City of Gulfport Announces Formation of Youth Sports Commission

GULFPORT, MS – Mayor Billy Hewes has announced the formation of a special committee tasked with reviewing the city’s youth sports programs.

This commission is charged with providing recommendations to improve the sports offerings for the youth of the City of Gulfport.

This committee, comprised of dedicated community members led by Chairman Bryan Caldwell, will work closely with the Department of Leisure Services and the city administration.

The committee includes Brittany Reese, Craig Petersen, and Shaheed Ali, all respected figures within the Gulfport community. Their combined expertise and proven commitment to youth sports will be invaluable in this endeavor. The mayor’s vision extends beyond the immediate incident, aiming to transform this committee into a permanent Gulfport Youth Sports Commission.

This Commission will play a crucial role in assessing and revitalizing youth sports activities managed by the city. This initiative emphasizes the city’s commitment to creating a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for its young athletes.

Key areas of focus for the committee and the proposed Commission will include:

• Codes of Conduct (Coaches, managers, parents, officials, referees, and fans)
• Coaches Certification and Training programs.
• Exploring affiliations with schools.
• Assessing Draft Mix and Regional/Geographic Reach of sports programs.
• Strategies for the Separation of Opposing Teams & Support Groups.
• Encouraging constructive Parental Involvement.
• Establishing effective Sanctions.
• Evaluating the viability of leagues and sports activities.

The city acknowledges the value and importance of community engagement in this process and is confident that the collective efforts will lead to significant improvements and growth in the youth sports programs. The City of Gulfport is excited to see what this community partnership will bring to the future of youth sports for our children and the community.