Monthly Archives: December 2024

Third Annual Coach Knapp Stair Climb Campaign Concludes Sunday With Washington vs. Atlanta

This Sunday night will conclude its fall awareness program, with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders taking to the stairs of Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland in the third joint stair climb of the NFL season. The climb, now in its third year, named in honor of veteran NFL assistant coach Greg Knapp, is dedicated to educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, reduce the number of distracted driving related deaths, and promote distracted driving awareness reform. Over 500 coaches, players and staff participated in various forms on game days, easily eclipsing the goal of 20+ participating teams, while raising over $250,000 to date.

“Greg Knapp was the ultimate teammate and friend. I had the honor and privilege of coaching with him with three different teams and the one ritual he taught me was to run the stairs before every single game,” said Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn. “My coaching staff and I are excited to be partnering with Raheem Morris and the Atlanta Falcons staff to run the stairs together pregame before our game on Sunday night in honor of Greg and in support of The Coach Knapp Memorial Fund. I look forward to continuing to raise money and awareness to combat distracted driving and honor the life and memory of Greg in a meaningful and impactful way.”

“Greg Knapp was a mentor and a friend to so many. From players to coaches, staff, friends and family, Knapper had an impact on everyone he met. His positivity and teaching skills influenced so many within the Atlanta Falcons organization, myself included.” Said Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Raheem Morris. “We continue to honor his legacy and memory by joining with Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders and participating in the Coach Knapp Stair Climb as we look to help curb distracted driving and protect all road users for good.”

The fund was created by Greg’s wife, Charlotte, and close friend and agent, Jeff Sperbeck, to honor the legacy of Greg Knapp who tragically passed away in July 2021 after being hit by a distracted driver while he was bicycling. Coach Knapp was known for climbing the stadium stairs before every single NFL game he coached over his 25 season career. All will be tagged #knappstairclimb on social platforms.

At the time of his passing, Knapp was recently named Passing Game Coordinator of the New York Jets under head coach Robert Saleh, after serving as an assistant coach for over a quarter of a century with the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Known as a “quarterback whisperer,” Greg coached some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history helping chart the careers of many young athletes with kindness, humor and trust.

Additional events for the offseason will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans, athletes, and coaches at any level can also participate wherever is most convenient to them across the country, such as apartment building stairs or a high school sports stadium. Images will be shared on various social channels.

Westchester Soccer Club Announces Three Additional Signings For Inaugural Season in USL League One

Westchester Soccer Club today announced their next three roster additions for their inaugural season in USL League One, bringing in a trio of established American players, two with strong local ties, to join their initial signee, Major League Soccer and Jamaican International wing back Kemar Lawrence. The three latest additions are New Jersey native Samory Powder, Queens native Conor McGlynn and USL veteran Stephen Payne. WSC will officially open their first season on March 8 in Greenville, SC against Greenville Triumph SC with their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park against Rhode Island SC on April 27.

‘Our goal throughout the signing process is to bring in athletes who have great experience and success on every level, as well as being individuals who are reflective of what we are building year-round in the community, and we think Samory, Stephen and Conor fit that mix perfectly,’ said Simon Baines, Sporting Director of WSC. “They will be key pieces of our club on and off the field as we head towards the season opener.”

The trio includes:

Powder (Edison, NJ), the 2022 USL League Two Player of the Year who has also been a key member of The Trinidad and Tobago national team during his career, returns to the New York area after beginning his career with the New York Red Bulls Academy in 2016. Since then, Powder had perhaps his best season playing with the Hudson Valley Hammers in 2022. The explosive defender led the Hammers in goals from his fullback position and was a key contributor to the Hammers through the end of 2024. He has also spent time with the Portland Timbers U18/19 team and was a second team All Horizon League selection while in college at The University of Detroit-Mercy.

McGlynn (Middle Village, NY) spent all four years of his college soccer career at Siena College between 2016 and 2019, where he made 75 appearances, scored 7 goals and tallied 16 assists. He signed with Hartford Athletic in 2020, playing three seasons before joining Rhode Island FC ahead of their inaugural 2024 season Conor’s younger brother is Jack McGlynn, who also plays for Philadelphia Union in MLS.

Payne (Birmingham, Ala.) played five seasons professionally in Portugal before returning to the U.S. for the past three seasons, first with the Richmond Kickers and then in 2023 and 2024 with Forward Madison.

The signings are pending league and federation approval.

The club will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season this coming April. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/

American Association Announces Agreement With RYZ Sports Network

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) and RYZ Sports Network are pleased to announce a groundbreaking league-wide television partnership beginning in 2025.

The partnership kicks off with television broadcasts featuring the 2024 AAPB Champion Kane County Cougars, who will represent the AAPB, the United States, and Canada in the prestigious Baseball Champions League. This event, hosted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, is scheduled for April 8–13, 2025, in Mexico City, Mexico, at Alfredo Harp Stadium. The tournament’s second edition, hosted by the Mexico City Diablos, will showcase six championship clubs from the highest professional baseball leagues in Cuba, Curaçao, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the United States/Canada.

During the 2025 regular season, the RYZ Sports Network will televise two games per week featuring teams from across the American Association. Following the conclusion of the regular season, RYZ will also broadcast the AAPB playoffs, where teams will compete for the coveted Miles Wolff Cup.

The RYZ Sports Network is a live 24/7 sports network that is currently available on Samsung Plus TV and will be available on Xumo Play on Google TV beginning on January 9th.

“This agreement extends the television reach of the American Association and significantly expands our viewership in the United States beyond our 12 home markets. This is a win for our players, our fans, and our sponsors,” said Joshua Schaub, AAPB Commissioner.

“The American Association of Professional Baseball embodies the essence and purity of America’s game, and we are thrilled to be showcasing them on RYZ Sports Network for years to come,” said Hammad Zaidi, Co-Founder and CEO of RYZ Sports Network.

Game On Sports & Performance Center Partners with 360 Hoops to Introduce a Revolutionary New Sport to Massachusetts

Game On Fitchburg is proud to announce a market-exclusive partnership with 360 Hoops™, being the first to bring the innovative game to New England.

Played on a circular court, 360 Hoops blends the spirit of traditional basketball with a dynamic twist. At the heart of the experience is the 360 Hoop, a patented three-in-one design that allows players to score on any of three baskets. The unique 3v3v3 format fosters teamwork, strategy, and endless fun. With easily adjustable hoop heights, every player can feel the thrill of a slam dunk — making the game accessible, exciting, and unforgettable for everyone.

“Partnering with 360 Hoops allows us to bring a first-of-its-kind experience to kids and families in the New England area,” said Dean Hirtle, Senior Vice President of Game On. “360 Hoops will bring a new level of energy to the complex, blending fun, teamwork, and friendly competition to create a truly unique and memorable experience.”

On February 7th, Game On Fitchburg will host a Ribbon Cutting Invitational to celebrate the new partnership with 360 Hoops and give the community an opportunity to experience the new game firsthand. The free event will run from 5 PM to 8 PM, with local youth athletes, parents, coaches, and teachers invited to join in the fun and play.

Two 3v3v3 Tournaments are scheduled for 2025 so far. The two-day events will be held on June 14-15 and July 19-20, with each player guaranteed 8 games across the tournament.

“We’re beyond thrilled to partner with Game On Fitchburg and their incredible team,” said Anthony Gomez, Co-Founder of 360 Hoops. “This partnership is a significant milestone as we build 360 Hoops across the country, starting with this amazing complex and Dean in the state of Massachusetts.”

The real game-changer? 360 Hoops transforms space like never before. A single traditional basketball court can be converted into up to five 360 Hoops courts, allowing up to 60 players to compete in the same area where standard basketball accommodates just 10. With its portable design and emphasis on inclusivity, 360 Hoops is redefining how sports facilities and communities engage with young athletes.

Beyond introducing the new game within the walls of its first-class facility, Game On and 360 Hoops have set a bold vision to bring the 360 Hoops Experience to every surrounding elementary and middle school in the area. Starting in the fall of 2025, each elementary and middle school will be invited to participate in the 360 Hoops Experience, where 360 Hoops will integrate into the school’s physical education classes and afterschool programs in two-week rotations. In those two weeks, each school will also have the opportunity to host an all day event fundraiser to raise funds for the school, or a charity of their choosing.

With this landmark partnership in place, 360 Hoops is set to announce further partnerships in select markets across the United States, bringing this first-of-its-kind experience to players everywhere.

360 Hoops Co-Founder, Coach Shane Brey, expressed his excitement about the future of 360 Hoops, adding, “Our goal is to make 360 Hoops a staple in youth sports, and this partnership with Game On Fitchburg is just the beginning. We are eager to see the positive impact it will bring to athletes and the community here in New England, and we’re excited for what’s to come.”

Green and Gold, Starring Craig T. Nelson and Presented by Fathom Events, Premieres Nationwide on January 31

Fathom proudly presents Green and Gold in theatres nationwide on January 31, 2025. Starring legendary and multiple EMMY and Golden Globes®-nominated actor Craig T. Nelson (Parenthood, Coach), Brandon Sklenar (It Ends with Us), Annabel Armour (Contagion), Madison Lawlor (Juniper), and the late M. Emmet Walsh in his final performance, Green and Gold tells the story of a fourth-generation dairy farmer fighting to preserve his family’s land and legacy against overwhelming odds. Featuring music by Jackson Browne and S. Carey, the film highlights the resilience of small-town America.

Foreclosure looms over Wisconsin dairy farmer Buck (Craig T. Nelson). With mounting debt and the land his family has cultivated for four generations at risk, Buck refuses to give up his legacy without a fight. Buck’s granddaughter (Madison Lawlor) works alongside him but dreams of a career in music. Her aspirations are fanned by an emerging friendship with a famous musician (Brandon Sklenar), but chasing her dreams might take her far from the farm. With time running out, Buck places a daring Super Bowl bet on his beloved Green Bay Packers, risking it all to save everything he holds dear.

Green and Gold highlights small-town farmers’ vital role as stewards of the land and pillars of their communities. Over the past 5 years alone, America has lost more than 140,000 family farms, but their resilient spirit endures. The film highlights hard work, love for the land, and commitment to preserving legacies for future generations.

Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, Green and Gold celebrates the enduring spirit of family, community, and football focusing on the heartwarming and triumphant journey of a small-town farmer.

Nelson remarked, “This story felt personal to me, I felt a real connection to it because the Nelson family farm has been a working farm in South Dakota since the Civil War, and my wife’s family were also farmers. Green and Gold captures the tenacity of small-town farmers and the strength of family and community. I was honored to play Buck and highlight the dreams defining many lives in America’s heartland.”

Director Anders Lindwall expressed, “Growing up just north of Green Bay as the grandson of a dairy farmer and die-hard Packers fans, my brother Davin and I poured our hearts into this film. It’s our tribute to small-town communities and the values they stand for.”

Ray Nutt, CEO at Fathom added, “Fathom is thrilled to bring Green and Gold to theatres nationwide. Audiences will soon discover how beautifully this film captures the drive in all of us to hold onto our dreams.”

This meaningful film is presented in collaboration with Culver’s and the Green Bay Packers, the nation’s only community-owned professional football team. Culver’s small-town Wisconsin roots give the restaurant franchise a true heart for agriculture and inspired the creation of its Thank You Farmers® Project, which has donated more than $6.5 million to ​​ensure a sustainable food supply for the future.

As for the Green Bay Packers, this marks the team’s first time partnering with a feature film on this level, adding a unique depth to the story. “Green and Gold portrays the story of Packers fans’ devotion to legacy and community—it is a must-see. We are proud to be part of a story celebrating supporting one another and showcasing the critical role that family farms play across our great state of Wisconsin and beyond,” said Packers director of corporate partnership sales & activations, Justin Wolf.

Green and Gold is directed by Anders Lindwall and produced by Davin Lindwall and Aaron Boyd. Dan Visser, Darren Moorman, Scott Pomeroy, Craig Cheek, and Brooks Malberg executive produce the feature film. The screenplay was written by Steven Shafer, Michael Graf, Missy Mareau Garcia, and Anders Lindwall.

Green and Gold was named an Official Selection and Audience Award Winner at the 2024 Austin Film Festival. The film received Official Selection and Audience Choice at the Heartland Film Festival for its compelling storytelling and emotional depth.

For more information, visit greenandgoldmovie.com and on social IG, FB @greenandgoldmovie

Global Fight League Announces Initial Funding and Sets Launch Plan for New Team-Based MMA Property

The Global Fight League, a new team-based MMA property, today announced that it has successfully closed a multi-million-dollar seed round and is set to launch its first season in April 2025. The league will hold a virtual selection process to determine the fighters on each team on January 24, the details of which will be released in the coming weeks.

The GFL will combine team and city-based competition with a new level of empowerment for male and female fighters across all stages of their career, offering profit sharing on all events from the very start.

“Our new league is a logical evolution for MMA,” said Darren Owen, longtime global MMA event promoter, entrepreneur, and Founder of the Global Fight League. “Our mission is to embrace fighters as true equitable partners from inception and, together, create a format that can be understood by any sports fan. I’ve had hundreds of conversations with MMA legends and rising stars and our business plan is an extension of what I have heard from fighters who want a new way to compete and excel in the world’s fastest growing sport.”

Many of the sport’s most notable fighters have been assembled to compete in the inaugural GFL season including: Tyron Woodley, Luke Rockhold, Wanderlei Silva, Anthony Pettis, Fabricio Werdum, Junior Dos Santos, Andrei Arlovski, Frank Mir, Benson Henderson, Gegard Mousasi, Alexander Gustafsson, Hector Lombard, Kevin Lee, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Hannah Goldy and Marlon Moraes, who will serve as the Head of the GFL’s Athlete Association.

The GFL is pioneering a 50% event-specific revenue share model that ensures athletes benefit from the league’s success. This revolutionary structure prioritizes fighters’ financial security and professional well-being.

The GFL is committed to providing unparalleled financial benefits while prioritizing fighter health and safety. Additionally, the league will actively work to eliminate extreme weight-cutting practices to foster a healthier and more sustainable environment for athletes. This initiative reflects the league’s commitment to protecting its athletes and promoting longevity in their careers.

The league will launch with six teams based in major global markets. Competitions will span the world, culminating in a playoff and a championship that will establish the GFL’s position as a world-class experience for athletes and fans alike. Teams will be coached by some of MMA’s most respected figures, including Rafael Cordeiro, with team managers such as Lyoto Machida bringing exceptional expertise.

Marlon Moraes, Head of the GFL Athlete Association, remarked, “This is a new chapter for fighters. The GFL is built on fairness, respect, and opportunity. Fighters now have a voice and a stake in the sport’s future.”

With MMA’s undeniable global popularity, the GFL is the natural progression of a sport that transcends borders. By combining a historically proven team-based league model with a commitment to athlete equity, the GFL aims to help the MMA industry innovate and set a new gold standard in professional sports.