Tiger Woods launched the Smilow | Woodland TGR Learning Lab, a 30,000-square-foot facility serving students in grades 1-12 with free educational programming
The center is part of a $150 million renovation of historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philadelphia
Approximately 2,000 students in the surrounding area have access to tutoring, STEM programs, and golf education
This marks Woods’ second learning lab facility, following his first location in Avalon, California
The project represents what Gov. Josh Shapiro called “the largest urban renewal of a creek in the country”
Expanding Youth Access Through Facility Investment
Tiger Woods officially opened the Smilow | Woodland TGR Learning Lab on Monday at the renovated Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philadelphia. The 30,000-square-foot facility offers free educational programming for students in first through 12th grade, combining traditional academics with golf instruction.
The learning lab operates within the broader $150 million renovation of Cobbs Creek Golf Course, located on the 7400 block of Lancaster Avenue. After a soft opening in April, the facility began its first full session of year-round programming this week.
Woods founded the TGR enterprise, which includes both a golf course design company and his foundation. Revenue from the renovated golf course will fund the STEM learning programs housed in the new facility.
Educational Programming and Community Impact
The center provides multiple educational services including tutoring, after-school classes, and college and career readiness workshops. Woods estimates that approximately 2,000 students in the surrounding area could access the facility’s programs.
“I don’t know if you realize this, but there are about 2,000 kids in the area that could come here,” Woods said during Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “You’re impacting all their lives just by you being there.”
The facility was built through partnerships with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, with primary funding from the Smilow Foundation and the Woodland family. This collaborative model mirrors the structure Woods used for his first learning lab in Avalon, California.
Historical Significance and Personal Connection
Woods emphasized the location’s connection to Charlie Sifford, the first African American golfer to participate on the PGA Tour during the 1960s. Cobbs Creek served as Sifford’s home course during that era.
“Ironically enough, Mr. Sifford became the grandfather that I never had,” Woods explained. “There’s no greater respect that I can give the man than to be able to build something, a home, a safe place, an innovative place that all children should be able to have access to, that they don’t and now they do.”
This historical context adds significance to the facility’s mission of expanding access to both golf and educational opportunities for Philadelphia youth.
Government and Community Leadership Support
Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony included Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who toured the facility and met with participating students. Shapiro characterized the broader Cobbs Creek renovation as “the largest urban renewal of a creek in the country.”
Additional speakers included Bill Smilow, president and CEO of Smilow Foundation and board member of Cobbs Creek Foundation; Len Brown, chief of Global Business Ventures to the PGA Tour; state Rep. Morgan Cephas; state Sen. Vincent Hughes; and City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr.
“The city gets an opportunity to see our legacy of innovation and the belief and power of something bigger than any of our individual statuses come to fruition out of a 15-year journey,” Parker said during the ceremony.
Strategic Implications for Youth Sports Investment
The Cobbs Creek project demonstrates a funding model that combines private philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and revenue-generating facilities to sustain youth programming. By integrating golf course operations with educational services, the TGR Foundation creates a self-supporting structure for long-term program delivery.
The 30,000-square-foot scale and year-round programming schedule indicate significant operational capacity. With 2,000 potential participants in the immediate area, the facility addresses both access and scale challenges that affect many urban youth sports and education initiatives.
Woods’ expansion from one learning lab in California to this second location in Philadelphia suggests potential for additional facilities using similar partnership models. The combination of historical significance, community partnerships, and sustainable funding creates a template for youth sports organizations seeking to develop permanent educational facilities.
via: Philly Trib / photo: Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer Philadelphia Inquirer
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
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:
Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
Youth Sports events and tournament management
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
Sports technology and data analytics innovation
Youth sports facilities development and management
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.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
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ADDRESS: 3911 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037
START TIME: 12:00 PM
END TIME: 4:00 PM
OPPORTUNITY: 50 volunteers per shift
Event Overview
Volunteer with ACFC at the MLK Festival and help build 1,500 sports kits for youth across Los Angeles.
On Monday, January 19, Angel City FC will join thousands of Angelenos at the L.A. Works MLK Volunteer Festival to honor Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. This annual day of service brings people together to support local families through hands-on projects across education, health, housing, environment, and sports equity.
Angel City FC’s Impact on the Day:
ACFC will lead the Sports Equity Zone, where 100 staff and employees will assemble 1,500 Sports Kits for students served by Para Los Niños. These kits will support young people across Los Angeles with essential tools for learning and play. By showing up together, ACFC volunteers will turn purpose into action and deliver a meaningful contribution to local youth.
Volunteer Schedule:
Shift 1: 12:00 pm – 1:50 pm (1 hour 50 minutes)
Activity: Assemble 750 Sports Kits
12:00 pm – Volunteers arrive at L.A. Works check-in
12:00–12:10 pm – Walk to Sports Zone
12:10–12:20 pm – Orientation and welcome
12:20–1:40 pm – Volunteer activity
1:40–1:50 pm – Group photo with Shift 2
1:50 pm – Shift 1 concludes
Shift 2: 1:30 pm – 3:10 pm (1 hour 40 minutes)
Activity: Assemble 750 Sports Kits
1:30 pm – Volunteers arrive at L.A. Works check-in
1:30–1:40 pm – Walk to Sports Zone
1:40–1:50 pm – Group photo, orientation, and welcome
The 805 Ducks’ offense did enough Sunday to score 20 points. The Ducks’ defense took care of the rest.
A 51-yard Marcell Sanders touchdown jaunt on a jet sweep was sandwiched around two Michael Perez-to-Mason Imbelloni touchdown passes. The Ducks came away with a 20-6 win against the Cheehoo Falcons in the second Cheehoo Foundation Winter Classic football tournament at St. Joseph High School.
The tournament took place Saturday and Sunday. The Cheehoo Foundation is a Santa Maria Valley nonprofit that has a stated goal of helping student athletes who are natives of the Pacific Islands. The proceeds from the tournament were designated toward aiding those student athletes.
The Ducks and the Falcons played in the 11-year-old division of the two-day tournament. The two All-Star teams were comprised mainly of players from the Santa Maria Valley.
Randy De La Peña, Contributor
“I had seen these boys during the regular season, and I knew there were a lot of good defenders,” said Ducks coach Ruben Perez.
Perez coached the Orcutt Junior Cowboys during the regular season.
“Four of our players on the Ducks played for me during the regular season — Noah Sanchez, who’s a cornerback-running back, Josiah Thompson who’s a defensive end and tight end, Cameron Brown who’s a cornerback-running back and Michael,” said Ruben Perez.
Michael Perez connected with Imbelloni on a gorgeous 28-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter for the initial score of the game. Cash Moore ran smack up the middle for the only successful two-point conversion try of the game.
The Sanders scoring run came on the first play of the next Ducks possession. Sanchez, Nate Tacos, Jayden Rojas and Caleb Barrera helped lead the surge as the Ducks’ defense contained the Falcons’ offense for the balance of the rest of the game.
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Rojas, a linebacker, played for the Santa Maria Rebels during the regular season.
“I just played on defense today,” said Rojas. “I played a little on offense during the regular season — quarterback and defense. I like playing defense best. I like tackling people.”
Rojas did plenty of that Sunday.
The Falcons came within 14-6 with 38.1 seconds left in the second quarter. Chase Perez recovered a Ducks fumble to set up the Falcons at the Ducks 15 then JuJu Matautia hit Michell Pickett on fourth down from the 10 for a touchdown.
The Falcons made some headway in the second half with Thomas Villarreal carrying the ball the bulk of the time in the Falcons’ run game. Then Matautia began making things happen with his passing and scrambling.
However, the Ducks’ defense stood firm, and the Falcons never got into the red zone in the second half.
A bad snap with the Falcons in punt formation set the Ducks up at the Falcons 32 early in the fourth quarter, and Perez connected with Imbelloni for a 15-yard touchdown pass.
“I threw a lot of passes during the regular season,” said Michael Perez. He didn’t throw a lot on Sunday, but he was efficient enough to make two touchdown tosses.
“Quarterback is the position I hope to play in high school,” said Michael Perez. “And the NFL.”
United’s Jorge Luna, second from left, and Victoria Luna, right, with their parents Jorge and Valerie after a football game.
Courtesy/For the Laredo Morning Times
When they look back on their own high school athletic careers, Jorge Luna Jr. and Valerie Luna remember being average athletes.
Luna Jr., a 1992 United graduate, played basketball while Valerie Luna played volleyball at Nixon until graduating in 1997.
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But it’s a different experience when the two watch their son, Jorge Luna III, throw touchdown passes for the Longhorns on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and their daughter, Victoria Luna, rise high for thunderous kills on the volleyball court.
The brother-sister duo are superstars. They were arguably the two best players in their respective sports this past fall and live under the same roof and eat at the same dinner table.
It’s created a surreal experience for the family.
“What is amazing to me is that we were never even close to the level these two kids are,” Luna Jr. said. “It’s crazy. It’s unbelievable to me.”
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Valerie Luna added, “We always try to stay grounded. Yes, we do think they’ve done a lot and it’s great to see that, but we try to stay humble. We don’t want to say they’re the best, but they’re good because they’re hard workers, disciplined and have a schedule. They’re normal kids. They’re still brats.”
Siblings Victoria and Jorge Luna after a football game. The two were superstars during this fall. Victoria was the All-City Hitter of the Year in volleyball, while Jorge was the All-City Most Valuable Player in football.
Courtesy/For the Laredo Morning Times
Luna III wrapped up a senior season to remember on the gridiron not only by United’s standards, but for Laredo as a whole. His 3,908 passing yards this season were 321 yards short of the single-season Laredo record, while his 43 touchdown passes were one shy of the single-season mark for gunslingers to play in the Gateway City. He ended his prep career with 6,256 yards and 69 touchdowns as one of eight Laredo quarterbacks to surpass 6,000 career yards and eighth all time in passing touchdowns.
Following his impressive senior campaign at quarterback, Luna III was named District 30-6A and All-City Most Valuable Player. He quarterbacked a Longhorns team that averaged 35 points per game and reached the third round.
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Victoria Luna, meanwhile, shined on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. The do-everything volleyball star compiled 364 kills, 197 digs and 63 blocks as a junior this fall to lead United to the playoffs. She earned Hitter of the Year honors in the District 30-6A and All-City awards and will arguably be Laredo’s top returning volleyball talent as a senior next year.
Siblings Victoria and Jorge Luna, who were both superstars during this fall. Victoria was the All-City Hitter of the Year in volleyball, while Jorge was the All-City Most Valuable Player in football.
Lex Saenz Photography/For the Laredo Morning Times
When people ask the Luna parents about the secret to their kids’ success, it’s pretty simple: They work for it.
“Other than being big kids, they’re not natural athletes,” Luna Jr. said. “It’s the work they put in, the fact they’ve been able to train with the coaches they’ve trained with and the year-round training. They don’t have a break. As soon as they get out of season, they’re back to training.”
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Sports have been the identity of the Luna family. The kids were destined to succeed as athletes. As products of Borchers Elementary School and Elias Herrera Middle School, there’s hardly a sport the two didn’t play. Luna III played basketball and football and even had a short stint with baseball, while Victoria Luna started gymnastics when she was 3 years old and, because of her height at such a young age, excelled in basketball and volleyball and even tried soccer.
The years in youth sports immediately paid off for Victoria Luna. Because of her height and the strength she built in her arms and legs from years of gymnastics, she had an advantage over her brother when they were kids.
“Ever since they were babies, we have so many videos where she’s like ‘Jorgie stop right now,’ and bop, she’s beating up on Jorge,” Luna Jr. said. “She was always the bully since she was bigger. Jorgie, she’d grab him and throw him on the ground.”
The Lunas had these sumo suits, and the kids would wrestle around in them. Luna III would have his friends over, but Victoria Luna, bigger than the boys, would throw everyone around with her gymnast strength.
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Despite early jokes that he got his mom’s height and not his dad’s 6-foot-5 stature, Luna III eventually grew into his body and now stands about 6-foot-2.
The Luna family cheers on Victoria Luna during a northside Laredo rivalry game this past fall.
Billy Woods/Laredo Morning Times
“He’s always saying it’s your fault, Mom. I could’ve been taller,” Valerie Luna said while laughing.
It was always a competition between the siblings. Whether it was racing in the pool or playing basketball in the driveway or at the park, competition was in their genetic makeup.
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There are almost too many childhood stories to tell, but the intense back-and-forth basketball games were the first to come to mind.
“We would 1 v 1, and every time I’d win she’d get mad, and when she’d win I’d get mad and upset,” Luna III said. “As we grew up playing sports with different people, it made us more competitive. Being in that environment (against each other) made us better.”
For Victoria Luna, the constant competition against her older brother would serve a purpose that wouldn’t come to fruition until years later. As a girl, it helped mold her into a more physically and mentally strong athlete. Because of the environment she grew up in, she feels she thrives under pressure on the court.
“I can handle it more since I had a brother,” Victoria Luna said. “I get irritated bad with him, but if it’s a girl or someone I don’t know, I’m good. I can handle pressure because being young and arguing with him and competing with him … it’s not as much pressure in volleyball.”
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United’s Victoria Luna with a kill during a district match against Alexander on Oct. 25, 2025, at United.
Billy Woods/Laredo Morning Times
Eventually, the two had to narrow down their sports. Once he got to middle school and especially when he got to United for high school, football just clicked for Luna III. During his freshman year, United coach David Sanchez reached out to the Lunas to tell them he was taking an interested look at Luna III. Sanchez set them up with a quarterback coach in San Antonio to work year-round, and from that point on, it was all football for the oldest of the two siblings.
Between traveling to San Antonio and Austin for extra training, Luna III’s improvement over the years came down to simply putting in the hard work and reps to get better. It also helped that he was playing for the Sanchez-led Longhorns, who have a history of producing excellent quarterbacks.
All of that served as motivation.
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“It’s the culture there. It’s different there than any other school,” Luna III said. “I knew I had to be my absolute best to do great there.”
United’s Jorge Luna shakes loose from a tackle during the 6A first round against Converse Judson on Nov. 14, 2025, at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center.
Billy Woods/Laredo Morning Times
After he sat and watched Atzel Chavez Jr. for two years, Luna III got his shot early in his junior year when the starter went down with an injury. Luna III never looked back. Once he became the full-time starter, he exploded. Of his 2,256 yards his junior year, 2,195 came from Week 3 to Week 10. All 25 of his touchdowns came in those eight games.
As a senior, he erupted for one of the most memorable seasons by a Laredo quarterback.
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After games, he’d be swarmed by kids wanting autographs, pictures and accessories he wore in games.
But to Victoria Luna, he’ll always be little Jorgie to her and she’ll always be little Vicky to him.
The Luna family when current United standouts Victoria Luna and Jorge Luna were young children. Jorge and Valerie Luna have watched their kids become superstars in volleyball and football.
Courtesy/For the Laredo Morning Times
“It’s super fun being able to watch him,” Victoria Luna said. “We’ve grown up together and are only one year apart, so I’ve watched him grow up and become this amazing football player. It’s fun being able to cheer him from the stands. Everybody knows he’s my brother.”
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Victoria Luna’s journey was a bit different. Her chance came much earlier.
When she entered high school, she thought she’d be showing up for junior varsity volleyball tryouts. But the night before tryouts, she was told to report to varsity tryouts. Once she made varsity as a freshman, it became easy for volleyball to be her one year-round sport and to give up basketball.
“Volleyball became natural to me,” she said. “I feel like I picked it up quickly.”
Similar to her brother being motivated by Sanchez and the notorious Longhorns football team, Victoria Luna felt the pressure to get better playing for Lety Longoria’s Longhorns. Over the past two years, Longoria has built United into one of the top volleyball programs in South Texas.
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While she can be a bit reserved off the court, on the court she is very expressive and her explosive kills give her plenty of reasons to smile and yell with her teammates. So far in her United career, she’s recorded 601 kills.
She’s another name to add to the impressive list of United hitters who have come up through the ranks under Longoria’s watch. By the time her prep career is over, Victoria Luna’s name will sit among names like Lauren Arzuaga and Mia Molina, who each surpassed 1,000 kills for the Longhorns and went on to play in college.
United’s Victoria Luna (14) is fired up after a kill during a district match against Alexander on Oct. 25, 2025, at United.
Billy Woods/Laredo Morning Times
The rise for both siblings has come with plenty of support from each other.
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“Our life really revolved around sports. It was a family thing,” Luna Jr. said. “If she played basketball or volleyball, we’d all go. He would support her and scream. When it was his time to play, we’d all go and Vicky would be there screaming and supporting Jorge. It’s been back and forth since (they were little) to now.”
The rise also featured lots of travel around Texas. After a 32-year career in law enforcement, Luna Jr. was able to retire in late 2024 and really dedicate his full time to helping the kids improve. He mentioned he and Luna III would travel so much that they’d be sleeping in their cars before quarterback camps, while Valerie would run Victoria around to camps and tournaments.
“It’s very hectic and nonstop,” Valerie Luna said. “But we’re so used to it that we need it. It’s just our daily lives now. It’s just a lot of traveling and running around, discipline and learning from both of them. We’re happy doing it.”
United quarterback Jorge Luna in the pocket during a district game against United South on Oct. 3, 2025, at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center.
Billy Woods/Laredo Morning Times
The memories from the trips are something both siblings can eventually look back on with fondness. Luna III joked about getting some time away from his parents, but ultimately said he’ll miss traveling Texas with his dad and family.
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“I’m going to miss them a lot,” Luna III said. “Being around them all the time, I obviously have a great relationship with them. They’ll always be there for me and have my back.”
The mom and daughter, meanwhile, have the same demeanor, and sometimes that leads to bickering, but there’s still tons of laughing and shopping on the volleyball trips that both will miss one day.
“Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not,” Valerie Luna said with a laugh. “The biggest thing with her is waking her up in the morning. It’s really a job to wake her up. She likes to sleep.”
While they’re proud of their accomplishments on the field and court, the Luna parents are just as proud, if not more so, of their kids’ attitude and the way they carry themselves.
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“Everyone gravitates to them because they’re good kids. They don’t think they’re the best,” Luna Jr. said. “They get along with the other kids.”
There’s only one more fall of the Luna family at United. Luna III will graduate this spring, leaving Victoria Luna by herself at United next fall. When it’s all said and done, the Luna family will miss the camaraderie of the United community.
“We’ve become friends with everyone,” Luna Jr. said. “The coaches, the parents, it becomes a family deal. When we go to the games, we eat before the games and after the games. During the week, we’re doing pasta nights and all the parents get together to do it. It’s always been a tight-knit family, but with everyone—not just with our family, but with the whole community of football and volleyball.”
Victoria Luna, center, with her parents Valerie and Jorge after a volleyball game. Victoria has become one of the best volleyball talents in Laredo.
Courtesy/For the Laredo Morning Times
It’s all but guaranteed both Luna III and Victoria Luna will continue their athletic careers in college. Division II offers have started to roll in for Luna III, while Victoria has already gained interest from mid-major Division I programs and plenty of Division II schools.
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The married couple of nearly 20 years, Luna Jr. and Valerie Luna, are already making plans to get an RV to travel around and watch their kids play in college. Given how much time they’ve dedicated to being sports parents, it’ll be strange not having the United Longhorns in their everyday lives a year from now—and it’ll be strange for the siblings not to be at each other’s games, screaming in the crowd.
“Our biggest worry is what’s going to happen when sports are over. We’re praying that we’ll get another couple of years to watch them (in college),” Luna Jr. said. “Then we’re worried when that ends, what’s life going to be like? That’s what we know in this family. We’ve traveled together and it’s just been our lives.
“I’m afraid for what the future is going to be like without them. It’s become such a part of our lives. We’re going to have to find actual hobbies.”
Nearly 6,500 DCPS students will receive Under Armour athletic footwear through the year-long District Kicks initiative launching in 2026.
All high school athletes across approximately 22 DCPS schools will receive sport-specific shoes distributed by season starting March 2026.
More than 1,200 sixth graders will receive athletic sneakers during a March 3 celebration event at CareFirst Arena.
The program builds on District Dribble’s success, which distributed 30,000 basketballs to elementary students in 2024.
District of Play reached over 200,000 DC residents in its inaugural year as part of MSE’s community investment platform.
Building on District of Play’s First Year
Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced District Kicks on December 21, the second major initiative under its District of Play platform. The Washington Wizards are leading the effort in partnership with Under Armour and DC Public Schools.
District of Play launched in 2024 as part of the Capital One Arena reimagination. The platform focuses on expanding youth sports access and wellness across Washington, DC through infrastructure investment and programming.
In its first year, the initiative distributed nearly 30,000 basketballs to every DCPS student in pre-K through fifth grade through the District Dribble program. District of Play reached more than 200,000 residents and earned recognition from Fight for Children, along with a nomination for a 2025 ESPY Sports Humanitarian Award.
District Kicks shifts focus from basketball equipment to athletic footwear, targeting older students who participate in organized sports programs.
Multi-Phase Distribution Across DC Public Schools
The initiative will unfold throughout 2026 with separate tracks for high school athletes and sixth grade students.
Approximately 5,200 high school student-athletes across roughly 22 DCPS schools will receive sport-specific Under Armour footwear. Shoes will be delivered directly to school campuses and distributed according to athletic seasons. Spring sports athletes receive shoes in March 2026, followed by fall sports in August and winter sports in November.
Each seasonal distribution will include a pep rally at a featured high school to create visibility for student athletes.
More than 1,200 sixth graders enrolled in DCPS 6th Grade Academies across 11 campuses will receive Under Armour athletic sneakers in multiple styles and colorways. MSE will distribute the footwear during a March 3, 2026 event at CareFirst Arena. The celebration will include interactive sports experiences and career-based learning opportunities, with MSE covering transportation and logistics for all participating schools.
“When I got my first basketball as a kid in Brooklyn, that single piece of equipment unlocked everything that followed: confidence, belonging, and the belief that sports could shape my future,” said Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, managing partner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “District Kicks is built on that same idea: when you give young people the right tools, you give them the ability to dream bigger.”
Connecting to Under Armour’s Project Rampart
District Kicks operates within Under Armour’s Project Rampart framework, which aims to improve student-athlete experiences and academic outcomes through sports access.
Project Rampart launched in Baltimore in 2017 and has since expanded to Oakland and Washington, DC. The initiative provides student-athletes with upgraded facilities, apparel, leadership development, and specialized coach training.
DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee noted the alignment with the district’s 6th Grade Academy model. “In our 6th Grade Academies, students are given the tools to excel inside and outside of the classroom,” Ferebee said. “DCPS is grateful to partner with Monumental Sports and Under Armour to provide resources to young people so they can thrive in programming that deepens their connection to school.”
Strategic Implications for Youth Sports Access
District Kicks represents a scaling approach to equipment access programs in large urban school districts. By targeting specific student populations (high school athletes and transitioning middle schoolers) rather than universal distribution, the initiative directs resources toward students most likely to engage in organized sports programming.
The multi-year commitment from MSE and Under Armour creates predictability for DCPS athletic departments planning seasonal equipment needs. Sport-specific footwear addresses a recurring cost barrier for families supporting student-athletes across multiple sports seasons.
The sixth grade focus aligns with research showing middle school transition years as critical for sustained sports participation. Providing footwear during this window may support retention in school-based athletics programs.
MSE’s integration of the initiative with the Capital One Arena project and District of Play platform suggests continued expansion of corporate-funded youth sports infrastructure in Washington, DC through 2026 and beyond.
via: Wizards
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
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:
Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
Youth Sports events and tournament management
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
Sports technology and data analytics innovation
Youth sports facilities development and management
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.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
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Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports?How do I activate in youth sports?What is the ROI of youth sports marketing?How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
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William J. Castner, Sr., a legendary community leader in Toms River, where he helped lead a nationally recognized youth baseball powerhouse that produced several major and league players, died on December 19 after an illness. He was 73.
Castner spent nearly three decades coaching baseball and served on the board of trustees of the onetime international championship Toms River East Little League. He played an integral role in the founding of a fall baseball program and the Toms River Black Sox that extended baseball into the summer.
The senior league field at the Toms River East Little League Complex was named “Castner Field” in 2009 to honor Castner and his wife of over fifty years, Diane, a longtime volunteer. Ten future major league players played on Castner Field.
He served on the governing board of the Atlantic Baseball Conference Collegiate League, the Youth Sports Safety Advisory Board, and the Play for James Foundation board.
“The only thing Bill would ask for Christmas each year were Wawa gift cards for gas money so he and Diane could drive tens of thousands of miles each year watching games all throughout the Garden State in their lawn chairs – often followed by a family meal at a Jersey diner or restaurant,” his family said in a statement.
In addition to coaching for over forty years, Castner was an executive for a global aluminum manufacturing and distribution company.
He is survived by his wife, three children, including Rutgers University Executive Vice President and General Counsel William J. Castner, Jr., and seven grandchildren.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, from noon to 4 PM at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home in Toms River. A celebration of life service will be held from 3:15 to 4 PM. Donations can be made to the Play for James Foundation.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – A free Christmas tree recycling program is returning to Allen County on Friday.
The Allen County Department of Environmental Management program works together with local organizations for drop-off locations throughout the county. Those locations include:
Fort Wayne City Utilities Biosolids Handling Facility
6202 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne
Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed Jan. 1)
North Highway Department Building
2234 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Metea County Park
8401 Union Chapel Road, Fort Wayne
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
South Lot (near Fort Wayne International Airport)
10100 Smith Road, Fort Wayne
Open daily from dawn to dusk
New Haven Utility Shop
2201 Summit Street, New Haven
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Monroeville Water Works Department
200 Utility Drive, Monroeville
Open daily from dawn to dusk
The program runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 16.
Before dropping off a tree, residents must remove all ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags. Wreaths, garlands and artificial trees are not accepted.
Trees will not be collected as part of regular trash pickup.
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