STL KIDsCompete FREE Monthly Magazine. Our resource for local youth sports.
FEB 2020
www.stlkidscompete.com /STLKidsCompete
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Batter up! 6th Issue!
6th
ISSUE! Monthly Calendar
of Runs, Rides, Try Outs, Open Gyms and More
6th Issue!
Featuring: Coach’s Corner Athlete’s Journal Sports Doc Writes Athlete Development Club of the Month Fitness Trends Sports Nutrition and Recipes
KidsCompete Parent Experts
Have you ever thought it would be great if you had a friendly person to ask about a sport you were considering for your child? If so, you are in luck! The members of this rotating Parent Expert panel are here to help you! They have promised to give unbiased answers to your questions and be the best advocates for their sport. The goal is for parents to help other parents find the best fit for their children! If you want to be one of our Parent Expert panel, please email us with your contact information and which sport you would be representing. We will get back to you! Next month, check out our new KidsCompete Parent Experts!
Brian Wolf (Soccer) With 2 young boys, our family is on the soccer field 8 days a week! Seriously though, our family loves soccer. If you don’t find me in my work truck, you will find me on the soccer field. I own a landscaping business, Wolf Land Maintenance. We do local and regional landscaping. Residential & Commercial. Landscape design, retaining walls, mulch & rock, tree and shrub trimming, snow removal, and more. If I can answer any questions for you about soccer in St. Louis, especially the O’Fallon area, please reach out to me: Brian35w@hotmail.com
Robert Kleinlehrer (Snow Skiing) My parents introduced me to skiing at the young age of 2, and today my family and I ski every winter in Colorado. My son also ski races across the Mid-West during the winter weekends. Snow skiing is an exhilarating sport that the individual, the family and groups of friends can do and enjoy. Being outside in the cold air, rugged, up in layers of warmth, the cold white snow blanketing the ground, the wonderful view of the mountains, slopes and forests around you is also, well just AWESOME. Skiing allows you time to yourself away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life. Skiing also provides a chance to race competitively, as my son does here in St. Louis with the Hidden Valley Ski Team (HVST). This is a sport that I would truly recommend that everyone tries. There is so much more that I can share so please reach out to me with any questions you may have about this great activity and sport: klein8@telstra.com
Mike Callihan (Baseball) I have been a high school coach since 1997. I have coached football, wrestling, baseball, girls basketball, softball and girls golf at all age levels. As a collegiate baseball player, I excelled at Wabash Valley College and then at Quincy University. Currently, I am the Head Varsity Baseball coach and Assistant Football coach at Lutheran South High School in St. Louis, Missouri. I am also a hitting/pitching instructor for the Rawlings Tigers. As a father of two athletes, I have spent several hours on the field and gym watching them grow into the competitors they are today. My oldest daughter, Maggie, was a multisport athlete and was named the St. Louis Post Dispatch Scholar Athlete for Brentwood High School. She now attends the University of Missouri in Columbia. My youngest daughter, Molly, was a four-year varsity softball starter and will attend Mineral Area College on a softball scholarship in the fall. Please send me an email if you have any questions that you think I can answer: mcallihan@lslancers.org
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STL KidsCompete
PROUD TO BE THE #1 CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN ST. LOUIS. With breakthrough research, personalized treatments and world-class care from Washington University Physicians, we’re here to help every kid reach their goals. StLouisChildrens.org Copyright 2020 © U.S. News & World Report L.P. ©2020, St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
WHAT’S INSIDE
FEB
2020 ARTICLES
INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION
KIDSCOMPETE PARENT EXPERTS
3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
6
ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
Our February Cover Kid is Gracie #9. Positions: Catcher & pitcher Team: St. Louis Swarm, 10U I love playing softball. It is my favorite sport because I love to be active & be around all of my teammates. I currently practice twice a week and also go to private hitting & pitching lessons weekly. My teammates and I have a lot of fun when we are together practicing & when we have games. Last year we had our first out-oftown tournament, which was really awesome. It was one of our toughest tournaments & we ended up winning the championship which was amazing! I will never forget that experience. Our team is very encouraging & we all help build each other up. I love being able to grow as a softball player & together as a team each season. Overall, I am thankful for the ability & skills that God has given me to play softball & I am excited to see what 2020 will bring!
STL KidsCompete Magazine features St. Louis kids on our cover every issue. Photo by Dirt & Turf Photography.
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FEB 2020
SPORTSMANSHIP STEWARD
8
Losing with Class By Solomon Alexander SPORTS CENTS
AGES 3-12 Where’s the Fun? AGES 13-18 College Scouts & Recruitment
24
SPORTS NUTRITION
20
12
14
College Scholarships By Aaron Vickar COACH’S CORNER
Breakfast Sets and Speeds Your Pace
16
By Design By Judy Dante COACH’S CORNER
By Reshaunda Thornton RD, LD, CSSD
28
The Sports Photographer!
SPORTS DOC WRITES 22
By Jason Schoenig
Back Pain in Young Athletes By Dr. Terra Blatnik FUN FIT: CURRENT TRENDS
30
Reflective Gear SPORT SPOT
32
Softball ADAPTIVE & ACCESSIBLE
HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY FEBRUARY CALENDAR
38
Runs & Rides, Open Gyms, Try Outs, 5&Under and Events COMMUNITY
34
Athlete Shout-Outs
47
Paralympics Tokyo 2020 JUST FOR FUN PLAY WITH US!
SPECIAL FEATURES ATHLETE’S JOURNAL
The Importance of Sports and Transitioning Into a New School 18 By Jude Watkins
Hockey: A Family Thing? CLUB OF THE MONTH
American Cricket Academy & Club St. Louis STL KidsCompete
SPORTY RECIPE
SIMPLE & Tart Overnight Oats 19
By Jade Burnett 26
10
Fun Facts: Softball Motivation of the Month: Kobe Bryant PLUS: Chess • Jokes • Crossword 36
r o G f s o k o n d a H h e T a e l v th i G We Are Proud to Sponsor An Evening With Champions
At Karuna, we believe that having an attitude of gratitude is the best way to promote a healthy outlook on life. We also know that providing smoothies, juices and coffee drinks with the highest quality organic ingredients with no GMO’s and low sugar can actually promote better overall health. Make it a priority to give yourself the gift of gratitude and good health by choosing Karuna. Go to MyKaruna.com to find out where to purchase our products.
LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR Our Team The more I interact with our amazing STL coaches, parents, athletes, and sportsrelated businesses, the more impressed I become. St. Louis has an extraordinary number of sports-related aspects to be proud of, including history, new sports, businesses, teams, coaches, historians, and even sports-tourism. At STL KidsCompete, we try to focus on educating, connecting, and promoting the “Team STL” mindset, regardless of what the youth are competing in.
STEPHANIE BERK, Ph.D. Stephanie Berk, author of “How to Potty-Train Your Dragon Child”, is a mother of 4 boys. She has a degree in Human Development & Family Studies from Cornell University, a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from University of Connecticut, a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Language Acquisition from Haskins Laboratory/Yale University, and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neuroimaging from Washington University.
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STL KidsCompete
We follow the same goals in the magazine. Our photographer, graphic design artist, and writers work tirelessly to produce the best content possible, and our advertising business partners believe in what we are doing. They want you to have the best possible! Without their support, we could not publish the magazine month after month. Over the next few months, we will make sure that you “meet” the spectacular and generous team members who make this resource possible. We are thrilled and grateful for your readership! Please say hi, or thank you, to our writers and advertising business partners when you see them. We look forward to celebrating many seasons with you!
Stephanie
magazine Issue #06 FEB 2020 PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Berk, Ph.D. stephanie.berk@stlkidscompete.com
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Solomon Alexander Dr. Terra Blatnik Mike Callihan Judy Dante Jason Schoenig Reshaunda Thornton RD, LD, CSSD Aaron Vickar
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FEATURE CONTRIBUTORS Jade Burnett Jude Watkins EDITING INTERN Benjamin Shoykhet CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dirt & Turf Photography
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WEB MANAGEMENT Alex Carson AD SALES info@stlkidscompete.com PARENT SPORT-ADVOCATE BOARD Mike Callihan Robert Kleinlehrer Brian Wolf PR TEAM Lents & Associates PRINTED BY Breese Printing & Publishing, St Louis MO
STL KidsCompete Magazine Published monthly. P.O. Box 31724, Saint Louis, MO 63131 Email: info@stlkidscompete.com Text: 412-251-6324 Website: www.stlkidscompete.com STL KidsCompete Magazine is distributed to locations throughout the St. Louis area. Distribution of this publication does not constitute endorsement of content, advertisements, products, and or services. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or submission not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All contents herein are protected by copyright, and may not be reproduced in any manner or form without obtaining permission in writing from the publisher.
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© Copyright 2020 KidsCompete Media Group All rights reserved.
STL KidsCompete
FEB 2020
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Sportsmanship Steward
BY SOLOMON ALEXANDER
Solomon Alexander is the Foundation Director at the St. Louis Sports Commission. For more articles like this and information on the Sports Commission’s youth programs, please visit sportsmanship.org.
8
Losing
with Class
[ Photo Credit: Rena Schild / Shutterstock.com ]
FEB 2020
STL KidsCompete
Where hospitality helps you be your best Boxing legend George Foreman once said, "If you fight good fighters long enough, you will eventually lose." His point was, if you seek out the best and compete against them, they will win their fair share. That's why long undefeated streaks, undefeated seasons and undefeated careers are anomalies in the sports world.
1335 South Lindbergh Boulevard I Saint Louis, MO 63131 hilton.com I stlouisfrontenac.hilton.com | 1 314 824 6015
Y
ou will take losses in sports and in life. How you handle them and how you bounce back is what matters. Coaches have told me it's not over until it’s over. Sometimes it is over before it's over and there's no harm in calling off the dogs. If you're down by four touchdowns with two minutes to go, the game is over. Don’t try to get in a few extra hard hits to prove how tough you are. Losing a game doesn't make you a loser. Only your attitude can do that. Winning and losing are states of being which change from game to game. Winners are people who give their all on and off the field and treat everyone with respect. Being a winner doesn’t change with the score or your place in the standings. It’s something embedded in your character.
www.saintlouistaxprep.com With the evolving economy, and tax code, our firm works to identify your business and personal financial goals. We work hand-in-hand to develop long-term tax planning strategies. Contact our office today for a no-cost consultation to see how we can help you reach your financial goals.
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Taking a loss with class and dignity shows others they can still follow your lead. The ability to admit what your opponent did right, and what you did wrong shows respect and maturity. Others are more likely to trust your judgment when they know you are coming from a place of honesty and self-awareness. No one should ever be comfortable, or happy with losing. You can show your discomfort while maintaining your composure. It's best, however, to get up, dust yourself off and show your opponent and the game the respect they deserve. Shake your opponent's hand. Congratulate them on a spirited contest. Oh, and let them know you'll be back! Don't laugh. It worked for Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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STL KidsCompete
FEB 2020
9
P l ay with u s ! Welcomteo
Chess!
d mate in move, an to e it h W
2
he Why did t at e t studen ork? his homew ANSWER:
Because his teacher sai it was a piece of cak d e!
What is loud, fast, and crunchy? ANSW
ER: A rock et chip !
ity c5, Qb5# er Univers 6, Qb7+ K ar, Webst xd6+ Bxd san Polg B r Su o r te # 3 as d Grandm Qxb7, N Credit to xd6, Qb7+
: Bxd6+ B Solution January’s
fuN facts: softball Softball is a variant of baseball that was first introduced as an indoor version of baseball, but has since developed as its own sport. Although looking almost identical, bats used in softball tend to be shorter, have a smaller diameter and are lighter than those used in baseball. Softballs are much larger than baseballs, with a circumference of 12 inches, compared to the 9 inches circumference of the baseball. In baseball, the ball is pitched, mostly overhand and sidearm, from an elevated mound that is 60-feet away from the plate. In softball, the ball is pitched underhand from a flat pitching circle that is no more than 43 feet away from the plate. Unfortunately, there are differences in salaries. Professional baseball players (MLB) are male and have an average salary of $4 million per year. Professional softball (National Pro Fastpitch) players are female and generally earn only $5000 - $6000 per year.
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g t do Wha s to do like ic? mag ANSWER:
A labracadabrador!
The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win!
se wor cats s i t g Wha rainin n tha dogs? d n a
(Kobe Bryant)
ANSWER:
Hailing taxis!
2
1
Batter-Up Cros sword
3
5
4
6 8
7 9
11
10 12 13 15
14 16
17 18
the What did ok say o science b th book? to the ma ANSWER:
Wow, you’ve got pro blems!
Across a player comes 3. Score awarded after e safely to home bas ball 4. An upward swing at a l bal a hit to d use l Too 6. Across with 7 innings s 7. A 19th Century game awardeed t aer a player come the umpir thaaft 3. Sc byore 9. The call made e swing at a ball a basrd runner is ent Antoupwa 4.itle cher or first-base player cat a by d use ve glo A 10. a ball y Tool used to hit 13. A unit of pla6. you to wi ow thr is l bal th 7 innings a enh Century gan me 15. What you do A 19t 7. wh ls cal g kin ma l 16. The officia pire that a um ter thebat ded by to the ma nte e caellgra Th t bas s of9.firs ing ard innaw 9An th wi 17. , ms tea r ye pla e tcher or first-b 8. A game with 2 nin 18. A ball hit har 10.d A glove used by a ca
Down 1. Spots you run to 2. A type of hitting e 5. Another word for bas bat a h wit do you at 7. Wh Down yer teams, 8. A game with 2 nine pla to run u yo s ots ing Sp inn 1. with 9 sedesw 9. A hitting ofing A typ 2.mis 11. Team’s teacher base de by mafor ch rd oth pitwo oner mm CoAn 12. 5. s yer pla itch t-pat you do with a bat 7.fasWh ow 14. Another word for thr
9. A missed swing 11. Team’s teacher fast-pitch players ommon pitch made by
13. A unit of play FEB 2020 11ball is thrown 15. What you do when a
STL KidsCompete
Athlete Development ages
12
3-12
FEB 2020
STL KidsCompete
Where’s the
FUN?
Peek-a-boo? I see you! Big smiles, first laughs. Remember this game? It is often one of the first games that parents (and strangers at restaurants) play with babies. This is fun, and very minimally competitive.
S
omehow, in only 2-years-time, we go from Peek-A-Boo at 12 months to the beginning of highly competitive teams at age 3 years. By the age of 6, many children are already on select teams that are starting to travel. Current studies, as well as those from 20–40 years ago, consistently show that parents, coaches, and young athletes all say that one of the main reasons for starting and staying in a sport, even post-injury, is because it is “fun”. However, very few of these studies go on to understand what “fun” actually refers to. According to a research study conducted by Visek, et al (2015), the defining factors that make a sports activity fun include:
Team rituals, like doing a cool team cheer or handshake Swag, e.g. traveling to new places to play and getting something like a towel, hat, t-shirt Learning and improvement, e.g. successfully learning a new skill or play Support at competition, e.g. having family/ friends cheer at the game Team friendships and horseplay Practices, specifically well-organized practices that allow for playing around Games, actually playing what has been practiced
Gould and colleagues additionally found that 8–11-year-old athletes rated having fun and skill improvement as more important than did 12–17-year-old athletes. Interestingly, another reason for why youth athletes stayed in a sport was that the 8–11-year-old athletes seemed to be more concerned about making their parents happy with their sport participation than were the adolescent athletes. For any youth athlete, it is important to understand why the child is participating, and what makes it “fun” for that child. Life lessons are great, but in order to maintain an active lifestyle, “fun” and “enjoyment” should both be part of these early life sports experiences.
References: Gould, D., & Walker, L. (2019). Youth sport: Meeting unique development needs of young athletes for preventing dropout. In M. H. Anshel, T. A. Petrie, & J. A. Steinfeldt (Eds.), APA handbook of sport and exercise psychology, volume 1: Sport psychology., Vol. 1. (pp. 151–177). Washington, DC: APA Lesyk, J. J., & Kornspan, A. S. (2000). Coaches’ expectations and beliefs regarding benefits of youth sport participation. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 90(2), 399–402. Martin, E., & Gould, D. (2016). Motivation of youth in sport participation, youth initiation, and discontinuation. Unpublished manuscript. Gould, D., & Walker, L. (2019). Youth sport: Meeting unique development needs of young athletes for preventing dropout. In M. H. Anshel, T. A. Petrie, & J. A. Steinfeldt (Eds.), APA handbook of sport and exercise psychology, volume 1: Sport psychology., Vol. 1. (pp. 151–177). Washington, DC: APA. Visek, A. J., Achrati, S. M., Mannix, H. M., McDonnell, K., Harris, B. S., & DiPietro, L. (2015). The fun integration theory: Toward sustaining children and adolescents sport participation. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 12, 424–433.
Mental bonuses, e.g. letting out energy and steam Positive coaching, when the coach rewards the athlete with attention or praise
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FEB 2020
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Sports Cents
COLLEGE Scholarships BY AARON VICKAR
Aaron Vickar is a St. Louis wealth advisor at Buckingham Strategic Wealth. He travels frequently, attending as many of his children’s sporting events as possible. Contact Aaron at avickar@bamadvisor.com or 314-743-2241 for more information or to start a conversation.
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STL KidsCompete
High school signing season just closed, and seniors know if they will tackle collegiate sports next year. Some may have even earned some money, a small payoff measured against the significant investment made in sports during the previous 18 years. Parents are increasingly spending more on equipment, elite teams and travel. But not all kids make it to the collegiate level, and your “investment” could be a bust.
I
n a 2019 TD Ameritrade survey on the cost of youth sports, 40% of parents felt confident their child would get an athletic scholarship1. The parents were also willing to cut back on spending, accrue credit card debt or delay retirement to fund their child’s sport.
ST. LOUIS HOME TO WOMEN'S PRO BASKETBALL Surge Season Starts Summer 2020!
While costs vary by sport, baseball parents can spend an average of $4,041 per child each year, volleyball parents can spend as much as $8,027 per child1. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), only 6.18% of high school athletes go on to play in college, and even fewer play at the professional or Olympic level2. Only 2% of that small number will get scholarship money to make that “investment” pay off3. Sports are a great way for kids to learn teamwork, discipline, work ethic and sportsmanship. Scoring an elusive scholarship and paying for college is not the reason to play. If your kid loves sports, there’s nothing wrong with supporting them 100%, but keep it reasonable – and in budget. If you’re spending more money on their sports than you are putting in their college fund you may want to realign your priorities. Even half of the money you put toward kids’ sports could go to their college fund. That’s your “scholarship” right there!
References:
Visit STLSURGEBASKETBALL.COM for more info.
is Looking for Sports Camps! Advertise your sports camp in our magazine! We would love to help get your name and information in front of families! We pride ourselves on working with our advertising business partners to help them connect with our 75,000 readers.
1
“Parents Can Invest for Years in Kids Sports but Scholarships are Elusive,” Wall Street Journal, April 2019.
2
“Probability Competing Beyond High School,” NCAA.org
3
NCAA.org
Email stephanie.berk@stlkidscompete.com for more information and to find out all that we can do for you.
STL KidsCompete
FEB 2020
15
Coach’s Corner
BY
Our Team
design Athlete Development Ages
Sport Spot
3-12
for speed skating season The competitive from n for St. Louis, is roughly n international federatio 1892, the first youth athletics in 3 Mid-March, with founded in mid- October through Speedskating was , per season. Practice The sport of Speed meets in Missouri 1.5 for any winter sport. nds, per week, and 1Netherla days the 4 in 1from ranges skating is popular in St. Getting started China, Canada, hours per session. are Norway, South Korea, Italy, and affordable! There , Germany, Russia, Louis is easy, and s. U.S.A., Hungary -Skate” program speed skating “Learn-to how to skate, Kazakhstan. knows If your child already different from hockey practice. are a try skates to Speed blades contact the club The speed skate , and figure skates. the boots are ready to compete of the skate, and When the children go past the end groups, skates often put in “ability” ankle. Short track most are they other go to about the of the competing against fixed to the bottom such that they are ea have the blades a radius ability, giving everyon and are bent in skaters of similar boots in two places to make tight turns chance to win! great that allows the skaters as track skates known tradition. on the track. Long only St. Louis is a rich the blade affixed Speed skating in make “clap” skates, have that s Olympians who skate, which means We have numerou has to the front of the Fun fact: St. Louis when a “clapping” sound St. Louis their home. ment of the skaters make role in the develop the skaters played a pivotal clap skates help they walk. The Skating! skates, For both types of the sport of Speed extend the push. that the such sharp, the blades are very f suits under their skaters wear cut-proo
A
G SPEED SKATIN go left! only Speed skaters
which of ice skating, in a competitive form es from Speed skating is in different distanc race each other ized the competitors are 2 widely recogn an oval track. There 111m–5000m on Short Track speed : Long Track, and skating types of speed skating ack speed ic Games, long-tr shortskating. In the Olymp while ", skating d to as just "speed is usually referre track". is known as "short track speed skating
What Do
HELMETS Actually Do?
T
he list goes on. Parents, children, athletes, and spectators have all found reasons to resist/protes t wearing a helmet, not too dissimilar from when wearing a seatbelt became mandatory. However, with the seatbelt laws, there was information clearly showing what the seatbelt actually did for the passenger in the vehicle. Here is some information about helmet use; the why and the how it works:
Why?
“skin suits”.
Speed Skating
“Wear a helmet or don’t wear a helmet. It makes no difference anyway.” “Helmets don’t stop a concussio n from happening.” “Helmets limit my personal sense of being free.” “Helmets make my hair look messy.” “I’m not going very fast, and my parents didn’t wear them when they were younger. ”
Helmets can prevent injuries in an uncontrolled environment. If you can't prevent a crash or impact, but you know that there is a likelihood that it can occur, a helmet can prevent or minimize injury to the head and brain.
: Clubs in St. Louis
skating.org/ / w.gatewayspeed speedskating.com ating: http://ww Gateway Speedsk Club: http://www.stlouis litan) Speedskating St. Louis (Metropo in St. Louis. for speedskating 77586761/ ing organization -Association-1193 MOSA is the overarch uri-Speedskating book.com/Misso ww.face https://w information: on, as well as official -regulations Regulati ules-and and For Rules skating/athletes/r usa.org/us-speed https://www.team
The first step in preventing injury is to minimize the probability of the impact. Not hitting something hard, is definitely better than hitting something with a helmet on!
How? Human brains can be injured by impact with the skull, or by exceptionally violent rotation of the head, when the brain remains stationary pulling at the nerves and blood vessels. Helmets designed to handle major crash energy, typically have a layer of crushable foam. When a
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DEC 2019
person crashes and hits a hard surface, the foam part of a helmet crushes. This foam absorbs and redistributes the impact energy and prolongs the head's stopping time by about six milliseconds. This reduces the peak impact to the brain. Rotational forces and internal strains are likely to be reduced by the crushing of the helmet foam. The thicker the foam, the better, because the head has more room, and time, to stop. Basic laws of physics say that there is more force to the brain, if the stopping distance is shorter. However, if the helmet is too thick, there is increased strain to the neck. Different helmets are good for different activities. Regardless of which activity, a helmet must fit well and be level on the head for the whole head to remain covered after a first impact. Some helmets are designed to be reused after the foam is crushed, like hockey, whereas others are not, such as bike helmets.
References: www.helmets.org Barbara A. Stanken (2000) Promoting Helmet Use Among Children, Journal Community Health Nursing, of 17:2, 85-92. Colello, R. J., Colello, I. A., Abdelhameid, D., Cresswell, K. G., Merchant, R., & Beckett, E. (2018). Making football safer: Assessing the current national football league on the type of helmets allowed policy on the playing field. Journal 1213–1223. of Neurotrauma, 35(11),
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STL KidsCompete
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SEP 2019
BY JUDY DANTE
Art Director and Graphic Designer of STL KidsCompete. Lifelong sports fan. Former kid athlete. Current parent of two teenage student athletes. Full-time manager, agent, shuttle driver, photographer, and overall keeper of said student athletes.
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DEC 2019
STL KidsCompete
FEB 2020
STL KidsCompete
As the Art Director/Graphic Designer for STL KidsCompete magazine, each month I take the articles that start as Word documents and present them on the pages in a visually appealing way, usually with the help of photos, graphics, colors, and fonts. Ideally, we draw readers in with articles on pages that look good and complement without being a distraction from the story.
M
y prior work experience includes print projects like magazines, ads, packaging, signage and trade show graphics, so this is relatively natural for me. When Stephanie, the founder, publisher & editor of this magazine, approached me with the idea for a magazine whose focus was kids’ sports in the St. Louis community, I was super excited! Not just because sports are fun, but because we envision it as a resource that can be truly helpful for parents in our community. Like our photographer Jason, I also have been around sports my whole life — growing up watching Blues’ and Cardinals’ games with my family, playing numerous sports myself, and as a parent of two teenagers who for years have each played multiple sports. I’ve also seen
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Athlete Development Ages
3-12
SICK KID?
When to M Practice and iss School
It is that time of year again! The weather is gettin more time indoo g colder. Children rs — with each are spending other. Schools Kids and teach and gyms are ers/coaches will getting germier. be getting sick.
W
inter break, while feeling like an parents who are eternity for accustomed to their children being out of the house from 8am to 4pm, will be exactly is needed to kill what the viruses that have been coming to school too. But we are not quite there yet. When that runny nose starts, the questio n always asked at least internal and ly debated by parents is: Can my child to school I send today? We have coming up. Can big tournaments s/he The answer depend afford to miss practice right now? s in part on the A high school age of the child. student might be encouraged school/workou to go to ts, just as an adult would. A toddler the other hand on might stay home an extra day- just make sure the virus is over. to Here are the general guidelines that schools and kids’ the majority of activity places want order to protect the teachers, coache parents to use, in children, while s, staff, and other at the same time keeping their own children as comfor table as possibl e.
For children ages Must stay home:
5- 12 years:
Fever = tempera ture over 100 degrees or Tylenol. (If you without Advil have to give your keep the body temperature under child medicine to 100 degrees, keep the child home.
12
NOV 2019
Running-away nose constantly in-hand = If the child needs a tissue to catch the dripping otherwise) from (clear or the nose, keep the child home.
Should stay home:
Sore throat, headache, “not feeling well”. Sometim these symptoms es can be due to a bad the start of using heat in the house. night’s sleep, or the child is getting But sick, AND is contagi more often, ous! When the child says has vomited recently s/he feels sick to the stomach , , or had loose stool. something other It could be than a stomach virus, but sharing stomach virus will not win any a friends.
Can go to school/ practice:
Things that are related to a non-contagious e.g. ear infection ailment, , tooth approval. For example abscess, etc., and with coach’s , many coaches athlete who is do not want dizzy, having to rely on their balance an . Has been fever-free, without medicine, for at 24 hours. least Can cover mouth and nose during coughs sneezes, reliably and and independently, washing skills with good handfollowing.
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CoaCh’s Corner
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he holiday season has arrived and while this can be an exciting time of the year, it can also be a challenge to “stay in shape.” Follow the guidelines below to ensure that you won’t lose a step during this busy season.
1. 2. 3. 4.
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this one yet? Have you seen T KIDS KI OR SW FITNESS APP
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
BY BRYAN TRAUGHBER
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Fun Fit: Current trends
HOW TO STAY IN TOP PLAYING SHAPE DURING THE HOLIDAY BREAK?
Head Cross Country & Co-Head Track and Field Coach DeSmet Jesuit High School
NOV 2019
for ages 7-14, with children, best suited ty! No matter if a game with your endurance and flexibili Turn Fitness into nt is an ts for strength, agility, car, every mome customizable workou maybe even in the it fun and easy , watching TV, and fit. Sworkit Kids makes you are home, outside getting fun have active and opportunity to get s. parent for kids and their
Set a goal. Goals are most effective when they are attainable, specific, and measurable. It can also be helpful to write or type your goal on a sheet of paper and post it in a place that is often visible to you. For example: My goal is to run one mile without walking by January 15th. Consistency is the key – Consistency is the key to improving as an athlete. Five 30-minute workouts per week is more effective than 1 or 2 two hour workouts a week. Focus on developing your specific skills as consistently and frequently as possible.
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your ed workouts with Share your customiz what it to see who has friends and family takes to get fit! out of our favorite ones This app is one us what it a try, please tell there! If you give Have idscompete.com. you think at info@stlk us! own, please tell a favorite of your
Schedule your workouts. Often times, the earlier you can schedule a workout, the better. You want to avoid planning to complete your workout after a family gathering or travel. Modify your training indoors if necessary. If your normal routine calls for outdoor training, don’t be afraid to move your training indoors to the gym, pool, or any indoor facility when the weather or travel plans don’t allow for time outside. Remember, consistency is key, and doing something indoors, even if it is not the complete routine, is more beneficial than nothing at all. Don’t forget to sleep. Sleep is your body’s best recovery method. Even though your daily schedule may change, it is important to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Drinking water, and eating a healthy, balanced diet are also beneficial. Train with a friend. Training is also more fun with a partner and a friend can also help keep you accountable.
Best of luck to you and remember to enjoy this time of year!
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sports, particularly kids’ sports, become seemingly complicated and a bit stressful with so many different sports to choose from — numerous team/club options, price points, time commitments, training choices, etc. It’s hard to know what’s best for you and your child. I played softball, soccer, and hockey as a kid, and it all seemed pretty straightforward — you either played on your school team or a team comprised of kids from your neighborhood. I played with mostly the same teammates in all three sports. And traveling to games meant driving maybe a few miles to Forest Park. Going anywhere outside of city limits would have equaled driving to Kansas City to me back then! These days, there are many Select/Club/Traveling teams where the kids are borderline mini-professionals who train every day and travel almost weekly. For some kids, that’s exactly what they want and will excel in, and that’s great! For other kids, something more recreational and less of a time commitment is better, and that’s great, too!
SEP 2019
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We aim for this magazine to be a resource to help educate and enlighten caregivers and decision-makers, maybe reinforce beliefs or help narrow-down options to what you think is best for your kids. I know through the first five issues, I myself have learned, among other things, why it’s just as important for kids to hydrate before activity as it is during or after; that kids who “specialize” in one sport between the ages of 6-12 years are at greater risk for burnout and anxiety; and that athletes widely considered the “Greatest of All Time”, actually (gasp!) lose games and make mistakes! I’ve also confirmed my long-term belief that parents today need also be an agent, a manager, and a timekeeper. Don’t I know it?! We hope that every issue draws you in with something useful, interesting, or enlightening. And if there’s a specific topic you’d like us to cover, please let us know!
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Athlete’s Journal Jude Watkins Whitfield School Freshman
The Importance of Sports and Transitioning Into a New School by Jude Watkins Sports are a very important part of many peoples’ lives, whether you’re the person playing, or the one giving rides to the game. Playing a sport impacts people in many different ways. It impacted me by helping me adjust to my new school.
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ports have always been a huge part of my life since I was in kindergarten. Name a sport, and I’ve played it. Even though I have enjoyed a wide variety of sports, my main one has always been soccer. Soccer has helped me make friends and stay active, but never did I imagine it would make transitioning into a new high school a breeze. High school can be such a hard thing but joining a high school that most of the kids have been going to since they were in 6th grade makes it even more difficult. This year I was Whitfield’s starting varsity goalkeeper as a freshman. Being on varsity helped me transition into school in two ways. The first way was that it allowed me to meet the rest of the varsity players and make friends before the school year even started. This was definitely one of the most helpful things because it allowed me
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to talk to people I had already met on the first day. The second way was that people being at the games or hearing that there was a new goalkeeper really got my name out there. Soon enough everybody was familiar with my name, and it felt like I had been going to Whitfield for years. Now that the season is over, I know everyone, and I’ve even had multiple people come up to me and tell me that they forgot I was new or say “Wait, this is your first year here?” It feels great to know that I’ve become a member of the class and am not thought of as “that new kid”. For the easy adjustment to high school, I have soccer to thank. Without soccer I’m not sure I would have made friends as easily as I did at my new school.
Jade Burnett
Marquette High School Junior
Hockey: A Family Thing? by Jade Burnett Many athletes today start their career around the age of 2-3 years, especially hockey players. For me, that was not the case. I started skating around the age of eight, and I did not start playing hockey until a few years later.
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t the time I had one younger sister who would have never dreamed of playing hockey, but a few years later she joined me, happily, on the ice.
makes it a little rough to get other things done; not to mention the days where we have to hop from rink to rink all day.
She was younger than me when she started, and our schedules did not conflict. Then my next sister was born. Hockey was already in the family, so as soon as she could walk, she was ready to lace up her hockey skates, and that’s where things got complicated.
Being around so many people all day meant that I had to learn better social skills, which helps outside the rink, too. Plus, I have been able to work with younger children, in that I help with coaching the younger teams. Hockey has helped me come out of my shell, in a sense that before I was coaching, I was not very social. Coaching the younger players has helped me become more social, since I have to work with players I have never met, as well as with their parents on ways their children can get better. All in all, playing hockey with my sisters and coaching have been some of the best things to happen to me.
Now that all three of us are playing hockey, life gets a little crazy sometimes-- between practices overlapping, to tournaments in completely different states at the same time. All three of us playing has its good moments, and its bad moments. Due to my other two siblings playing, I have had the opportunity to experience some amazing things. There are many days when we will be at a rink from 9 AM to 10 PM, which
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Sports Nutrition
Breakfast
BY RESHAUNDA THORNTON RD, LD, CSSD
Sports dietitian, owner of Bettervessel Nutrition, and author of Play to Win the Food Fight. Specializes in consulting athletes and individuals in healthy living and performance enhancement. Nutrition expert of St. Louis Fox2News since 2014. Featured Tedx Gateway Arch speaker 2019. Currently a thought leader speaker in nutrition and wellnessrelated topics. Former athlete who enjoys weight training and running, and a mom of a teenager who is ok with eating a salad with every meal. Call: (832)771-7649 or email info@reshaundathornton.com For more information or to make an appointment.
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SETS AND SPEEDS
Your Pace
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! We have heard countless times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We have also heard of the common phrase “Food should be viewed as fuel�. However, the majority of our young athletes do not make a healthy breakfast, a priority.
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t is understandable that early morning, we seem to be at a rush, and the hunger signals may not have sparked yet. For most people, if they don’t feel hunger, there isn’t a need to eat. This is contrary to breakfast. Young athletes’ “tanks are on empty” when they wake up in the morning. Starting the day off with a well-balanced meal can jumpstart their metabolism. This, in turn, will set them up for success on the field as well as in the classroom. In addition, research shows that kids who eat a well-rounded breakfast often have improved academic test scores, longer attention spans, greater attendance, and decreased hyperactivity in school.
What does a balanced meal look like?
What happens when breakfast isn’t prioritized?
Fruit smoothies
Not prioritizing breakfast can be detrimental to the overall health and wellness of the student athlete. Young athletes are at high levels of development and require sufficient caloric, vitamin, and mineral intake. When a balanced breakfast is skipped, these needs can negatively impact performance both on and off the field. Overall, eating a healthy breakfast can optimize your teen’s athletic performance and enhance his or her alertness at school.
A healthy breakfast should include all three categories of macronutrients: protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Common foods that are presented as breakfast trends tend to contain breakfast foods loaded with sugar and refined carbohydrates and typically processed. Instead, young athletes should strive to have a breakfast focused around protein and whole grains. This will provide sustained energy and satiety throughout the day. Healthy breakfast items include: Eggs Whole grain toast with peanut butter Multigrain waffles Whole grain cereals Greek yogurt Whole grain bagels Oatmeal String cheese Canadian bacon or Turkey Bacon The reality is, that morning schedules are busy for our youth. But options such as these are fairly quick and easy. Understanding and applying these simple changes will reap many rewards for the overall health and longevity of our young athletes.
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Sports Doc Writes
BY DR. TERRA BLATNIK
a pediatric orthopedic specialist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Call 314.454.KIDS (5437) for more information or to make an appointment.
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BACK PAIN IN YOUNG ATHLETES:
Why It Happens and What to Do In adults, back pain is a very commonplace complaint. If you polled the adults at your workplace or at a school event you would probably find that almost everyone has experienced back pain at some point over the last few years.
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ut what happens when it is your young athlete? It is the middle of a busy sports season and your son or daughter comes home complaining of back pain. Surprisingly this complaint is much more common than you may think! In the adolescent age group, the prevalence of low back pain is between 20-30 percent.
When is it time to worry about back pain in young athletes? More than a month or two of mild to moderate pain Pain worsens or happens all the time (even just sitting at school) Pain wakes your athlete up at night
This number may have you worried about your athlete and wondering if they’re at risk.
Complaints of numbness, tingling, or weakness
Although back pain can happen to any athlete, from the cross-country runner to the hockey player, certain sports have higher levels of back pain in young athletes. Gymnasts (most common), dancers and cheerleaders are at higher risk because of the amount of arching and literally bending backwards that they do. Football is also high risk because of the compression forces on the spine as well as bending back when tackling. Tennis players and volleyball players have a surprisingly high amount due to the arch they get in their backs when serving.
If your child experiences any of these issues related to their back pain, it is probably time to talk with your pediatrician or sports medicine doctor. They can evaluate your child, get x-rays and decide if more intervention is needed. A few different things can cause back pain in kids. Common causes of back pain in young athletes are muscular pain/ strain related to overuse and lack of flexibility. But it can also be something more serious like a low back stress fracture spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.
Each of these sports discussed above puts a lot of stress on the low back. This can lead to pain and trouble participating. Although some back injuries happen when a player is hit, tackled or falls, most times back pain comes on gradually and gets worse over time. Your athlete may complain of a little back pain at first just after practice, but slowly it may start affecting their whole day.
Pain in the younger athlete population (under 10 years)
The good news is that most causes of low back pain in the adolescent athlete improve with conservative treatments like rest from the aggravating sport and physical therapy to improve flexibility and core strength. So, if your young athlete complains of pain, keep track of their symptoms and how it is affecting both their sports and daily life. If you become concerned, be sure to contact a physician.
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Athlete Development ages
13-18
College Scouts & Recruitment BY MIKE CALLIHAN Head Baseball Coach and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Coach Lutheran South
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More than 460,000 NCAA student-athletes compete in sports every year across the nation. Coaches are recruiting athletes younger and younger, and recruiting has gotten very competitive. Schools are building state-of-the-art technology training facilities, and parents are seeking out tutoring and access to academic advisors so that their student-athlete can have an edge on the recruiting process. But the process and what the recruiters want, are definitely mysteries for many parents.
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have talked with coaches from NAIA to MLB and NFL Scouts, they all are looking for the same strengths in student-athletes:
The best lacrosse equipment selection, expertise and custom stringing in town
Academics → Do you have the GPA and ACT/ SAT score to qualify? Athletic Ability → Are you good enough? Coachability → Can you adapt to a new system? Can you compete? Character → Can you do the right thing when no one is looking? Mental Toughness → Do you have the discipline to set your priorities. (academics, practice, tutoring, film session, weight room, AM workouts) College coaches are all looking and competing for the brightest and strongest athletes. One of the best ways to get noticed by a coach or scout is to attend a showcase or camp. The choice of finding a college or university can be a daunting task. This process can be started before your student-athlete is even old enough to drive. Parents need to be realistic about the athlete’s future. The parents and student-athletes need to sit down and have a heart to heart talk about the daily routine of a college athlete. Does the young athlete have the work ethic to perform the daily task of a college athlete? A starting point may be to have the student-athlete create a list of 5 dream schools to attend and play for. Then create a list of 5 practical schools that he or she could have a position on the team and be accepted into based on likely grades. Young athletes can then hand-write or email a short letter to the head coach of all the schools. Be sure to include what year graduation would be, your current GPA and why he or she would like to play at that college or university. Student-athletes should be proactive in their recruitment, but not to the point of annoying the prospective head coach. You do not have to wait for your high school coach to facilitate the process. Start early and let the college coach know you are serious. Although this process can be quite challenging, being able to play any collegiate sport, at any level, is an achievement that should be recognized.
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American Cricket Academy & Club St. Louis
S STT. .
I SI S LLOOUU
St. Louis American Cricket Academy is a parent-run, non-profit organization. Parents have come together to help with coaching, administration and all aspects of running the academy. St. Louis is leading the way for youth cricket in the country and has become a model for all other states to emulate. The process and the value system ACA has setup, has resulted in the team winning championships across the nation, beating California, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and others.
History of Cricket in St. Louis What is Cricket? Cricket is England’s national summer sport, but is actually played throughout the world, particularly in Australia, India, Pakistan, the West Indies, the United States, and the British Isles. Cricket involves two teams with 11 players per side. The captain who wins the toss, decides whether his team bats or bowls first. If they bat first, their goal is to score many runs and make sure the other team scores few. The field is oval with a rectangular area in the middle, known as the pitch, which is 66 feet long, by 10 feet wide. Two sets of three sticks, called wickets, are set in the ground at each end of the pitch. Across the top of each wicket lie horizontal pieces called bails. The two teams take turns at batting and bowling (pitching). Each turn is called an “innings” (always plural). Cricket has been played in St. Louis for at least the past 140 years, most of that time at a field on Cricket Drive in Forest Park. While the Cricket pitch is no longer in the Forest Park Cricket Field, there are still opportunities for players to learn and play.
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Cricket has been played in St. Louis for at least the past 140 years, most of that time at a field on Cricket Drive in Forest Park. While the Cricket pitch is no longer in the Forest Park Cricket Field, there are still opportunities for players to learn and play.
Cricket Re-Established Laying the foundation, American Cricket Academy has been built upon three main pillars: Character (Servant leadership, teamwork, discipline): When addressing character, we decided to give the athletes opportunities to show servant leadership through mentoring and assigning them various responsibilities. They take ownership of their actions and put others first. Community (Serving others, humility, and sacrifice): In teaching our athletes about the community we want them to reach beyond the cricket community and become involved within the entire metropolitan area. Hence, ACAC is highly involved with community service. Our ACAC families do a minimum of one service project per month. We are proud to say we have not just our athletes, but also their families involved in each project, which helps our families connect with different communities.
American Cricket Academy & Club St. Louis
Cricket (play the right way- with class): When it comes to our cricket pillar, this also ties to character. Often in youth sports, we witness less than stellar behavior from the athletes, coaches, and parents. Our academy emphasizes that everyone is to conduct themselves with class. This means working hard on and off the field, behaving positively, and respecting each other and the teams and families we interact with.
Community Service Projects:
Who Can Play?
Partnered with MoDOT - Adopt-A-Highway program to adopt 2 highways.
(a) Major Cricket League - Adult Leather Ball Cricket League, (b) Major Tennis Ball Cricket League - Adult/Youth Tennis Ball based Cricket League, (c) Major Women’s Cricket League - Girls/Women Cricket League to encourage Women/Girls to play, enjoy and grow the sport which is one of its kind in this country
ACAC has invested more than 60,000 hours and effort in the last three years to contribute our little share and impact within in St Louis Metro Area and beyond. Few of our key projects and milestone across different initiatives Earth Day - Planted 100 trees at ACAC Park by athletes
Educate-2-Succeed - Adopted 20 underprivileged kids. The goal is to adopt 100 in the next 5 years. Visit Veterans Hospital to serve the Veterans School bags and supplies for inner-city schools Donating and helping pack kits at Operation Food Search
(d) Minor Cricket League (MiCL) - Youth based cricket league to have competitive games for youth.
Trevisano Teddy Bear Christmas Land. Participate and involve kids in cultural diversity activities
(e) ACAC has introduced cricket in several schools in the community and has trained 1200+ PE teachers, 5000+ students to help grow cricket at the grass-root level.
Flood relief campaign to collect supplies and donations to multi-faith sentiments (Mosque of St. Louis, Synagogue, Sikh Temple of St. Louis, Hindu Temple of St. Louis)
Ajay Jhamb ajayjhamb@acacstl.org http://americancricketacademy.org/ STL KidsCompete
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Coach’s Corner Our Team
The Sports
Photographer!
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BY JASON SCHOENIG Photographer
Being a sports photographer means I have the privilege of capturing special moments in the lives of athletes. Whether it’s the love of the game, the play of a lifetime, or the bond between teammates, I strive to capture those experiences and preserve those memories. Dirt and Turf Photography strives to capture those experiences.
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rowing up, I loved playing baseball, and I was lucky enough to have a mom and grandparents that supported me wholeheartedly. My grandma would tirelessly play catch with me in the backyard, while my grandpa rigged up every training device known to man. I spent hours in the backyard practicing, playing as often as I could. So when I became a parent, I was excited to give my kids those same experiences. As soon as they could hold a ball, my wife and I got them involved in sports. Aside from the fun and fresh air, organized sports provide kids with lifelong skills and lessons. They learn self-discipline, giving them drive to become better at what they do in all areas of life. They learn to be team players, to always keep trying and to do their best. They also learn to always be a student of the game. Sports teach kids to respect authority such as
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I have been around sports my whole life; as an athlete, a coach and as a parent to two wonderful athletes. My experiences with sports started when I was very young.
coaches and team captains, to become better communicators, and to manage their time and organize their equipment. Their experiences in sports also provide the opportunity to problemsolve situations, and to learn how to negotiate, cooperate, and compromise. Because I loved the game so much, deciding to coach was natural for me. It was handsdown one of the most important "jobs" I've ever had, and one of the most rewarding. For many young athletes, coaches become powerful mentors and role models during the years that they most need mentoring, and I hope to have lived up to that role. Our players become more than just names on a roster, they become bonus sons and daughters that you are teaching lifelong lessons and skills to further them into adulthood. The influence and experiences that I've had coaching are some of the proudest moments of my life.
When my kids moved on from organized sports, I knew I needed to keep my head in the game. So, I began my career as a sports photographer. I photograph hundreds of young athletes each year and, for most, sports is their vehicle to create time to focus on themselves. It creates a common bond, regardless of race, economic status, belief systems, and all of the other ways that society tries to label us. I see kids that live in multi-million-dollar homes playing with kids that don’t have a “home� and, in those few hours each day, that status means nothing. It moves these young athletes out of their comfort box, and onto a playing field where everyone supports one another; where they celebrate each victory and mourn each loss as a united team. And I love that.
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Fun Fit: Current Trends
Be Seen Studies show that pedestrians walking along a road in dark clothing at night are not usually seen until they are only ~55 feet away. This gives the driver less than a 1 second reaction time to stop the vehicle. A driver traveling at 60 mph needs more than 260 feet to stop.
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he studies go on to list the following colors and their associated visibility distances: Black/dark blue - 55 feet; Red - 80 feet; Yellow -120 feet; White - 180 feet; Reflectorized- 500 feet or more. (https://ruseen. com/pages/meet-the-technology-1) One of the best trends right now in the running/ walking/cycling world is the focus on “Safely Be Seen�. Reflective apparel, light-up laces, and head lamps are the three wardrobe add-ons that help an athlete be visible, and hence safer.
There are many good products out there, but be sure to check out RUSEEN Reflective Apparel at www.ruseen.com. They have many options for women, men, and children. They also have specialized items and custom orders for schools and teams, athletes with disabilities and/or special needs, and for people who work outdoors. They have shirts, pants, shorts, vests, gloves, bands, and jackets, among other wearable, reflective items, with reasonable prices. Be safe and active!
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Sport Spot
SOFTBALL
More than 400 million people in the world play softball each summer!
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History:
Play:
The earliest recognized softball game was played in Chicago on Thanksgiving in 1887. It took place at the Farragut Boat Club at a gathering to hear the outcome of an Ivy League football game. When the score was announced, and bets were settled, a Yale alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The Harvard fan grabbed a stick and swung at the rolled-up glove. George Hancock, a reporter there, called out "Play ball!" and the game began, with the boxing glove tightened into a ball, a broom handle serving as a bat. This first contest ended with a score of 41–40. By 1889, George Hancock had written down the rules of this American-created game, and the sport evolved from there, with other communities taking up the game, if even with modified rules. For example, in 1895 Lewis Rober, Sr. organized outdoor games with teams as exercise for Minneapolis firefighters. This game was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), lemon ball, or diamond ball.
A softball game can last anywhere from 3 to 7 innings, or 1–2 hours depending on the league, rules, and type of softball. 7 innings is the most common. In each inning, each team bats until three batters are “out”. The teams take turns batting.
By 1991, women's fastpitch softball was selected to debut at the1996 Summer Olympics. The 1996 Olympics also marked a key era in the introduction of technology in softball. Keep an eye out for Softball in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo!
A "run" is scored when a player has touched all four bases in order, proceeding counterclockwise around them. They need not be touched on the same play; a batter may remain safely on a base while play proceeds and attempts to advance happen on a later play. The team with the most runs after seven innings wins the game. For differences between Softball and Baseball, check out the Fun Facts section of our Play With Us page!
For more info, contact: For more information, start with www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball For local information: Missouri Travel Baseball & Softball: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/2085345751688266/
Types of Softball: - Fast Pitch - Slow Pitch - Arena Softball - Co-Ed [ Photo Credit: DarioZg / Shutterstock.com ]
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Adaptive & Accessible
Paralympics Tokyo 2020 Since the first Paralympics, which took place in 1960 and featured 400 athletes from 23 countries, the Games have evolved and grown.
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or the 2020 Paralympics in Toyko, there are more than 4,400 expected athletes from 160 countries. The number of sports represented have also increased from 8 (Archery, Athletics, Artchery, Snooker, Swimming, Table tennis, Wheelchair basketball, and Wheelchair fencing) to 33 sports categories in the 2020 games:
1.
Aquatics: swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo
2. Archery 3. Badminton 4. Baseball and Softball 5. Basketball 6. Boxing 7. Canoe and Kayak 8. Cycling: Track Road, Mountain Bike and BMX 9. Equestrian 10. Fencing 11. Football (soccer) 12. Golf 13. Gymnastics: Artistic, Rhythmic, and Trampoline 14. Handball 15. Hockey 16. Judo 17. Karate: 6 kumite and 2 kata categories, to be held at the Nippon Budokan in central Toyko.
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19. Rowing 20. Rugby 21. Sailing 22. Shooting 23. Skateboarding, men’s and women’s: street and park skateboarding events
24. Sport Climbing: bouldering and lead and speed combined climbing
25. Surfing: men’s and women’s shortboard 26. Table Tennis 27. Taekwondo 28. Tennis 29. Track & Field 30. Triathlon 31. Volleyball: indoor and beach 32. Weightlifting 33. Wrestling: Greco-Roman and Freestyle Between now and the beginning of August, athletes from around the world will be finishing their final qualifying tournament criteria for the 2020 Paralympic games which happen 8/25/20- 9/6/20. Some of these events are likely to be broadcast, or can be seen on YouTube channels. **Special note! Did you know that St. Louis has sent athletes to the games in previous Paralympics, for swimming, track & field, and other events? **
[ Photo Credits: CP DC Press / Shutterstock.com, rvlsoft / Shutterstock.com , A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com ]
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Sporty Recipes
SNACKS
SIMPLE & Tart Overnight Oats: CHERRY and VANILLA Delight By Reshaunda Thornton One serving
1/4 cup + 3 Tbsp rolled oats
In a medium-sized mason jar, add ingredients in the
1/4 cup 1% milk or almond milk
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup frozen halved cherries
1/4 cup 1% milk (or almondmilk)
1/4 cup cherry Greek yogurt 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
following order:
1/4 cup frozen halved cherries 1/4 cup black cherry Greek yogurt 1/8 teaspoon vanilla 3 tablespoons rolled oats 1/4 cup frozen halved cherries Cover mason jar and store in refrigerator overnight.
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Enjoy!
Vanguard Heights Luxury Apartments Call us today about our availability! 314-395-1100
Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive Youth Latin class every Tuesday night from 6:00pm-6:4 5pm for ages 8-1 6. No partner needed. Come learn to dance with us! 236 Old Meramec Station Road, Manchester, MO 63021
​6 36-227-7202
www.justdancingstudio.com
brought to you by
Espresso Coffee,Beer Cave, Pizza and Fresh Grab & Go Items
Come join our dance family!
Try our tunnel wash! 9371 Olive Road • Olivette
Plus a NEW location at Olive & Schulte coming this Fall!
All ages and levels 9310 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132 www.stlouisdance.com
314-991-1663
STL KidsCompete
FEB 2020
37
Athlete Shout-Outs! Athlete Shout Outs! Instructions: Proud of your athlete? Want to wish him/her/them good luck? Proud of your team, school, or coach? This is your place to tell the 70,000+ readers all about it! With only 8 spots available per month, and a very nominal fee, these spots are likely to fill up quickly! Please email us at stephanie.berk@stlkidscompete.com for more information, and to reserve your spot!
Way to Go Ethan, for breaking a minute AND qualifying for your first Nationals’ tournament! We are proud of you!!
This spot could be yours
This spot could be yours
Welcome back Matthew! Congratulations on your 2nd place all-around win in your first meet in 2 years!! We think that you are one of the bravest kiddos ever!
How do Athlete Shout-Outs work? We want to help you show your athlete that they are an MVP, “Most Valued Person”. This is YOUR space to show us what your athlete, team, or school has accomplished in the past month or two. $75 for 2–3 sentences and a photo, or $50 for 2–3 sentences with no photo. We are so proud of our local, youth athletes! Let us highlight you!
38
FEB 2020
STL KidsCompete
FEB 1 Saturday
By Appointment We are proud to offer a Competitive Special Needs Cheer Squad! For more info please contact Shannon Wylie. SWYLIE410@GMAIL.COM
Robotics Day
2/1 9:30am-1:30pm Teams from FIRST Robotics Competition will be at The Magic House to showcase their amazing robots in action! Kids can get inspired by some of the coolest inventors in town as well as get a chance to test drive some robots and learn more about FIRST Robotics. THE MAGIC HOUSE, 516 S KIRKWOOD RD 63122 VARIES
Special Events
CP SuperStars Cheer
2/1-2/2 10am-4pm 300+ tables of trains, Huge operating model trains, riding trains for kids, free workshops and demonstrations, and much more! 1 CONVENTION CENTER PLZ, 63303 VARIES, 0- $11 PP
Weekend PlayTime
PLAYSTREET MUSEUM. 1650 BEALE STREET #138, 63303 $11.50 PP
Urban Fort Play Cafe 2/1 9am-2pm Our amazing tree fort, slides, climbing walls, train tables, and playhouses allow your kiddos, aged 0-7, the freedom to create, discover, run, jump, and socialize while you enjoy a comfortable chair and a cup of coffee. 1854 RUSSELL BLVD, 63104 VARIES, $8 AND UNDER PER CHILD
Parents' Night Out
Open Practices
A great way for working parents to check out Play Street Museum or for families to come explore together.
5 & Unders
2/1 4:30pm-6pm
Ages 4- 12 years. Let Rockin’ Jump take the kids and you take some time for yourself! Plus food and drink to keep them energized and happy! The kids will have a fabulous time bouncing, flipping, battling it out on the X-Beam, climbing the Vertical Ops Challenge Tower and the Ninja Challenge Course and showing their skills! 7375 WATSON RD., 63119 $20- $25 PER CHILD.
Billy Goat Saturday Shop Ride 2/1 8am Average moving pace of approximately 18mph. No drop ride. 10211 MANCHESTER RD., 63122
STL KidsCompete
FEB 2020
39
Runs & Rides
2/1 6pm-10pm
CALENDAR
Have sports-related events to list? Please go to our website and fill out the “Submit Your Event” form. We will try to include as many as we can!
Try Outs / Info Sessions
Great Train Show
FEB 2 3 4 Special Events
Sunday
Saint Louis Zoo
Lone Elk Park
2/2 11am-5pm
2/3 9am-5pm
2/4 8am-4pm
Come have some fun with the kiddos before the Big Game at Rockin' Jump! Bring a Can of Soup/Food to Donate and Get Your Second Hour of Jump Time Free! Just Purchase 1 Hour of Jump with a donated Food item and your 2nd Hour is FREE! Help us support our local Food Pantries on Superbowl Sunday!
What's there to see at the Zoo in winter? Plenty! Step inside warm climatecontrolled buildings where you'll find hundreds of amazing animals and spectacular plant life. Tour tropical jungles, sandy beaches, a butterfly wonderland and much more at the Jungle of the Apes, Antelope House, Bird House, Children's Zoo, Herpetarium, Insectarium, and Primate House. Don’t forget to say hi to our frozen friends at Penguin and Puffin Coast!
Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Motorcycles are prohibited. Domestic animals are not allowed, even if confined in a vehicle.
Try Outs / Info Sessoins
Predatour 2/2 1pm-2:30pm PredaTours are an hour long and include a 15 minute educational classroom session as well as 45 minutes down at the animal habitats. This walking tour includes approximately a mile of walking and guests are accompanied by an informative tour guide during your entire experience.
5 & Unders
6750 TYSON VALLEY RD, 63025 VARIES $10-$20. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Rockin' Tots Frozen Party 2/2 9am-11am Wear your favorite Frozen costume! Have your picture taken with Elsa! Jump, Climb, Hop, Bounce and Play at the Rockin’ Jump FROZEN Party!
Open Practices
ROCKIN JUMP 7375 WATSON ROAD 63119 $5-10
Ultimate Ninja's Kids' Open Gym 2/2 9:30am-2pm
Runs & Rides
Put their energy to the test on our obstacle and agility courses! Practice and explore a variety of obstacles, fine tune skills on a single obstacle, or practice running our customizable courses.
CALENDAR
Team Building at Neutral Zone Arcade 2/3 12pm-8pm Like to play video games? We offer a great opportunity for that much needed team building experience. Our retro arcade is suitable for kids of all ages. Coaches and players can compete together, build bonds and strengthen friendships. Group rates are available! LOCATED IN CHESTERFIELD MALL VARIES, UP TO $19.99 PER PERSON FOR THE ALL DAY PASS.
NEUTRALZ.COM
Playtime at Pump It Up 2/3 10am-1pm Open Play
3691 NEW TOWN BLVD, 63301 $6 PER TODDLER UNDER 4 YRS.
Adult Open Gym at Flipside 2/3 8:30pm-10pm Ages 12 and up. All are welcome!
460 SAINT PETERS HOWELL RD, SAINT CHARLES, MO 63304. $5, CASH ONLY.
Special Needs Jump 2/4 3pm-7pm We would like to invite all our fantastic families with Special Needs kiddos Rockin’ Jump! We will provide a sensory friendly environment so all our families can enjoy the joy of jumping, flying, climbing, bouncing and laughing! 7375 WATSON RD., 63119 $15- $20
Tumbling Tots 2/4 10am-11am Let your child run off some energy with our Tumbling Tots program. Enjoy open gym style gymnastics, tumbling, gross motor and more for children aged 6 months to 5 years. An adult will need to stay with the child to enjoy the fun. 333 BALD HILL RD, EUREKA 63025 CALL FOR MORE DETAILS
Playtime in the Pool 2/4 10am-12pm Bring your little one for Playtime in the Pool, where the indoor kid's play area will be available for parents and little ones to play (the big slide will not be open). 625 NEW SMIZER MILL ROAD, 63026 $4 PER CHILD
http://www.fentonmo.org/1100/AquaticsSpecial-Programs
Latin Ballroom Dance Lessons
Urban Shark Sunday
2/4 6pm-6:45pm
2/2 9:30am
Join Maysen at Just Dancing Dance Studio, and learn how to do the rumba, cha cha, samba, paso doble, and jive to the current popular songs! Reservations are required.
1009 LOCUST ST. 63101 FREE
STL KidsCompete
FOREST PARK FREE
1 LONE ELK PARK RD, 63088 FREE
140 LONG RD, SUITE 130, 63005 $13 PP FOR 1HR. $20 PP FOR 2 HR.
Join a fun and casual ride from Urban Shark downtown to The Living Room coffee shop in Maplewood showcasing some of our favorite routes for commuting into and out of downtown. We like to keep the ride as peaceful and pleasant as possible for all that wish to attend. Following the ride, stop in around the corner at Park Avenue Coffee for 20% off all the gooey butter cake you'll need for a strong recovery.
FEB 2020
Tuesday
Soup-er Bowl Party
ROCKIN JUMP 7375 WATSON ROAD 63119 VARIES
40
Monday
236 OLD MERAMAC STATION RD. $10, PER CHILD. CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
5 6 7 8 Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Saint Louis Zoo
Archery Lessons for kids
STEM Night
Build a Kite
2/5 9am-5pm
2/6 6pm-8pm
2/7 6pm-9pm
2/8 10am-12pm
What's there to see at the Zoo in winter? Plenty! Step inside warm climatecontrolled buildings where you'll find hundreds of amazing animals and spectacular plant life. Tour tropical jungles, sandy beaches, a butterfly wonderland and much more at the Jungle of the Apes, Antelope House, Bird House, Children's Zoo, Herpetarium, Insectarium, and Primate House. Don’t forget to say hi to our frozen friends at Penguin and Puffin Coast!
We have instruction for kids (both young and old!!). These classes are held from 6-7pm and 7-8pm. Shooters may shoot their own equipment or use a Genesis bow we can provide
Join STLCC-Wildwood for STEM Night, a hands-on event focused on promoting science, technology, engineering and math. Activities include: star gazing led by experienced astronomers, robot demonstrations by the St. Louis Student Robotics Association, science talks with professionals in the field, lab demonstrations, science experiments and more.
Buchheit Buddies will build a kite to fly on a nice, windy day! Our free Buchheit Buddy youth workshops are a great way to encourage confidence and learning with your kids. Children ages 5 - 12 will have fun with hands-on learning experiences. Register to reserve your spot. BUCHHEIT CENTRALIA, IL FREE
FOREST PARK FREE
Junior Open Gym 2/5 11am-12pm Ages 16 mos-5 yrs. Sign up online, www. gymquarters.com/calendar 92 HUBBLE DR, O'FALLON, MO 63368 $7 PER CHILD.
Toddler Time at Swing Around Fun Town 2/5 12pm-8pm Grab your toddler and all their toddler friends and head to Swing-A-Round for FREE ADMISSION to our indoor playground 335 SKINKER LN, FENTON 63026 FREE
Unlimited Laser Tag at Amp Up Action Park 2/5 4pm-9pm Have a "blast" with your friends, with unlimited laser tag. You'll get a heartpounding, black-light, music-filled experience in our custom built 3-level laser tag arena. Add unlimited virtual reality for just $6 extra. 13901 MANCHESTER RD, 63011 $15 +TAX
Missouri Indoor Cycling Race Series 2/5 5pm-8pm Juniors race at 5pm. Men race at 6. Women race at 7. Through the power of smart trainers and the internet, we are now able to race against each other from the comfort of our own homes. Racers join by bringing their bike to Urban Chestnut and racing in front of an audience, or from their own smart trainers remotely. CONTACT MIKELUDWIG@ POWERUPCYCLING $15 PER EVENT
SUMMIT ARCHERY CENTER, 1164 DECKER RD, 63055. $5 PER PERSON, PER SESSION
http://summitarchery.com/lessons/
Toddler Time at Pump It Up 2/6 9am-10am Come take advantage of a special jump session for toddlers only! They can play on the inflatables, sing to some toddler tunes and play with extra toys. We will open 1 hour early just for the toddlers ONLY! 3691 NEW TOWN BLVD, 63301 $6 PER TODDLER UNDER 4 YRS.
Ladies' Knight 2/6 6:30pm-7:30pm Open to women of all ages; the perfect class to learn and improve. CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF ST LOUIS, 4657 MARYLAND AVE, ST LOUIS, MO 63108
2645 GENERATIONS DR, 63040 FREE
Cosmic Skate 2/7 7pm-8:30pm Like to ice skate? How about with the main lights off, the floor lights on, and a DJ? Come have a blast with us! WEBSTER GROVES ICE RINK VARIES, $8 PER PERSON
https://www.webstergroves.org/ DocumentCenter/View/7724/Sept2019
Indoor Water Waddlers 2/7 10:30am-12pm Enjoy a morning of fun at the indoor tot pool with your friends, neighbors and children. This program is designed for children, ages 6 and under, accompanied by a parent/guardian who is able to remain in the water with the child. THE LODGE DES PERES , 1050 DES PERES RD. VARIES $5/$7
https://www.desperesmo.org/819/WaterWaddlers
Parents Night Out at Flipside 2/7 6pm-11pm Ages 3- 12 and up. Come Play! 460 SAINT PETERS HOWELL RD, SAINT CHARLES, MO 63304. $20-$25
Ultimate Ninja's Kids' Open Gym 2/7 7pm-9pm Put their energy to the test on our obstacle and agility courses! Practice and explore a variety of obstacles, fine tune skills on a single obstacle, or practice running our customizable courses. 140 LONG RD, SUITE 130, 63005 $13 PP FOR 1HR. $20 PP FOR 2 HR.
Frozen Pickleball Tournament 2/8-2/9 8am-2pm Test your skills with a tournament for every level of play from beginner to most experienced. Divisions range from 2.5-4.0+. Try our parent/child division on Sunday where you will play with your child or grandchild ages 12-16 (they must play with an adult ages 18 or older). Each person will receive a t-shirt and the top three finishers in each division will receive medals. 2300 MCKELVEY RD, 63043 $15 PP
Lacrosse Open Evaluation Day 2/8 2pm-4pm Saint Louis Samurai is launching multiple spring teams in 2020! Teams will consist of Boys, U8, U10, U12, and U14. And Girls, U10, U12, U14. Players should plan to attend or contact us before signing up! 2350 CREVE COEUR MILL RD, MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO 63043 FREE
stlouissamurailax@gmail.com
Stroller Tour 2/8 9am-11am Mark the second Saturday of each month for Stroller Tours, designed for art lovers and their children 2 and under, and Play Dates that feature artist-led activities and interactive performances, recommended for ages 2 to 5. 3750 WASHINGTON BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63108 FREE
Run For the Chocolate 2/8 9am This fun 5K run/walk returns to the the historic streets of St. Louis to spice up Valentine’s weekend for couples and singles alike. The race will be a chocolate extravanganza complete with customized chocolate finisher medals, chocolate goody bags and water stops and over 125 gallons of hot cocoa from St. Louis’ premier chocolatier, Bissingers. 5025 PATTISON AVE, 63110 $35-$40 PP
STL KidsCompete
FEB 2020
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FEB
Sunday
9
Special Events
Dodgeball 20 minute games
Try Outs / Info Sessoins
Tuesday
Ice Skating at Steinberg skating rink
Come check out the fast-paced, end to end action. Our professional playing surface is provided by Sport Court®. Games start every 20 minutes. Our trained referees are ready to call all the action. They will divide the players into two teams, and make sure to keep the game both fair and safe.
2/10 12pm-8pm
2/11 10am-9pm
Like to play video games? We offer a great opportunity for that much needed team building experience. Our retro arcade is suitable for kids of all ages. Coaches and players can compete together, build bonds and strengthen friendships. Group rates are available!
largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, everyday—including all holidays. We are always open no matter what the temperature is. Your skate admission is valid for all day. Snowflake Cafe offers hot dogs, snacks, burgers, soda, hot chocolate.
Grandma's Open Play 2/9 1pm-2:30pm Let your child play independently or with others while you monitor from a comfortable seating area equipped with free Wi-Fi and TV. We offer an open play area with full visibility throughout the space. 9981 LIN FERRY, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63123 VARIES $5-$10
Ultimate Ninja's Kids' Open Gym 2/9 9:30am-2pm Put their energy to the test on our obstacle and agility courses! Practice and explore a variety of obstacles, fine tune skills on a single obstacle, or practice running our customizable courses.
LOCATED IN CHESTERFIELD MALL VARIES, UP TO $19.99 PER PERSON FOR THE ALL DAY PASS.
NEUTRALZ.COM
Urban Fort Play Cafe 2/10 9am-2pm Our perfectly designed play space is an excellent environment where your kiddos can explore, learn, and discover. Parent supervision is required. With this in mind, our space is set up so that you can have eyes on your child from every angle, while still remaining comfortable in your chair. 1854 RUSSELL BLVD, 63104 VARIES, $8 AND UNDER PER CHILD
Adult Open Gym at Flipside 2/10 8:30pm-10pm Ages 12 and up. All are welcome!
460 SAINT PETERS HOWELL RD, SAINT CHARLES, MO 63304. $5, CASH ONLY.
400 JEFFERSON DRIVE, 63110 VARIES $8- $15.
Fish Tales at the Maryland Heights Community Center 2/11 10am-11:30am Ages 6 months- 5 years. Bring your swimsuit/towel and join us in the Indoor Aquatic Center for a story, activity and fish tale treat! 2300 MCKELVEY RD., 63043 $3- $5 PER CHILD
Latin Ballroom Dance Lessons 2/11 6pm-6:45pm Join Maysen at Just Dancing Dance Studio, and learn how to do the rumba, cha cha, samba, paso doble, and jive to the current popular songs! Reservations are required. 236 OLD MERAMAC STATION RD. $10, PER CHILD. CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
140 LONG RD, SUITE 130, 63005 $13 PP FOR 1HR. $20 PP FOR 2 HR.
Sunday Chess Classes 2/9
starting from 1 pm
Beginners to advanced level classes for both kids and adults
Runs & Rides
WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME, 4652 MARYLAND AVE., ST LOUIS, MO 63108 FREE FOR MEMBERS. FIRST TIME TO THE CLUB IS FREE, SO NON-MEMBERS GET IT FREE ONCE.
Urban Shark Sunday 2/9 9:30am
CALENDAR
Join a fun and casual ride from Urban Shark downtown to The Living Room coffee shop in Maplewood showcasing some of our favorite routes for commuting into and out of downtown. We like to keep the ride as peaceful and pleasant as possible for all that wish to attend. Following the ride, stop in around the corner at Park Avenue Coffee for 20% off all the gooey butter cake you'll need for a strong recovery. 1009 LOCUST ST. 63101 FREE
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FEB 2020
11
Team Building at Neutral Zone Arcade
https://www.epic6fun.com/public/ attractions/dodgeball.cfm
5 & Unders
10
2/9 11am-6pm
EPIC 6 LASER TAG SPORTS ARENA, 601 GRAVOIS BLVD, STE G, 63026 $4
Open Practices
Monday
STL KidsCompete
Have sports-related events to list? Please go to our website and fill out the “Submit Your Event” form. We will try to include as many as we can!
Wednesday
12
Thursday
13
Friday
14
Saturday Cosmic Skate
15
30 Trails in 30 minutes
Dodgeball 20 minute games
Predatour
2/12 9am-5pm
2/13 4:30pm-9pm
2/14 9am-10:30am
2/15 7pm-8:30pm
Did you know that St. Louis County Parks offers a program devoted to promoting fun, family, and a healthy lifestyle? Our 30/30 Hikes Program designates 30 trails all over the St. Louis County area that take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Come check out the fast-paced, end to end action. Our professional playing surface is provided by Sport Court®. Games start every 20 minutes. Our trained referees are ready to call all the action. They will divide the players into two teams, and make sure to keep the game both fair and safe.
PredaTours are an hour long and include a 15 minute educational classroom session as well as 45 minutes down at the animal habitats. This walking tour includes approximately a mile of walking and guests are accompanied by an informative tour guide during your entire experience.
Like to ice skate? How about with the main lights off, the floor lights on, and a DJ? Come have a blast with us!
WWW.STLOUISCO.COM/ PARKSANDRECREATION/TRAILS/3030HIKESPROGRAM FREE
Rollercoaster Engineering 2/12 6:30pm-7:30pm Ages 8-12. Find out how roller coasters work as we loop our own tracks for some speedy marble fun. SLC LIBRARY HEADQUARTERS FREE, BUT REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Junior Open Gym 2/12 11am-12pm Ages 16 mos-5 yrs. Sign up online, www. gymquarters.com/calendar 92 HUBBLE DR, O'FALLON, MO 63368 $7 PER CHILD.
Unlimited Laser Tag at Amp Up Action Park 2/12 4pm-9pm Have a "blast" with your friends, with unlimited laser tag. You'll get a heartpounding, black-light, music-filled experience in our custom built 3-level laser tag arena. Add unlimited virtual reality for just $6 extra. 13901 MANCHESTER RD, 63011 $15 +TAX
Missouri Indoor Cycling Race Series 2/12 5pm-8pm Juniors race at 5pm. Men race at 6. Women race at 7. Through the power of smart trainers and the internet, we are now able to race against each other from the comfort of our own homes. Racers join by bringing their bike to Urban Chestnut and racing in front of an audience, or from their own smart trainers remotely. CONTACT MIKELUDWIG@ POWERUPCYCLING $15 PER EVENT
WEBSTER GROVES ICE RINK VARIES, $8 PER PERSON
https://www.webstergroves.org/ DocumentCenter/View/7724/Sept2019
6750 TYSON VALLEY RD, 63025 VARIES $10-$20. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Rockin Tots
https://www.epic6fun.com/public/ attractions/dodgeball.cfm
Ice Skating at Steinberg skating rink
Archery Lessons for kids
2/14 10am-9pm
We understand trampolines are fun but big kids and toddlers don’t always mix. Rockin’ Tots offers a dedicated time when parents can have fun with their smaller children while socializing with their friends in a comfortable, low-key, air conditioned environment.
EPIC 6 LASER TAG SPORTS ARENA, 601 GRAVOIS BLVD, STE G, 63026 $4
2/13 6pm-8pm We have instruction for kids (both young and old!!). These classes are held from 6-7pm and 7-8pm. Shooters may shoot their own equipment or use a Genesis bow we can provide SUMMIT ARCHERY CENTER, 1164 DECKER RD, 63055. $5 PER PERSON, PER SESSION
http://summitarchery.com/lessons/
Toddler Time at Pump It Up 2/13 9am-10am Come take advantage of a special jump session for toddlers only! They can play on the inflatables, sing to some toddler tunes and play with extra toys. We will open 1 hour early just for the toddlers ONLY! 3691 NEW TOWN BLVD, 63301 $6 PER TODDLER UNDER 4 YRS.
Ladies' Knight 2/13 6:30pm-7:30pm Open to women of all ages; the perfect class to learn and improve.
CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF ST LOUIS, 4657 MARYLAND AVE, ST LOUIS, MO 63108
largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, everyday—including all holidays. We are always open no matter what the temperature is. Your skate admission is valid for all day. Snowflake Cafe offers hot dogs, snacks, burgers, soda, hot chocolate. 400 JEFFERSON DRIVE, 63110 VARIES $8- $15.
DreamPlay Recreation 2/14 11am-4pm Come explore the playground equipment, and play indoors!
2/15 8am-10am
7375 WATSON RD., 63119 $10 FOR 1ST CHILD + $5 FOR EACH PARENT OR ADDITIONAL CHILD
Billy Goat Saturday Shop Ride 2/15 8am Average moving pace of approximately 18mph. No drop ride. 10211 MANCHESTER RD., 63122
17373 EDISON AVE., 63005 $5/$6
Stacey's School's Out 2/14 8am-4pm Need something fun and exciting for your son or daughter to do while school is out for the day? Bring them to Stacey's Gymnastics for our School's Out Day Camp! Instructional gymnastics including the Vault, Bars, Balance Beam, Floor, Tumble Trak, Foam Pit, Rope Swing, Ninja Circuits, Cargo Net, games, crafts and more! Each camp has a specific theme to add some extra fun to their day as well. 916 MAIN PLAZA DR., WENTZVILLE MO 63385 $50
Kids Night Out 2/14 5:30pm-9:30pm Ages 5- 12 years. Take the night off! We’ll keep them busy with games, arts and crafts, swimming, and more. Make sure to pack their swimsuit and towel to get in the pool! Pizza will be served. 1900 URBAN DR, BRENTWOOD, MISSOURI 63144 $30- $50
STL KidsCompete
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43
FEB 16 17 18 Sunday
Special Events
Show Me Reptile and Exotic Pet Expo
2/16 10am-4pm
Try Outs / Info Sessoins
One of the largest shows in the region. This is a safe and family friendly event geared to educate and introduce people to reptiles and exotics. This is the best place to purchase and learn with industry leading breeders bringing their knowledge, quality and passion to the show. This is also a great place to go if you already have pets there are also feeders and supplies from quality sources. 12365 ST CHARLES ROCK RD, BRIDGETON, MISSOURI 63044 $5- $10
Ultimate Ninja's Kids' Open Gym
5 & Unders Open Practices
Urban Fort Play Cafe 2/17 9am-2pm
Stacey's School's Out
starting from 1 pm
2/16 9:30am Join a fun and casual ride from Urban Shark downtown to The Living Room coffee shop in Maplewood showcasing some of our favorite routes for commuting into and out of downtown. We like to keep the ride as peaceful and pleasant as possible for all that wish to attend. Following the ride, stop in around the corner at Park Avenue Coffee for 20% off all the gooey butter cake you'll need for a strong recovery.
Runs & Rides
FOREST PARK FREE
Sunday Chess Classes
Urban Shark Sunday
1009 LOCUST ST. 63101 FREE
CALENDAR
Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Motorcycles are prohibited. Domestic animals are not allowed, even if confined in a vehicle.
1854 RUSSELL BLVD, 63104 VARIES, $8 AND UNDER PER CHILD
WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME, 4652 MARYLAND AVE., ST LOUIS, MO 63108 FREE FOR MEMBERS. FIRST TIME TO THE CLUB IS FREE, SO NON-MEMBERS GET IT FREE ONCE.
STL KidsCompete
2/18 8am-4pm
What's there to see at the Zoo in winter? Plenty! Step inside warm climatecontrolled buildings where you'll find hundreds of amazing animals and spectacular plant life. Tour tropical jungles, sandy beaches, a butterfly wonderland and much more at the Jungle of the Apes, Antelope House, Bird House, Children's Zoo, Herpetarium, Insectarium, and Primate House. Don’t forget to say hi to our frozen friends at Penguin and Puffin Coast!
140 LONG RD, SUITE 130, 63005 $13 PP FOR 1HR. $20 PP FOR 2 HR.
Beginners to advanced level classes for both kids and adults
FEB 2020
Lone Elk Park
2/17 9am-5pm
Put their energy to the test on our obstacle and agility courses! Practice and explore a variety of obstacles, fine tune skills on a single obstacle, or practice running our customizable courses.
2/16
Tuesday
Saint Louis Zoo
Our perfectly designed play space is an excellent environment where your kiddos can explore, learn, and discover. Parent supervision is required. With this in mind, our space is set up so that you can have eyes on your child from every angle, while still remaining comfortable in your chair.
2/16 9:30am-2pm
44
Monday
2/17 8am-4pm Need something fun and exciting for your son or daughter to do while school is out for the day? Bring them to Stacey's Gymnastics for our School's Out Day Camp! Instructional gymnastics including the Vault, Bars, Balance Beam, Floor, Tumble Trak, Foam Pit, Rope Swing, Ninja Circuits, Cargo Net, games, crafts and more! Each camp has a specific theme to add some extra fun to their day as well. 916 MAIN PLAZA DR., WENTZVILLE MO 63385 $50
1 LONE ELK PARK RD, 63088 FREE
Latin Ballroom Dance Lessons 2/18 6pm-6:45pm Join Maysen at Just Dancing Dance Studio, and learn how to do the rumba, cha cha, samba, paso doble, and jive to the current popular songs! Reservations are required. 236 OLD MERAMAC STATION RD. $10, PER CHILD. CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
Wednesday
19 20 21 22
Ice Skating at Steinberg skating rink
2/19 10am-9pm largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, everyday—including all holidays. We are always open no matter what the temperature is. Your skate admission is valid for all day. Snowflake Cafe offers hot dogs, snacks, burgers, soda, hot chocolate.
Thursday
30 Trails in 30 minutes
Brentwood Ice Festival
2/20 9am-5pm
2/21 6:30pm-9pm
Did you know that St. Louis County Parks offers a program devoted to promoting fun, family, and a healthy lifestyle? Our 30/30 Hikes Program designates 30 trails all over the St. Louis County area that take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Come support BackStoppers at the first Brrrentwood Ice Festival! Live ice sculpting kicks off the night filled with open skating with your local first responders. Come skate with St. Louis Blues mascot Louie, and Anna and Elsa from Frozen! We’ll have face painting, the Truck Norris food truck, and Mad Science will have two performances of everyone's favorite show, Fire and Ice! We'll be raffling off items throughout the night as well so don't miss the fun!
400 JEFFERSON DRIVE, 63110 VARIES $8- $15.
WWW.STLOUISCO.COM/ PARKSANDRECREATION/TRAILS/3030HIKESPROGRAM FREE
Junior Open Gym
Playtime in the Pool
2/19 11am-12pm
2/20 10am-12pm
Ages 16 mos-5 yrs. Sign up online, www. gymquarters.com/calendar
Bring your little one for Playtime in the Pool, where the indoor kid's play area will be available for parents and little ones to play (the big slide will not be open).
92 HUBBLE DR, O'FALLON, MO 63368 $7 PER CHILD.
Unlimited Laser Tag at Amp Up Action Park 2/19 4pm-9pm Have a "blast" with your friends, with unlimited laser tag. You'll get a heartpounding, black-light, music-filled experience in our custom built 3-level laser tag arena. Add unlimited virtual reality for just $6 extra. 13901 MANCHESTER RD, 63011 $15 +TAX
Missouri Indoor Cycling Race Series 2/19 5pm-8pm Juniors race at 5pm. Men race at 6. Women race at 7. Through the power of smart trainers and the internet, we are now able to race against each other from the comfort of our own homes. Racers join by bringing their bike to Urban Chestnut and racing in front of an audience, or from their own smart trainers remotely. CONTACT MIKELUDWIG@ POWERUPCYCLING $15 PER EVENT
Friday
625 NEW SMIZER MILL ROAD, 63026 $4 PER CHILD
http://www.fentonmo.org/1100/AquaticsSpecial-Programs
Ladies' Knight 2/20 6:30pm-7:30pm Open to women of all ages; the perfect class to learn and improve.
CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF ST LOUIS, 4657 MARYLAND AVE, ST LOUIS, MO 63108
2505 S BRENTWOOD BLVD 63144 $10 DONATION
Family Nerf War 2/21 6:30pm-8pm Indoors! Safety glasses and Nerf darts will be provided. Preregistration is required 9245 WHITECLIFF PARK LN, 63126 $9/ $11
Cosmic Skate 2/21 7pm-8:30pm Like to ice skate? How about with the main lights off, the floor lights on, and a DJ? Come have a blast with us! WEBSTER GROVES ICE RINK VARIES, $8 PER PERSON
Saturday
Dazzle Dance Masquerade Ball
2/22 6pm-8pm You’re cordially invited to a magical evening of dance, music and making lasting family memories together. Bring your friends — non-members are welcome too. 3058 CLARKSON RD, CHESTERFIELD, MISSOURI 63017 $20 PP
Clayton Fire Department Movie Night 2/22 6pm-8:30pm Join us at the Clayton Firehouse for our February Movie Night. We will be showing Ralph breaks the Internet. Come to meet your firefighters, tour the equipment, and stay to enjoy the show on the big screen in our engine bay. 10 N. BEMISTON AVE 63105 FREE
Billy Goat Saturday Shop Ride 2/22 8am Average moving pace of approximately 18mph. No drop ride. 10211 MANCHESTER RD., 63122
https://www.webstergroves.org/ DocumentCenter/View/7724/Sept2019
Indoor Water Waddlers 2/21 10:30am-12pm Enjoy a morning of fun at the indoor tot pool with your friends, neighbors and children. This program is designed for children, ages 6 and under, accompanied by a parent/guardian who is able to remain in the water with the child. THE LODGE DES PERES , 1050 DES PERES RD. VARIES $5/$7
https://www.desperesmo.org/819/ Water-Waddlers
Ultimate Ninja's Kids' Open Gym 2/21 7pm-9pm Put their energy to the test on our obstacle and agility courses! Practice and explore a variety of obstacles, fine tune skills on a single obstacle, or practice running our customizable courses. 140 LONG RD, SUITE 130, 63005 $13 PP FOR 1HR. $20 PP FOR 2 HR.
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FEB 23 24 25 Monday
Sunday
Special Events
World Fest 2020
2/23 12pm-5pm
Team Building at Neutral Zone Arcade
Team Building at Neutral Zone Arcade
Come celebrate our diversity! This free event, co-sponsored by the Maryland Heights Cultural Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Department, allows participants to discover all the different cultures that make Maryland Heights such a diverse community. Enjoy music, food, art and more.
2/24 12pm-8pm
2/25 12pm-8pm
Like to play video games? We offer a great opportunity for that much needed team building experience. Our retro arcade is suitable for kids of all ages. Coaches and players can compete together, build bonds and strengthen friendships. Group rates are available!
Like to play video games? We offer a great opportunity for that much needed team building experience. Our retro arcade is suitable for kids of all ages. Coaches and players can compete together, build bonds and strengthen friendships. Group rates are available!
NEUTRALZ.COM
NEUTRALZ.COM
2300 MCKELVEY RD, 63043 FREE
LOCATED IN CHESTERFIELD MALL VARIES, UP TO $19.99 PER PERSON FOR THE ALL DAY PASS.
Try Outs / Info Sessoins
Sunday Chess Classes 2/23
starting from 1 pm
Beginners to advanced level classes for both kids and adults WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME, 4652 MARYLAND AVE., ST LOUIS, MO 63108 FREE FOR MEMBERS. FIRST TIME TO THE CLUB IS FREE, SO NON-MEMBERS GET IT FREE ONCE.
5 & Unders
2/23 2:30pm-4pm Open to any athlete!
2/25 4pm-5pm
Ages 12 and up. All are welcome!
Bring your bike, helmet and bike light to Queeny Park to check out the trails. Ride at your own pace or go with a Park Ranger and see new sites and areas you may have not discovered. This is an advanced level non-technical riding area with hills, flat areas and gravel trails. Advanced registration required: Call (314) 615-4386.
DreamPlay Recreation
http://cheerlegendz.net/
2/25 11am-4pm
Urban Shark Sunday 2/23 9:30am Join a fun and casual ride from Urban Shark downtown to The Living Room coffee shop in Maplewood showcasing some of our favorite routes for commuting into and out of downtown. We like to keep the ride as peaceful and pleasant as possible for all that wish to attend. Following the ride, stop in around the corner at Park Avenue Coffee for 20% off all the gooey butter cake you'll need for a strong recovery.
Open Practices
Bike Ride With a Ranger
2/24 8:30pm-10pm
$10
17387 EDISON AVE, 63005 $10
1009 LOCUST ST. 63101 FREE
LOCATED IN CHESTERFIELD MALL VARIES, UP TO $19.99 PER PERSON FOR THE ALL DAY PASS.
Adult Open Gym at Flipside 460 SAINT PETERS HOWELL RD, SAINT CHARLES, MO 63304. $5, CASH ONLY.
Cheer Legendz Open Gym
Runs & Rides
Tuesday
Come explore the playground equipment, and play indoors! 17373 EDISON AVE., 63005 $5/$6
Latin Ballroom Dance Lessons 2/25 6pm-6:45pm Join Maysen at Just Dancing Dance Studio, and learn how to do the rumba, cha cha, samba, paso doble, and jive to the current popular songs! Reservations are required. 236 OLD MERAMAC STATION RD. $10, PER CHILD. CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
CALENDAR
Have sports-related events to list? Please go to our website and fill out the “Submit Your Event” form. We will try to include as many as we can!
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26 27 28 29 Wednesday
Thursday
Lone Elk Park
Predatour
Saint Louis Zoo
Cosmic Skate
2/26 8am-4pm
2/27 11am-12:30pm
2/28 9am-5pm
2/29 7pm-8:30pm
Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Motorcycles are prohibited. Domestic animals are not allowed, even if confined in a vehicle.
PredaTours are an hour long and include a 15 minute educational classroom session as well as 45 minutes down at the animal habitats. This walking tour includes approximately a mile of walking and guests are accompanied by an informative tour guide during your entire experience.
What's there to see at the Zoo in winter? Plenty! Step inside warm climatecontrolled buildings where you'll find hundreds of amazing animals and spectacular plant life. Tour tropical jungles, sandy beaches, a butterfly wonderland and much more at the Jungle of the Apes, Antelope House, Bird House, Children's Zoo, Herpetarium, Insectarium, and Primate House. Don’t forget to say hi to our frozen friends at Penguin and Puffin Coast!
Like to ice skate? How about with the main lights off, the floor lights on, and a DJ? Come have a blast with us!
1 LONE ELK PARK RD, 63088 FREE
Junior Open Gym 2/26 11am-12pm Ages 16 mos-5 yrs. Sign up online, www. gymquarters.com/calendar 92 HUBBLE DR, O'FALLON, MO 63368 $7 PER CHILD.
Unlimited Laser Tag at Amp Up Action Park 2/26 4pm-9pm Have a "blast" with your friends, with unlimited laser tag. You'll get a heartpounding, black-light, music-filled experience in our custom built 3-level laser tag arena. Add unlimited virtual reality for just $6 extra. 13901 MANCHESTER RD, 63011 $15 +TAX
Missouri Indoor Cycling Race Series 2/26 5pm-8pm Juniors race at 5pm. Men race at 6. Women race at 7. Through the power of smart trainers and the internet, we are now able to race against each other from the comfort of our own homes. Racers join by bringing their bike to Urban Chestnut and racing in front of an audience, or from their own smart trainers remotely. CONTACT MIKELUDWIG@ POWERUPCYCLING $15 PER EVENT
6750 TYSON VALLEY RD, 63025 VARIES $10-$20. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Archery Lessons for kids 2/27 6pm-8pm We have instruction for kids (both young and old!!). These classes are held from 6-7pm and 7-8pm. Shooters may shoot their own equipment or use a Genesis bow we can provide SUMMIT ARCHERY CENTER, 1164 DECKER RD, 63055. $5 PER PERSON, PER SESSION
http://summitarchery.com/lessons/
Playtime in the Pool 2/27 10am-12pm Bring your little one for Playtime in the Pool, where the indoor kid's play area will be available for parents and little ones to play (the big slide will not be open). 625 NEW SMIZER MILL ROAD, 63026 $4 PER CHILD
http://www.fentonmo.org/1100/AquaticsSpecial-Programs
Ladies' Knight 2/27 6:30pm-7:30pm Open to women of all ages; the perfect class to learn and improve.
CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF ST LOUIS, 4657 MARYLAND AVE, ST LOUIS, MO 63108
Friday
FOREST PARK FREE
Splash Bash 2/28 7pm-9pm (Ages 11-13) Bring your friends to our first ever Splash Bash! Open to middle school age kids ONLY, the night will feature pizza, refreshments, music, water games, relays and open swim in the indoor pool. 2300 MCKELVEY RD, 63043 $8- $10
Saturday
WEBSTER GROVES ICE RINK VARIES, $8 PER PERSON
https://www.webstergroves.org/ DocumentCenter/View/7724/Sept2019
Dr. Seuss' Birthday Brunch 2/29 10am-11:30am Celebrate Dr. Seuss with a green eggs and ham inspired brunch. Register by 2/26. 9245 WHITECLIFF PARK LANE, 63126 $5- $7
Billy Goat Saturday Shop Ride 2/29 8am Average moving pace of approximately 18mph. No drop ride. 10211 MANCHESTER RD., 63122
Urban Fort Play Cafe 2/28 9am-2pm Our perfectly designed play space is an excellent environment where your kiddos can explore, learn, and discover. Parent supervision is required. With this in mind, our space is set up so that you can have eyes on your child from every angle, while still remaining comfortable in your chair. 1854 RUSSELL BLVD, 63104 VARIES, $8 AND UNDER PER CHILD
Ultimate Ninja's Kids' Open Gym 2/28 7pm-9pm Put their energy to the test on our obstacle and agility courses! Practice and explore a variety of obstacles, fine tune skills on a single obstacle, or practice running our customizable courses. 140 LONG RD, SUITE 130, 63005 $13 PP FOR 1HR. $20 PP FOR 2 HR.
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Search THOUSANDS of local summer camps!
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