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Thunder youth movement on verge of history

On this date, in 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the 73-win Golden State Warriors in a classic Game 7 to secure their NBA championship and became the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals. By doing so, the Cavaliers also became Cleveland’s first major professional sports team to win a title since […]

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On this date, in 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the 73-win Golden State Warriors in a classic Game 7 to secure their NBA championship and became the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals.

By doing so, the Cavaliers also became Cleveland’s first major professional sports team to win a title since the 1964 Browns. The Cavaliers-Warriors 2016 finals series marked the first time in NBA history both teams entered Game 7 with the same exact number of points (610). The deciding matchup itself included 20 lead changes and 11 ties as Cleveland won 93-89.

LeBron James, who crafted a 27-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double, secured his third career NBA Finals MVP after becoming the first player ever to lead all players in a playoff series in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Kyrie Irving chipped in 26 points and six rebounds, including a crucial go-ahead bucket over Stephen Curry with 53 seconds remaining. Although Kevin Love finished with only nine points on nine shots, his lockdown defense on the 2016 unanimous MVP also helped make the Cavaliers champions and wrapped one of the best playoff series of all time.

But like any series worth remembering, highlights are required. Enter James’ season-saving and legacy-altering block on Andre Iguodala with the game tied at 89. One needs to only read Mike Breen’s call of the moment to instantly relive it:

“Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”

By game’s end, James, who was born in Akron, Ohio, developed into a high school phenom at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s and spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Cavaliers before winning two titles in four seasons with the Miami Heat, couldn’t contain his excitement for delivering an NBA title to his home state.

“I set out a goal two years ago, but I came back to bring a championship to this city.” James explained after Game 7. “I gave everything that I had. I put my heart and my blood and my sweat and my tears to this game. Against all odds, kept that same positive attitude. Instead of saying, ‘Why me?’ I just said, ‘This is what they want me to do.’

Cleveland! This is for you!”



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Is It the Future of High School Sports?

In 2009, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, initially reluctant to connect football-related head injuries to long-term brain trauma. This moment, while subtle at the time, would eventually mark a critical turning point for the sport, leading to the NFL’s most significant shift in decades: embracing flag football. Today, flag football […]

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August 3, 2025

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In 2009, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, initially reluctant to connect football-related head injuries to long-term brain trauma.

This moment, while subtle at the time, would eventually mark a critical turning point for the sport, leading to the NFL’s most significant shift in decades: embracing flag football.

Today, flag football isn’t just growing—it’s exploding. Recently, Goodell revealed that the NFL is exploring the possibility of creating a professional flag football league. Sources suggest that plans are already underway, and this announcement may just be the tip of the iceberg in football’s evolving future.

The Catalyst: Health Concerns and Changing Perceptions

The NFL continues to dominate as America’s most-watched sport, with ever-increasing viewership, strategic depth, fantasy football, and gambling fueling its rise. However, cracks in the foundation have become evident, particularly regarding player safety.

In the last decade, several high-profile players like Chris Borland, Andrew Luck, John Urschel, and Luke Kuechly retired in their 20s, citing health concerns about the long-term impact of playing football. These retirements weren’t just early exits but career pivots influenced by the growing awareness of football’s physical toll.

The spotlight on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma, grew after Junior Seau’s tragic suicide in 2012. Seau was posthumously diagnosed with CTE, drawing national attention to football’s dangers.

This, combined with a $1 billion concussion lawsuit settlement in 2015 and the film “Concussion” starring Will Smith, made head injuries a hot topic of discussion.

The consequences of this movement spread beyond the NFL. As awareness grew, many parents began to question whether tackle football was safe for their children. By 2021, high school tackle football participation fell below one million for the first time since 2000, marking a 12.2% drop from the 2008-2009 peak.

The NFL’s Strategic Response: Embracing Flag Football

Rather than defending tackle football as the sole version of the sport, the NFL took a strategic step to champion flag football as an alternative path into the game. The league began pouring resources into promoting the sport alongside tackle football, focusing on developing flag football from the grassroots level.

Roman Oben, the NFL’s Vice President of Football Development, has been leading this charge. Under his leadership, the NFL has continued supporting safer tackle football through improved safety protocols while simultaneously pouring resources into flag football. The results have been impressive:

  • NFL FLAG now includes 1,600 teams, serving over 620,000 youth athletes across all 50 states.

  • Flag football has become the fastest-growing youth sport in America.

  • Girls’ flag football is now a sanctioned high school sport in 14 states.

  • The International Federation for American Football reports that 2.4 million American kids are playing organized flag football.

Flag Football’s Mainstream Momentum

The NFL’s investment in flag football has been a game-changer, leading to momentum beyond just participation numbers. Here are some notable developments:

Professional Recognition

The NFL’s Pro Bowl has undergone a transformation, shifting from a traditional football game to a flag football event. This endorsement by the NFL has legitimized flag football, showing that it’s not just a watered-down version of the sport but a “real” format of football that can stand on its own.

Media and Celebrity Engagement

Flag football’s rise has seen figures like Diana Flores, a Mexican flag football star, achieve international fame. Partnerships between the NFL and content creators like iShowSpeed and Kai Cenat have further introduced the sport to younger, diverse audiences.

Olympic Status

Perhaps the most significant development for flag football’s future is that it will debut as an official Olympic sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This global platform will elevate the profile of flag football, expanding its reach and potentially accelerating its growth.

Standardization

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is set to release the first national rulebook for flag football in May, helping to standardize the sport and pave the way for broader acceptance at the high school level and beyond.

The Socioeconomic Dimension of Football’s Future

Despite flag football’s rapid growth, tackle football still holds significant cultural importance in specific communities. Research by Dave Sheinin of The Washington Post revealed a clear socioeconomic divide in football participation:

  • Historically oppressed minorities, for whom the “risk-reward” calculus still favors the potential rewards of playing football, are heavily involved in tackle football.

  • White conservatives in regions, particularly in the South, continue to see football as a central part of their cultural identity.

This divide suggests that while flag football will continue to expand, tackle football will likely remain deeply ingrained in specific regions where its cultural significance outweighs concerns about safety.

Flag Football: Competition or Complement?

The NFL sees flag football as complementary to, rather than in competition with, tackle football. Troy Vincent Sr., the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations, summarized the relationship: “Tackle [football] will continue as the professional game played in the NFL and its amateur pipeline from youth through college. But flag will dominate in neighborhoods, schools, and recreational leagues around the world. It’s happening in front of our eyes.”

The key questions remain:

  • Will flag football primarily serve as a pathway to tackle football?

  • Could flag develop its own professional pathway, eventually competing with tackle football?

  • How will the economics of a professional flag league compare to the NFL’s current model?

For families, flag football is emerging as an attractive middle ground. It provides the excitement of football—without the physical risks of tackle football—making it an appealing option for young athletes.

Broader Impact on Sports Safety

Football’s reckoning with CTE and concussions has influenced safety protocols across other sports as well. For instance, soccer has restricted heading for younger players, and lacrosse has limited body checking for minors. Flag football has benefitted greatly from these discussions, offering a safer, non-contact alternative for athletes to enjoy football.

The Future of Football: A Dual-Track System?

Looking ahead, several potential scenarios for football’s future emerge:

  • Scenario 1: Complementary Pathways
    Flag football and tackle football develop in parallel. Flag serves as an entry point for players who want to avoid the physical risks of tackle football. The NFL remains focused on tackle football at the professional level, while flag becomes a complementary offering.

  • Scenario 2: Divergent Development
    Flag football develops its own elite pathway, with professional leagues that rival tackle football. Both versions thrive independently, catering to different markets and demographics.

  • Scenario 3: Gradual Transition
    Over time, more participants shift toward flag football, with tackle becoming increasingly specialized and concentrated in certain regions. Flag football eventually dominates as the preferred form of the sport globally.

Adapting to Survive and Thrive

The NFL’s embrace of flag football represents a remarkable example of organizational adaptation. Instead of merely defending its traditional product, the NFL has proactively invested in an alternative that preserves football’s strategic appeal while addressing its most significant vulnerability—player safety.

For parents and young athletes, flag football offers a safer, exciting alternative to tackle, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience. For the NFL, it represents both insurance against declining youth participation in tackle football and a potential new avenue for growth.



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Youth sports funding – Video News Service

Genesee County Youth Bureau Encourages Local Agencies to Apply Press release The Genesee County Youth Bureau is sharing information from the New York State Officeof Children and Family Services (OCFS) regarding available funding to support youth sports programs forthe 2025–2026 program year. Local organizations that offer sports or recreational programming … Continue reading aka August […]

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Genesee County Youth Bureau Encourages Local Agencies to Apply Press release The Genesee County Youth Bureau is sharing information from the New York State Officeof Children and Family Services (OCFS) regarding available funding to support youth sports programs forthe 2025–2026 program year. Local organizations that offer sports or recreational programming …

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Ogemaw Hills, MyMichigan support youth sports with free physicals

WEST BRANCH – Two hundred fifty-eight students received free sports physicals during a two-day July event organized by MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch and hosted by Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church. Local medical professionals, ophthalmologists, chiropractors and support volunteers ensured every student was ready for the upcoming school sports season, offering physicals, vision screenings and […]

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August 3, 2025

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WEST BRANCH – Two hundred fifty-eight students received free sports physicals during a two-day July event organized by MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch and hosted by Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church.

Local medical professionals, ophthalmologists, chiropractors and support volunteers ensured every student was ready for the upcoming school sports season, offering physicals, vision screenings and musculoskeletal evaluations at no cost to families.

“This is what it looks like when a community steps up,” said Rick Bowen, clinical director of operations, MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch. “Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church, 258 students were able to receive the care they need to safely participate in school sports. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

A local momwho has brought her children to the event for the past five years was appreciative of the event.

“Seeing all of the partners who participate, we know this exam is even more thorough than your standard physical,” she said. “And, on top of the quality of these exams and the financial relief it is, with three kids in sports, our schedules to have them seen would be a logistical nightmare without this event. We live at the field, the court, the gym, year-round and often have to use both days. A huge thank you to everyone who makes this happen.”

The event provided essential services to students who may not otherwise have access to pre-participation physicals, breaking down barriers to care and easing financial strain for many families.

“Our volunteers gave their time, their energy and their expertise because they believe every child deserves this kind of support,” Bowen said. “Having a trusted community space like Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church to host the event made it all possible.”

The two-day event not only prepared hundreds of student-athletes for the school year but also underscored the strength of community partnerships in promoting youth health and wellness.

MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch thanks Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church, Mindy Hawley, West Branch Chiropractic Center, West Branch Eye Care, Ogemaw Eye Institute and every volunteer who made the effort a success.

Those interested in attending or helping with future events may contact Cathy Cleland at [email protected].





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7th-grade boys club basketball tryouts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Tryouts for the upcoming 7th-grade boys club basketball season will take place on August 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Community College PE Building Gym. The 7th-grade club basketball team, the Bears, is an AAU-sanctioned club team that plays in tournaments in the region (mostly Reno […]

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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Tryouts for the upcoming 7th-grade boys club basketball season will take place on August 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Community College PE Building Gym.

The 7th-grade club basketball team, the Bears, is an AAU-sanctioned club team that plays in tournaments in the region (mostly Reno but also Incline Village, Carson Valley, South Lake Tahoe, and this September, for the first time, the Sacramento area). In many respects, the program is similar in scope to club soccer programs such as STFC. 

Bobby Jaeger is the club president and club founder. He coaches the rising 8th-grade boys’ teams. Jason Drew coaches the rising 6th-grade boys, and LTCC PE and health professor Walter Morris coaches the 7th-grade boys.

There are no girls’ teams at the South Lake Tahoe club level yet, but the club would like to add them if coaches are available.

All of the current coaches are volunteers and are long-time youth sports coaches.  



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How and why a new safety standard has been developed for youth football helmets

Now that the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment has data to support the difference in head and neck injury risks for youth versus adult tackle football players, one athletic equipment safety standard nonprofit has released a first-ever youth football helmet standard. “An awful lot went into the standard,” Dr. Robert Cantu, NOCSAE […]

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Now that the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment has data to support the difference in head and neck injury risks for youth versus adult tackle football players, one athletic equipment safety standard nonprofit has released a first-ever youth football helmet standard.

“An awful lot went into the standard,” Dr. Robert Cantu, NOCSAE vice president and chair of the organization’s scientific advisory committee, said. “It is something that’s evolved over the last 10 years. … Youth are not small adults. They have particular needs. They have disproportionately large heads at an early age, and they have very weak necks.”

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That was the starting point for NOCSAE to invest half a million dollars into research “to actually go out and test on the field during practices and during games, exactly what these kids were experiencing,” Executive Director Emeritus Michael Oliver said. “… Out of that came some data that was actually fairly surprising. One of which is the younger age group actually has higher head accelerations than the older age group, but it’s because they hit the ground more often out of control.”

Armed with that information, NOCSAE developed a new standard for tackle football players who’ve yet to reach high school that will require manufacturers, including Riddell and Schutt, to design a helmet that weighs less. It also reduces the allowable rotational acceleration, the force most closely associated with concussion risks in tackle football.

“Forty, 50 years ago, the big problem was mostly skull fractures and intracranial bleeds, more serious injuries,” Cantu said. “Those have been eliminated virtually by the current helmet standards. What hasn’t been as well addressed — and can never be perfectly addressed, but it can be made better — are helmets that better attenuate the forces for concussion. That’s where we think this lighter helmet with adequate energy attenuating equipment in it will do a much better job than the current adult standard.”

New helmets will weigh no more than 3.5 pounds. There is no weight limit in the current performance specifications for helmet manufacturers.

“We have 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds, and they tend to, it’s like bobblehead football, a little bit,” said Keith Fogliani, who serves as president of the Independence, Missouri, Hawks Pop Warner football and cheer squad and as commissioner for the Heart of America Pop Warner Association.

“That bobble-head doll effect means that a youngster taking a blow, it can be a much lesser blow, but it produces great accelerations to the head,” Cantu said. “Youngsters with that weak neck can’t support the weight of an adult helmet, so this helmet will be a lighter one.”

FROM THE ARCHIVES | Dad of middle schooler killed during football practice wants game to adopt new helmets

The hope is that it will better mitigate the risks unique to youth football players.

“Knowing that you have a helmet that’s kind of tailored, or a standard that’s tailored, to that age, to me, is comforting,” Oliver said. “If I’m a parent, I know my kid’s not trying to figure out how to use an adult helmet to play a game for kids, and I think that’s probably the most important part of it. It’s tailored for the risks and exposures for kids at that age.”

Youth football helmets are considered usable for 10 years, but NOCSAE standards require them to be inspected and reconditioned every two years.

“They’re (a new helmet) about $140, then you’re paying about $40 to $50 every two years (for reconditioning),” Fogliani said. “You end up with about a $400 helmet when it’s all said and done.”

NOCSAE’s new youth football helmet standard goes into effect March 1, 2027, which gives manufacturers time to develop equipment to meet the standard, but current helmets can still be used under the existing guideline, according to Oliver.

National organizations, like Pop Warner or USA Football, could create their own rule requiring the adoption of the new helmets sooner.

However, NOCSAE’s new standard only sets a deadline for future manufacturing as helmet technology continues to evolve — from leather helmets, to foam-lined plastic helmets, to new models with air bladders.

“The technology of the helmets is just going to keep getting better and better,” Fogliani said. “I’m just kind of curious to see what a three-and-a-half-pound helmet’s going to be looking like.”

This story was originally published by Tod Palmer with the Scripps News Group in Kansas City.





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Scarlett Walden aims for Youth Athlete of the Year

Scarlett Walden, 11, aims for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year with a dream to elevate her sport. LONGVIEW, Texas — An East Texas athlete is tumbling her way toward national recognition, not just with raw talent but with a dream that could shine a light on both her sport and her hometown. At […]

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Scarlett Walden, 11, aims for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year with a dream to elevate her sport.

LONGVIEW, Texas — An East Texas athlete is tumbling her way toward national recognition, not just with raw talent but with a dream that could shine a light on both her sport and her hometown.

At just 11 years old, Gilmer’s Scarlett Walden is vying for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year, hoping to represent Buckeye Nation and shine a spotlight on cheerleading nationwide.

“I like to dance, I do competitive dance and of course, cheer and I do coed stunting,” she said.

She has earned a spot among the top contenders in a competition typically filled with other athletes.

“There are very few cheerleaders that enter the competition,” she said. “It’s mostly like football players, baseball players,” Scarlett said.

Scarlett is now in third place after jumping more than 40 spots in just a few hours. She is one of the only cheerleaders in the running and is proud to represent an often overlooked sport.

“I just really wanted to represent my sport because it’s very underrated,” she said. “People always argue whether cheer is a sport or not, and it’s very controversial.”

Her mother, Whitley, agrees and says the time and effort her daughter puts into training rivals any other youth sport.

“It’s overlooked a lot,” Whitley said.. “She works very hard. There’s a lot of cheer moms out there and cheer dads, and they know how much time and effort these girls and boys both put in the gym.”

Scarlett trains at two gyms and says the physical demands are nonstop.

“Many cheerleaders like me condition and condition and condition till we’re sick or sore,” Scarlett said.

The Sports Illustrated honor also comes with a $25,000 prize — and Scarlett already has big plans for the money.

“We are building a gym in my backyard because we are taking this career very seriously,” she said. “And with the money left over, I would buy all new Rebel sets.”

Now, she and her mom are calling on the East Texas community to help push her into the top 20 before the next voting round begins.

“She deserves to win because of the hard work that she puts in and the passion,” Whitley said.

To cast your vote visit the link here.



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