Youth Sports are at the heart of everything we do. Our facility was built with their development, safety, and success in mind, providing a space where young competitors can train, play, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. National Youth Sports Safety Month is a critical time to educate athletes, parents, and coaches on injury prevention, proper training techniques, and overall well-being.

April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, and at Spooky Nook Champion Mill, we are spending the entire month discussing common sports injuries, injury prevention, and how coaches, parents, guardians, and mentors can ensure a child's safety while playing sports. It is our responsibility to not only support and train young athletes, but to teach them how to prevent injuries to ensure they have a lengthy and enjoyable sports career.

Origin of Youth Sports Safety Month

The inspiration of this month stems from Rita Glassman, a Massachusetts mother who watched her daughter suffer a career-ending back injury during a tennis match. Glassman would then create the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation in 1989 with the goal of raising awareness and educating fellow parents, guardians, and coaches on youth sports injuries. Her foundation strongly believes that as adults, we should be held responsibly for these injuries and the mental and physical toll it takes on a young athlete. It is our duty to ensure safe practices and equipment are incorporated into every activity, game, and practice. 

Celebrate Youth Sports Safety Month with Spooky Nook Champion Mill and G&J Pepsi

Spooky Nook Champion Mill welcomes thousands of young athletes into our facilities each year for various sports. Our commitment to youth safety is unwavering, as we understand the importance of providing a secure and supportive environment where young competitors can thrive. We prioritize implementing high safety standards and protocols, ensuring that young athletes who enter our facilities can focus on improving their skills and enjoying sports without worry. From state-of-the-art equipment to a well-trained staff, Spooky Nook Champion Mill is a trusted destination for sports enthusiasts and their families.

All month long, we are providing educational resources and everyday applications of sports safety throughout our social media, email newsletters, and blog posts. You can learn valuable information about youth sports safety, including:

• using proper protective equipment and gear
• prioritizing warm ups and cool downs
• scheduling regular check-ups and physicals
• staying hydrated and resting when needed
• injury prevention

How You Can Participate in Youth Sports Safety Month

There are a multitude of resources available for parents/guardians and coaches that provide useful information and applications of sports safety measures.

Here are 3 things you can do this month to prioritize safety:

1. Develop an effective warm up, cool down, and stretching routine. It is paramount to prepare young athletes for extensive activity, especially sports practices, games, and tournaments. Explore dynamic warm ups, stretches for athletes, and cool down exercises that you can work into your daily lives.
2. Learn how to recognize common sports injuries. This resource shows the most common injuries and symptoms associated with them. Furthermore, know when to encourage rest and visit a doctor when your athlete shows early signs of injury.
3. Check up on your sports equipment and ensure your athlete's gear fits properly (kids grow!) and works effectively. Different sports have different safety concerns, so make sure you have the appropriate gear for the sports you participate in.
   

G&J Pepsi is a family-owned, independent Pepsi bottler that produces, sells, and distributes over 30 beverage brands and 650+ products in Ohio and Kentucky. While many of our brands are based in fun, we also have products that hydrate and refuel your body. We’re here to help athletes of all ages cross the finish line with brands like Gatorade and Propel.