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CAF Releases Fixtures for TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Match Days 3-5
SIXTH OF OCTOBER, Egypt, Jan. 9 -- The Confederation of African Football posted the following news release:
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CAF releases fixtures for TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Match Days 3-5
The fixtures for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Group Stages Match Days Three (3), Four (4) and Five (5) have been confirmed.
Africa's flagship interclub competitions will resume later this month with the next round of fixtures played between Friday, 23 January and Sunday, 25 January across
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SIXTH OF OCTOBER, Egypt, Jan. 9 -- The Confederation of African Football posted the following news release:
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CAF releases fixtures for TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Match Days 3-5
The fixtures for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Group Stages Match Days Three (3), Four (4) and Five (5) have been confirmed.
Africa's flagship interclub competitions will resume later this month with the next round of fixtures played between Friday, 23 January and Sunday, 25 January acrossthe continent.
They were paused in December to allow the continent's best national teams to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Two rounds of Group Stage matches were completed before the break, delivering early statements on intent from title contenders and leaving several groups finely poised.
Match Day Three marks the midway point of the group phase, making it a crucial juncture in the race for the quarter-finals, where momentum is key and there is little margin for error.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Action:
On Friday, 23 January, record 12-time African champions Al Ahly will kick-off the Match Day 3 when they play Tanzania's Young Africans in Cairo at 16h00 GMT (18h00 local time).
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa will host Al Hilal from Sudan at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria at 18h00 GMT (20h00 local time).
Elsewhere, vital points will be on offer as clubs seek to establish control at the halfway stage of the group phase.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixtures (all times GMT)
Group A
Saturday, 24 January
13:00 - Power Dynamos FC (ZAM) vs Rivers United FC (NGA)
19:00 - RS Berkane (MAR) vs Pyramids FC (EGY)
Group B
Friday, 23 January
16:00 - Al Ahly SC (EGY) vs Young Africans SC (TAN)
Saturday, 24 January
16:00 - JS Kabylie (ALG) vs AS FAR Rabat (MAR)
Group C
Friday, 23 January
18:00 - Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA) vs Al Hilal Omdurman (SUD)
Sunday, 25 January
13:00 - St Eloi Lupopo (DRC) vs MC Alger (ALG)
Group D
Saturday, 24 January
16:00 - Esperance de Tunis (TUN) vs Simba SC (TAN)
Sunday, 25 January
16:00 - Stade Malien (MLI) vs Petro Atletico (ANG)
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup
The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup resumes with similar intensity, as former champions, seasoned campaigners and ambitious debutants continue their push for continental honours.
With qualification margins already narrow in several groups, Matchday 3 presents an opportunity for clubs to strengthen their positions or re-enter contention ahead of the decisive final rounds.
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Fixtures (all times GMT)
Group A
Saturday, 24 January
19:00 - USM Alger (ALG) vs Djoliba AC (MLI)
Sunday, 25 January
16:00 - OCS Safi (MAR) vs FC San Pedro (CIV)
Group B
Sunday, 25 January
13:00 - Nairobi United FC (KEN) vs Azam FC (TAN)
19:00 - Wydad AC (MAR) vs AS Maniema Union (DRC)
Group C
Sunday, 25 January
16:00 - Singida Black Stars (TAN) vs AS Otoho (CGO)
19:00 - CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs Stellenbosch FC (RSA)
Group D
Sunday, 25 January
13:00 - ZESCO United FC (ZAM) vs Kaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)
19:00 - Zamalek SC (EGY) vs Al Masry SC (EGY)
For more on the CAF Interclub competitions, visit www.cafonline.com.
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Original text here: https://www.cafonline.com/news/caf-releases-fixtures-for-totalenergies-caf-champions-league-202526-and-totalenergies-caf-confederation-cup-202526-match-days-3-5/
[Category: Sports]
Inside the Headset Presented by CoachCommRyan Jirgl, Special Teams Coordinator - LIU
WACO, Texas, Jan. 8 [Category: Sports] -- The American Football Coaches Association posted the following news:
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Inside the Headset Presented by CoachCommRyan Jirgl, Special Teams Coordinator - LIU
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This week on Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Ryan Jirgl, the Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach at Long Island University. Coach Jirgl shares the story of his coaching journey, starting from his early days in the profession and continuing through the experiences that helped shape him into the coach he is today. This interview was recorded before the season.
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WACO, Texas, Jan. 8 [Category: Sports] -- The American Football Coaches Association posted the following news:
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Inside the Headset Presented by CoachCommRyan Jirgl, Special Teams Coordinator - LIU
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This week on Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Ryan Jirgl, the Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach at Long Island University. Coach Jirgl shares the story of his coaching journey, starting from his early days in the profession and continuing through the experiences that helped shape him into the coach he is today. This interview was recorded before the season.
Throughout the conversation, Jirgl talks about the relationships and mentors who guided him along the way and the lessons he has learned at each stop in his career. He reflects on the importance of creating connections with players and being willing to take on new challenges as opportunities come his way.
Now at Long Island University, Jirgl works with the entire roster through special teams while also leading the safeties on the defensive side of the ball. He explains what makes coaching special teams so rewarding and why he values the chance to impact so many different position groups.
If you enjoy Inside the Headset, make sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. You can find all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
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Original text here: https://www.afca.com/ryan-jirgl-special-teams-coordinator-liu/
USA Softball Partners With Honig's For Exclusive Umpire Gear
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Jan. 7 -- USA Softball issued the following news:
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USA Softball Partners with Honig's For Exclusive Umpire Gear
USA Softball has announced a new partnership with Honig's as its exclusive umpire gear provider with the company providing top-of-the-line umpire gear, equipment and apparel for over 40 years.
"Umpires are essential to the integrity of our game, and partnering with Honig's for our umpire gear provider reflects our commitment to supporting them at every level," USA Softball CEO Craig Cress said. "Honig's long-standing reputation for quality and customer
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Jan. 7 -- USA Softball issued the following news:
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USA Softball Partners with Honig's For Exclusive Umpire Gear
USA Softball has announced a new partnership with Honig's as its exclusive umpire gear provider with the company providing top-of-the-line umpire gear, equipment and apparel for over 40 years.
"Umpires are essential to the integrity of our game, and partnering with Honig's for our umpire gear provider reflects our commitment to supporting them at every level," USA Softball CEO Craig Cress said. "Honig's long-standing reputation for quality and customerservice aligns with USA Softball's mission to provide our officials with the best tools possible to perform at the highest standard."
USA Softball will be moving away from OfficialGear.com with all umpire apparel available at Honig's.com. With a brand new, easy-to-use, online store, Honig's will provide USA Softball umpires a safe, quick and hassle-free shopping experience.
Whether someone is gearing up for a national championship or stocking up for their local associations, Honig's will have everything needed to represent USA Softball. From uniforms and protective equipment, Honig's will be the one-stop-shop for official USA Softball Umpire gear.
Through Honig's, umpires will be able to purchase gear approved and trusted by USA Softball athletes. Honig's mission is to offer a full range of gear built for every level, from recreational play to elite competition.
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Original text here: https://www.usasoftball.com/news/2026/01/05/usa-softball-partners-with-honigs-for-exclusive-umpire-gear/
[Category: BizSports]
Record Forty-Seven U.S. Soccer Match Officials Named to 2026 FIFA International Panel
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 7 -- The U.S. Soccer Federation issued the following news:
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Record Forty-Seven U.S. Soccer Match Officials Named to 2026 FIFA International Panel
ATLANTA - U.S. Soccer's Referee Program has had a record 47 match officials appointed to the 2026 FIFA International Panel, following a nomination process to FIFA undertaken by the Federation's Referee Committee. In total, the 47 individuals represent 53 FIFA badges across the Referee, Assistant Referee, Video Match Official, Futsal and Beach Soccer Referee disciplines.
"This record number of appointments is a direct reflection
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 7 -- The U.S. Soccer Federation issued the following news:
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Record Forty-Seven U.S. Soccer Match Officials Named to 2026 FIFA International Panel
ATLANTA - U.S. Soccer's Referee Program has had a record 47 match officials appointed to the 2026 FIFA International Panel, following a nomination process to FIFA undertaken by the Federation's Referee Committee. In total, the 47 individuals represent 53 FIFA badges across the Referee, Assistant Referee, Video Match Official, Futsal and Beach Soccer Referee disciplines.
"This record number of appointments is a direct reflectionof the quality, professionalism, and consistency of U.S. Soccer referees across every discipline," said Kari Seitz, U.S. Soccer Vice President of Refereeing. "Our referees consistently deliver at the highest level, and that reputation allows the United States to continue expanding its presence on the global stage. Great soccer depends on great referees, and this group exemplifies the very best of our program."
With their appointments, the 16 Referees, 20 Assistant Referees, 11 Video Match Officials, four Futsal Referees and two Beach Soccer Referees have the distinction and opportunity to represent the United States at the highest international levels in 2026.
Joining the FIFA Panel in 2026 are Referee Rosendo Mendoza, Video Match Official Jose Carlos Rivero, Futsal Referees Servando Berna and Drew Klemp and Beach Soccer Referees Vince Apple-Chiarella and Conrado Garcia. The appointment of Apple-Chiarella and Garcia represents the first time U.S. Soccer will have Beach Soccer representation on the FIFA Panel, while the additions of Berna and Klemp bring U.S. Soccer's representation for Futsal referees on the FIFA Panel to a Federation record of four.
Six of the 11 video match officials are also on the FIFA Panel as referees or assistant referees.
2026 FIFA PANEL - REFEREES (First Year on FIFA Panel)
Alexandra Billeter (2023)
Danielle Chesky (2020)
Joe Dickerson (2023)
Ismail Elfath (2016)
Jon Freemon (2024)
Guido Gonzales, Jr. (2025)
Katja Koroleva (2014)
Rosendo Mendoza (2026)
Alyssa Pennington (2023)
Tori Penso (2021)
Victor Rivas (2023)
Natalie Simon (2022)
Lukasz Szpala (2024)
Rubiel Vazquez (2020)
Armando Villarreal (2015)
Anya Voigt (2024)
ASSISTANT REFEREES (First Year on FIFA Panel)
Kyle Atkins (2018)
Cameron Blanchard (2019)
Logan Brown (2020)
Jose Da Silva (2023)
Chris Elliott (2024)
Jennifer Garner (2018)
Ryan Graves (2024)
Jeremy Kieso (2022)
Felisha Mariscal (2014)
Brooke Mayo (2018)
Alicia Messer (2018)
Meghan Mullen (2022)
Kathryn Nesbitt (2016)
Corey Parker (2015)
Salma Perez (2023)
Cory Richardson (2022)
Kali Smith (2023)
Tiffini Turpin (2023)
Nick Uranga (2020)
Katarzyna Wasiak (2024)
VIDEO MATCH OFFICIALS (First Year on FIFA Panel)
Kyle Atkins (2022) *
Allen Chapman (2021)
Joe Dickerson (2025) *
Timothy Ford (2021)
Edvin Jurisevic (2021)
Katja Koroleva (2025) *
Brooke Mayo (2024) *
Kathryn Nesbitt (2022) *
Chris Penso (2021)
Jose Carlos Rivero (2026)
Armando Villarreal (2022) *
* Also on the 2026 FIFA Panel as a referee or assistant referee
FUTSAL REFEREES (First Year on FIFA Panel)
Servando Berna (2026)
Drew Klemp (2026)
Krystin Pahia (2024)
Matthew Rodman (2024)
Veteran referee Josh Wilkins has also retired after being on the FIFA Panel since 2019.
BEACH SOCCER REFEREES (First Year on FIFA Panel)
Vince Apple-Chiarella (2026)
Conrado Garcia (2026)
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About the U.S. Soccer Federation
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused in three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and pro leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
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Original text here: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/01/record-forty-seven-us-soccer-match-officials-named-to-2026-fifa-international-panel
[Category: Sports]
Marian's McNally Notches NAIA Women's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 7 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Marian's McNally Notches NAIA Women's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Senior forward Abbey McNally of Marian (Ind.) has been named the Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Women's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week after delivering consistent offensive production leading into the new calendar year and through the first game of 2026.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native was a scoring machine last week, averaging 27.0 points per game while recording 12 rebounds
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 7 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Marian's McNally Notches NAIA Women's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Senior forward Abbey McNally of Marian (Ind.) has been named the Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Women's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week after delivering consistent offensive production leading into the new calendar year and through the first game of 2026.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native was a scoring machine last week, averaging 27.0 points per game while recording 12 reboundsand four steals per contest.
In a 116-34 victory against Ohio Christian, the senior scored 25 points in 14 minutes of work, and a few days later dropped a season-high 29 points in the team's 82-68 success over (RV) Taylor (Ind.). McNally shot over 75% from the floor (22-of-29) across those two games.
For the reporting period of Dec. 9 through Jan. 4, the Knights rattled off five wins, adding to their unblemished 15-0 record on the season. Across those contests, McNally averaged 20.8 points while adding 48 rebounds, 14 steals, and seven blocks.
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Original text here: https://www.naia.org/sports/wbkb/2025-26/releases/OPOTW_7
[Category: Sports]
Kyle Gruhler of the Bulldogs Strings Back-To-Back Nights Together of Hot Shooting to Earn NAIA Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 7 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Kyle Gruhler of the Bulldogs Strings Back-To-Back Nights Together of Hot Shooting to Earn NAIA Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Kyle Gruhler of Montana Western had the hot hand over four games, shooting 58.5% from the floor and 60.5% from deep, to earn the Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Men's Basketball Player of the Week honors.
Gruhler averaged 26.8 points per game to total 107 for the reporting period for stats of Dec. 9 through Jan. 4. He was
... Show Full Article
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 7 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Kyle Gruhler of the Bulldogs Strings Back-To-Back Nights Together of Hot Shooting to Earn NAIA Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Kyle Gruhler of Montana Western had the hot hand over four games, shooting 58.5% from the floor and 60.5% from deep, to earn the Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Men's Basketball Player of the Week honors.
Gruhler averaged 26.8 points per game to total 107 for the reporting period for stats of Dec. 9 through Jan. 4. He waspivotal in helping the team to victories against Dickinson State (N.D.) and Bismarck State (N.D.).
Against the Blue Hawks, Gruhler dropped 24 points in the second half alone to erase a 13-point deficit in the 78-73 win. He was 8-of-16 from the floor, 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 4-of-4 at the foul line in that game.
He then followed that up the next night with a 27-point outing, shooting 50% from the field and beyond the arc, lifting the Bulldogs to a 96-66 victory over Bismarck State.
Overall between the four games, Gruhler tallied 129 minutes, 107 points, 21 boards, 11 assists, four steals, and a pair of blocks.
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Original text here: https://www.naia.org/sports/mbkb/2025-26/releases/Offensive_POTW_7
[Category: Sports]
Heggem of Rocky Mountain Locks Down NAIA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 7 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Heggem of Rocky Mountain (Mont.) Locks Down NAIA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Rocky Mountain's Isabelle Heggem has been named the Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week following a standout stretch of defensive performances leading into the new calendar year and through the opening games of 2026.
In the Battlin' Bears' two contests that opened the new year, Rocky Mountain secured wins over Bellevue (Neb.),
... Show Full Article
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 7 -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics posted the following news release:
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Heggem of Rocky Mountain (Mont.) Locks Down NAIA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Rocky Mountain's Isabelle Heggem has been named the Gared Performance Sports Systems NAIA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week following a standout stretch of defensive performances leading into the new calendar year and through the opening games of 2026.
In the Battlin' Bears' two contests that opened the new year, Rocky Mountain secured wins over Bellevue (Neb.),72-58, and No. 4-ranked Dakota State, 55-52.
Heggem delivered a 26-point, 15-rebound double-double against the Bruins before posting a 20-rebound, four-block performance in Rocky's three-point victory over the Trojans. Overall, she averaged 17.5 rebounds per game, 13.5 of which came on the defensive end, along with 3.5 blocks during the Battlin' Bears' 2-0 weekend.
For the reporting period of Dec. 9 through Jan. 4, Rocky Mountain posted a 5-2 record. During that span, Heggem totaled 91 rebounds, 20 blocks, and five steals, while also contributing 17.1 points per game on the offensive end.
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Original text here: https://www.naia.org/sports/wbkb/2025-26/releases/DPOTW_7
[Category: Sports]
