Safe Sports Network was founded in 1989 when the program’s founder, Nick Vailas, was at a preseason football practice at his alma mater, Central High School. He noticed some high school-aged boys beside him at the fence looking in and asked them why they were not trying out for the team. They explained that they were not allowed because their parents could not afford to get them a physical. Mr. Vailas saw this problem and knew something must be done. He wanted to ensure kids have every opportunity to reap the many benefits that sports can provide. That was the seed that started the growth of the Safe Sports Network.

For over three decades, Safe Sports has been working to provide and facilitate physicals for young athletes in the Greater Manchester community. What started as one evening of free physicals soon evolved into a free injury evaluation clinic for young athletes located in downtown Manchester. Safe Sports Network continued to expand and now includes professional sports medicine services on-site at nine high schools (Bedford, Bishop Guertin, Bishop Brady, Manchester Central, Campbell, Goffstown, Manchester Memorial, Trinity, Manchester West) and now includes a student leadership program called Student Ambassadors for Sports Safety.

Since the program began, thousands of kids have received physicals and participated in sports under the watchful eye of a Safe Sport athletic trainer. Kids have not only had the opportunity to participate in sports but have also received care for both catastrophic and common injuries. Additionally, with the implementation of important programming aimed at minimizing the risk of injury and/or illness, more than 6,000 student-athletes are safer and well-cared for each year.

Safe Sports is dedicated to advancing knowledge in musculoskeletal care and sports medicine and to promoting and providing a safe environment for athletes. Believing in the many benefits – mental, physical, and emotional – kids gain from participating in sports. Sports provide a positive outlet to help with stress reduction, decrease anxiety, and are a deterrent to high-risk behaviors, all issues teenagers frequently struggle with, making Safe Sport’s mission even more important. While sports also have risks, Safe Sports acknowledges this by implementing strategies to minimize the risk of injuries: having Safe Sports athletic trainers on-site to ensure access to the right care at the right time for all athletes. Safe Sports’ goal is to be the trusted voice and familiar face for young athletes in the event of an injury and in the aftermath, providing expertise and understanding to help support them through the journey to recovery.

The more people who know about Safe Sports Network, the more young athletes can get the care they need. Thus, the most helpful thing that people can do is spread the word! This program, like most non-profit organizations, depends on community support and donations. Sponsorships for this program, as well as community members willing to provide mentorship and leadership education, is vital in ensuring students can continue to leverage the important skills gained through sports through pillars of service, advocacy, and citizenship. We also welcome members of the community to get involved through volunteering on our committees and at various events. Anyone looking for ways to become involved can call our office or reach out to Amy@nhmi.net for more information and opportunities!

Kate, a local high school student, suspected she had a bad injury when her knee collapsed during a summer basketball tournament. The athletic trainer at the Safe Sports injury clinic also suspected Kate had a bad injury. Kate was immediately referred to the orthopedic clinic, where an x-ray showed she had fractured the top portion of her lower leg bone (AKA her tibial plateau). Everything important inside your knee either rests on – or attaches to – the tibial plateau. Kate took a moment to recognize this setback for what it was, then steeled herself to work her way back to play. She would need considerable assistance…and community donations helped provide it in the form of the daily professional guidance of her Safe Sports athletic trainer.

Kate also usually plays volleyball. She showed her team spirit by heading back to school in mid-August during volleyball preseason practices even though she was still on crutches. Her Safe Sports athletic trainer had Kate begin closely supervised general rehabilitation. She was unable to do anything with the injured leg initially, but her AT guided her through the months it took to get back from her injury. She fought through missing her entire volleyball season, restoring her range of motion, then strength, then speed, and agility. Kate showed everyone that you could break her leg but not her spirit. In early November, she was able to return to the basketball court for the 22-23 season and performed as one of the team’s leading scorers.

Kate is just one example of the nearly 1,500 kids injured at Safe Sports schools every year. Every day, a tough kid has a tough break. Community donations make a difference by supporting their fight to overcome adversity.

The Safe Sports Network is the official charity partner of the BASC Santa Claus Shuffle taking place December 2nd, 2023. To help support the Safe Sports Network and their initiatives please visit pledgereg.com/4541/safe-sports-network

To learn more, visit nhmi.net/safe-sports-network.  Follow them on social media @SafeSportsNetwork and @safesportsnetworknh.