Summer 2021 Hometown Messenger

PARKS & RECREATION

Shakopee fields a favorite for youth tournaments and events Shakopee to host 5,000 athletes in 2021

Inspired by the success of the Shakopee Skate School’s competitive training program, Shakopee Parks and Recreation has expanded its fitness programming for athletes. Athletic trainers will work one-on-one with athletes to develop a personalized fitness plan. “Our trainers have athletic backgrounds in various sports and activities,” said Fitness Coordinator Kelsey Theis. “Each sport has specific needs and areas to focus on. Our trainers work with athletes and coach them to develop personalized goals.” Student athletes looking to take their game to the next level are welcome to enroll. While Shakopee High School coaches provide great opportunities for strengthening and team building, personal training can give athletes the added boost they need to compete. “If a student is looking for a smaller setting or to work one-on-one with someone, a personal trainer is a great idea,” said Matt Hanson, Shakopee High School athletic director. “Any chance that students have to make themselves better, especially physically, they should take advantage of that.” Personal trainers work with athletes at the Community Center, using a variety of equipment that might not be readily available at other locations. Strengthening isn’t the only goal for trainers; staff look for muscle imbalances that could lead to poor performance. “A customized training regiment helps athletes get an edge on competition, and helps them avoid injuries,”Theis said. To set up a personal training session, contact Kelsey Theis at ktheis@ShakopeeMN.gov or 952-233-9515. Take your game to the next level with athletic training

Athletes with the Shakopee Youth Lacrosse Association practice on an outdoor field in Shakopee.

As the summer draws closer, youth sports programs begin to kick, sprint and slide into high gear in Shakopee. The city manages more than 100 athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball and more. Scheduling of the fields requires a coordinated effort between the Parks and Recreation Department and Shakopee School District. Shakopee’s fields are popular among youth sports associations. Many youth leagues target Shakopee as a preferred location to host events. “The fields we utilize around Shakopee are well maintained, and the staff in charge of upkeep are a pleasure to work with,” said Ryan Thorman, Shakopee Youth Lacrosse Association president. “If we need something fixed or changed, we have direct contact with the crew.” In 2021, youth sports associations are expecting nearly 5,000 youth athletes competing in four major tournaments. Counting parents, siblings and grandparents, more

than 15,000 people are expected to visit Shakopee this summer, providing a great boost to Shakopee hotels, restaurants and businesses. “Out-state teams love to make it a weekend with all the entertainment venues in the area,” said Tom Schleper, Shakopee varsity baseball coach. “We schedule back-to-back games Saturday, so they have time to enjoy other options in the area as well.” Above all else, what’s most important is the impact of youth sports on kids, helping them build important life skills and stay active. “I think the value of youth sports has never been higher,” said Dan Deitzel, president of Shakopee Youth Soccer Association. “Having kids back outside to enjoy the game is so beneficial right now for kids and families.” Those benefits will be on full display all summer all around Shakopee.

UPCOMING TOURNEYS SHAKOPEE LIONS 20TH ANNUAL ADULT SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT June 4-6 SHAKOPEE LACROSSE RIVER VALLEY RUMBLE June 11-13 SHAKOPEE YOUTH BASEBALL TRAVELING TOURNAMENT June 11-13 SHAKOPEE GIRLS' SOFTBALL FATHER'S DAY TOURNAMENT June 18-20 SHAKOPEE YOUTH BASEBALL IN-HOUSE TOURNAMENT July 23-25

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