Boardman “Locker Room” helps young athletes gear up

The Locker Room offers a variety of gently used items for athletes in need.

Whether you’re a chef, artist or athlete, it’s hard to succeed without the right tools. At Akron Children’s in Boardman, the Sports Medicine team is giving athletes the gear they need to play sports and lower their chance of getting hurt.

An idea is born

Shay Mulford, practice administrator for Akron Children’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, was a high school and college athlete. Two conversations in the fall of 2023 sparked an idea. “Dr. Chris Liebig mentioned one of his Sports Medicine patients got hurt – and likely because of inadequate shoes worn during basketball practice,” she recalled. “Around that same time, I spoke with a local basketball coach who said girls were trying out for the team wearing Crocs. Not because they wanted to – but because those were the only shoes they had.”

Shay pondered an important question: How can Akron Children’s support young athletes who may not have access to proper sporting equipment? “Having the right gear is not only essential for a child’s ability to participate, but it’s also critical for preventing injuries and promoting safe play,” she said. “The idea for the Locker Room came from my own love of sports and the belief that no child should miss out on the chance to play sports because they don’t have the right shoes or equipment.”

Dr. Liebig also played sports in high school and college, so he understands how important sports can be for kids and teens. “Sports are great for your body, your mind and helping you grow as a person,” he said. “They also teach life skills such as how to work with others, make friends, set goals, stay focused and work through hard times.”

Shay, Dr. Liebig, Akron Children’s Vice President of the Mahoning Valley Enterprise Paul Olivier and the Boardman facilities team got to work. They had space available near the Sports Medicine department, and they designed an inviting area that looks like a real locker room. The new space opened July 16.

Shay Mulford and Dr. Chris Liebig celebrate the Locker Room’s grand opening.

Leveling the playing field

“We know that not every family can afford new sports gear,” Dr. Liebig said. “Worn-out items or the wrong type of equipment can lead to injuries – or discourage kids from participating in the first place. By providing access to quality equipment through the Locker Room, we’re helping to level the playing field.” 

If an Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley patient or employee has a need, they get a “prescription” for the Locker Room. The Akron Children’s athletic trainers who work at local high schools can also refer athletes to the Locker Room. “Our staff and volunteers collect, organize and monitor the gear,” Shay said, “to ensure we can meet our athletes’ needs.”

The Akron Sports Medicine team also has equipment available. However, the department doesn’t have a dedicated Locker Room space like Boardman.

The most-needed items are baseball and softball gloves; cleated shoes and tennis shoes; shin guards for soccer players; knee pads for volleyball players; and shorts, T-shirts and other athletic clothes kids can wear to practice.

“Too much good gear sits around unused,” Shay said. “When you donate equipment to kids in need, it gives them the chance to feel like they belong and play safely — just like every child deserves.”

Investing in healthy futures

Dr. Liebig says movement is medicine, and he wants to help athletes gear up for the opportunities that sports provide. “When we make it possible for kids to play sports, we’re investing in their health and their futures,” he explained. “Our mission is to keep kids healthy and give them ‘more childhood.’ Through the Locker Room, we hope to give every child in our community the chance to play, learn and thrive.”