about opportunities in youth sports as part of a meet and greet event with Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. on Dec. 6, 2025.Michael O’Brien

Among the local vendors in attendance were Napoli Pizza, Tactical Beards, JAG Physical Therapy, and Next Level Sports, a youth sports organization that raffled off a free year of opportunities to participate in activities such as flag football.

“The Auerbachs reached out to us to come down today; we’re in the Staten Island community, so we want to help our local businesses as much as possible,” said Nicole Mistretta, a representative from Next Level.

“We are rooted in flag football — it’s part of our DNA. We’re one the largest flag football leagues in the tri-state area, so we were really excited to do this and we’re happy to be here. It‘s great for our Next Level community to see our affiliation with Tyrone and hopefully he can support us and grow youth flag football.”

In addition to hopes that the event would raise awareness for youth athletics, one young Giants fan in particular — Giuseppe Maneiro — was thrilled to travel to Staten Island from New Jersey to meet Tracy, marking yet another occasion in which the leukemia warrior has met players from his favorite team.

Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. connects with local Big Blue fans at Limitless Athletics
Giants superfan Giuseppe Maneiro and his mother, Melissa, receive an autograph from running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. at a meet and greet event at Limitless Athletics on Dec. 6, 2025.Michael O’Brien

“It’s been great,” Giuseppe’s mother, Melissa, said of the warmth Giants players have shown her son.

“It’s literally his strength when he’s having a bad day; he always watches the Giants. And now that he’s gotten to see them and talk to them, it motivates him to keep going. Our entire family are diehard Giants fans, so this has just been amazing,” she continued.

Eric Laverty, another devoted Giants fan from Staten Island, said the chance to meet one of Big Blue’s biggest contributors this season was too good to pass up, adding that he admires the effort Tracy has given the organization so far.

“I’m a big Giants fan, and Tyrone Tracy is a great Giant. He’s been an honorable Giant since he was drafted out of Purdue; he’s always done the right thing by the organization, and I felt this was a great opportunity to meet him and get an autograph,” Laverty shared.

“It’s only about a 40-minute drive from the stadium from here, and there’s a strong Staten Island presence in the Giants fandom, so for him to come out and engage with that part of the fan base is an awesome opportunity.”

As for how Tracy, a second-year player who has accumulated 1,953 all-purpose yards and seven TDs in just 28 career games as a Giant, has adapted to his time in New York/Jersey, he said, “When you get here, you hear a lot about how intense the fans are, but I love that.”

“I’m an intense person myself and I like to think that I play with a lot of passion; so far the fans have matched my energy. They’ve treated me really well when I’ve been out and about. The fans are amazing here.”

While Big Blue may be out of playoff contention this year, Tracy, who’s part of a young Giants core alongside fellow talents Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Abdul Carter, shared a simple message for fans hoping for a postseason run in the near future: “Stick with us.”

Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. connects with local Big Blue fans at Limitless Athletics
A Giants fan snaps a picture with running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. during a meet and greet event hosted at Limitless Athletics on Dec. 6, 2025.Michael O’Brien

“I don’t think we’re far off from where we want to be. I think the fans know that and we as players know that. So stick with us, and know that it’s a process to get where we want to go,” Tracy concluded.

Coming off their bye week, Tracy will look to help the Giants finish the final four games of the season strong, starting with a division rivalry matchup against the Washington Commanders on Dec. 14.



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Governor Kehoe Makes Two More Judicial Appointments – News/ Talk KRMS

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December 7, 2025

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Governor Mike Kehoe’s office has announced the appointments of two more judges within the judicial circuit court system.

John Gromowsky, of Kansas City, will move up from the Associate Circuit Court to the Circuit Court bench in the 16th circuit to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge S-Margene Burnett.

Also appointed was Bridget Halquist, of St. Louis, who will now serve as the Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit. Halquist fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Thomas C. Albus.

 

Learn more:

John Gromowsky, of Kansas City, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Gromowsky currently serves as the Associate Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit and is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both prosecution and defense. An active member of his community, he has served on public safety committees, coached youth sports, and held leadership positions within his local bar association. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he earned his bachelor’s degree in military science and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, where he served in several leadership roles, including a platoon leader and executive officer. Following his military service, he earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. Judge Gromowsky will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge S. Margene Burnett. 

Bridget Halquist, of St. Louis, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit. 

Ms. Halquist is an attorney specializing in business litigation, contracts, and employment law and most recently served as a managing member of Summers Compton Wells LLC. She previously served for four years as a federal judicial law clerk to the Honorable Henry Edward Autrey at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri before beginning work in private practice. Halquist is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where she served as a weather specialist. She is active in several bar associations and was appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to serve as a bar exam grader for the Missouri Board of Law Examiners. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wilmington College, a Master of Science from Chaminade University, and earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. Ms. Halquist will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Thomas C. Albus.





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Salamanca receives $277K state grant for youth center roof project

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December 7, 2025

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Salamanca receives $277K state grant for youth center roof project

The Salamanca Youth & Community Center is located at 36 South Ave.

Kellen M. Quigley/Olean Times Herald


Cattaraugus County, Local News, News






SALAMANCA — A potential project to replace the failing 25-year-old roof of the Salamanca Youth &am…







{“newsletter-daily-headlines”:”Daily Headlines”, “to-print”:”To Print”, “website”:”Website”}







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Iowa youth soccer game was filled with joy; here’s why

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December 7, 2025

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Dec. 6, 2025, 7:47 p.m. CT

  • Dan Seemuth is a former volunteer and current board chair of the Genesis Youth Foundation.

The first question seemed logical: “Who are you here to cheer for?” 

My two adult daughters and I had settled into our camp chairs a little late as the age 12-and-under girls’ soccer game had already begun. It was a beautiful, unseasonably warm late October Sunday, and we were the only spectators sitting on our team’s side of the field. The opposing team’s fans filled their sideline and spilled over a bit onto ours. “We’re here for the team in purple,” I said, assuming the other team’s mom was just being polite. Just then, our team scored a goal and the sideline burst into a raucous, protracted celebration led by some older girls. It was a joy that held more weight than a single goal. 



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Beckman captures a shoot-out vs. Hillcrest, advances to first CIF state final –

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December 7, 2025

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Beckman players and coaches pose with the CIF Regional 4-A South plaque after Saturday’s win over Hillcrest. (PHOTOS: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Beckman’s football team could have folded several times Saturday night in the CIF South Division 4-A final against Hillcrest of Riverside at Tustin High School.

Like when the Patriots fell behind 13-0 early in the game. Or when they took a late lead in the third quarter, then quickly lost it when Hillcrest responded with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

But Beckman responded time and time again and rallied for a wild 46-40 victory over Hillcrest in front of a large crowd. Beckman, which clinched the CIF Southern Section Division 8 title last week, won the South crown and moves on to the state final next weekend vs. El Cerrito (12-2) Saturday at 7 p.m. at Buena Park.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Beckman (12-3) has won 11 in a row. It was the first time that Beckman has played in a CIF State Bowl Game.

“I’m really, really happy we have such a good offense,” said a jubliant Beckman Coach Marcello Giuliano. “You could go to so many games throughout the season, we’ve won these 11 in a row and there are moments in games where you can make an excuse or people would make an excuse for you. Our kids just want none of it, they have great competitive spirit.

“You’re down 13 before you bat an eye and they just kept coming back. There were some kids who feel maybe they played their worst game of the season, but they still made some important plays when it mattered, but the character piece. One of the elements of our core values is toughness and we define that as always competing, so it’s not just about physical toughness, which I think we are but it’s also about the emotional resiliency and I think they showed that tonight.”

Beckman was led by running back Makhi Czaykowski, who took over the game scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 208 yards.

It was a wild back and forth final quarter.

Hillcrest moved ahead 40-38 when quarterback quarterback Matthew Ramos connected with Nicholas Shaw on an 11-yard TD pass with 7:46 remaining in the game. Ramos had a big game, passing for 239 yards and two touchdowns.

The Patriots responded. Czaykowski scored on a 1-yard TD run with 4:44 left to put the Patriots ahead 46-40 (he also scored on a 2-point conversion), sealing the win for Beckman. He also hauled in a touchdown catch and finished with six receptions for 858 yards.

The Patriots then recovered a perfectly executed onside kick which caught Hillcrest (9-6) off guard and drove to the Hillcrest 5-yard line before running out the clock.

Czaykowski also hauled in a 17-yard TD pass from quarterback Noah Nam and had a 5-yard TD run at the start of a wild fourth quarter to put Beckman ahead 38-34.

“It was a really good game, I was able to run the ball really well because of our linemen, like Noah Nam always says, everything starts with the line,” Czaykowski said. “And Noah Nam’s leadership was really able to help us execute on offense and we were able to score a lot of points, I think the second most points we’ve scored this season.

“The other team was extremely well coached, they were really fast and definitely the best offense we’ve seen so far this season. It was a track meet, we scored, they scored, we scored, they scored, they actually scored twice before we scored, it just proves how good their offense is.”

Nam was clutch under pressure, completing 16 passes for 225 yards and rushing for 45 yards and two touchdowns. He remained humble in victory.

“It was kind of what we expected, we knew they were going to put up a lot of points and we were going to have to try and match that, so I’m proud of the way our team played, offense and defense, just never giving up on both sides of the ball,” said Nam. “We knew they were a really good offense and we knew we were a really good offense as well. We knew it was going to be a high scoring game, we just had to make a few more plays.”

Nam said the Patriots had a strategy going into the drive which led to the go-ahead TD.

“We talked to the linemen in the huddle saying, ‘this is the biggest drive, we got to put it away,’ the line really stepped up. I couldn’t be more proud of them, they are a great group of linemen, I couldn’t do it without them, Makhi running the ball and Aidan Tran as well. It was excellent, excellent running.”

Tran was also solid, rushing for 63 yards on 10 carries for the Patriots,

Hillcrest, the CIF Division 10 champion, dominated in the first quarter. The Trojans moved ahead 6-0 on a 3-yard TD run by Ramos midway through the first quarter.

On its first play from scrimmage, the Patriots fumbed the exhcange and Hillcrest recovered.

Hillcrest cashed the turnover into a score when Reyez Ortiz scored from one yard out to make it 13-0.

But Beckman responded, cutting the lead to 13-7 on Nam’s 21-yard TD run late in the first quarter. Hillcrest moved ahead 20-7 when when Ramos connected with Nicholas Shaw on a 56-yard scoring strike in the second quarter.

Beckman cut the lead to 20-14 when Nam hit Sawyer Nickelson on a 19-yard TD pass but Hillcrest countered with a score again, this time Ortiz scored from 8 yards out to extend the Trojans lead to 27-14.

Nam’s 2-yard TD run trimmed the lead to 27-21 at halftime.

The second half was back and forth as well. Nam threw a 17-yard TD pass to Czaykowski, Aiden Wimberly had a 22-yard field goal to give Beckman a 31-27 lead late in the third quarter.

But on the ensuing kickoff Nicholas Bernal raced 95 yards for a score to put Hillcrest ahead 31-27 before the Patriots rallied again to earn a berth in the final.

The Patriots were presented the championship plaque on the field with Athletic Director Steve Fischel.

“It’s surreal, I have no idea what it means,” said Giuliano, now in his 11th season leading Beckman. “I’m not good at stopping and smelling any roses, so hopefully after this is all said and done I will have that kind of reflection, but now, it’s like holy smokes, I got one day to prepare for El Cerrito or Atherton, whoever won that game.”

“It’s amazing, I’m taking it all in but just knowing the job is not finished and we got one more,” added Nam the Beckman quarterback. “I’m super proud of my team and the coaches for coaching us well and I couldn’t do it without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com



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