Football is back – NFL, college, high school and, of course, youth football. We’ve all seen videos of parents and coaches fighting and yelling at Pop Warner games, leaving a blemish on the sport.

What’s most important during this young stage, which many people lose sight of, is safety. Winning and losing can be emphasized later, but bad football form and injuries can lead to significant issues later in life.

Coaches should be teaching proper tackling form, leading with the shoulders instead of the head and parents should encourage proper nutrition and sports training so their bodies are ready to play.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Concluding their 17^th season, the Boston Cannons are a founding member of Major League Lacrosse and one of the most successful franchises. Here’s five things you might not know:

1. Success: 2011 MLL Champions, 11 playoff appearances, five League MVP’s.

2. Players: Most players don’t live in Boston, travelling for practice and games.

3. Passion: Average 7,500 fans per game.

4. History: Play at Harvard Stadium, the oldest stadium in the country.

5. Off-the-field: Players hold professional careers in various industries and graduated from top colleges including Duke, Cornell, Notre Dame, Princeton, Georgetown and many more.

– Sara Berry, VP of Partnerships and Marketing, The Boston Cannons

The Patriot’s season opener is Sept. 7, the game where our fifth championship banner will be unveiled!

I’m giving one lucky winner and a friend tickets to a luxury suite, dinner at Davio’s, an overnight stay, plus access to other great prizes. This raffle means a lot to me on a personal level, because it benefits my Foundation and Boston Children’s Hospital.

The cardiology department provided life-saving care for our son, Collin, after he was diagnosed with a complex heart defect at 22 weeks gestation. Support these two great causes and enter to be at the game here.

– Matt Light, The Light Foundation

Before seeing the infamous Green Monster, most Boston Red Sox players play a mere 45 miles southwest of Fenway Park, at McCoy Stadium. It’s the oldest stadium in the International League, home of the AAA Affiliate, Pawtucket Red Sox.

The longest baseball game was played on this field in 1981, lasting 33 innings. Many of the big names synonymous with Boston have played there: Clemens, Yaz, Nomar, Pedro, Ortiz, Damon, Rice, Youk … you get the point.

Take a trip to McCoy this summer; you’ll love it! Every seat in the house has a great view, but they don’t beat mine!

– Ben DeCastro, Stadium Announcer for the Pawtucket Red Sox

With The Masters in the rear view and a few days of sunshine in New England, it’s safe to say recreational golfers can get the clubs ready for the season. Just to be safe, here are some indoor and covered range options for practice should the weather turn on us again.

CityGolf Boston is a state-of-the-art indoor golf facility in downtown Boston.

McGolf in Dedham has some outdoor covered bays, so golfers can practice even if it’s raining.

South Shore Country Club in Hingham has “The Tour,” its high-end golf bar, housing three PGA Tour Simulators.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Springtime means lacrosse, and fans are gearing up for Memorial Day weekend’s NCAA Championships at Gillette Stadium.

To celebrate, Patriots Coach Bill Belichick is hosting a “Championship Chat” in Boston on May 26^th with legendary player and current New York Lizard Paul Rabil.

They’ll preview the NCAA Final Four, and discuss how to prepare for the championships, from both player and coaching perspectives. ESPN’s lacrosse analyst and sideline reporter Paul Carcaterra will host and coordinate a post-panel Q & A with guests.

Proceeds support both foundations, which aid youth player organizations and initiatives. Tickets at the Bill Belichick Foundation.

– Margrette Mondillo, Goodwin Group PR

It’s that time of year again. As the winter finally comes to an end, runners from all over are gearing up to run 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston on Marathon Monday. If you have Monday off from work, here are some great places to cheer on the runners:

1. The Finish Line (be sure to get there early to stake out a spot)

2. The Starting Line in Hopkinton

3. “Scream Tunnel” at Wellesley College or along the route in Wellesley

4. The Mass Ave bridge

5. Heartbreak Hill

Have fun and good luck to the 2017 runners!

– Amanda Santucci, Goodwin Group PR

Although Big Papi retired, Red Sox fans have been buzzing for a while now about the team’s future, and 2017 should be exciting.

The bullpen is the obvious focus with 2016 Cy Young winner Rick Porcello in the rotation, the acquisition of Chris Sale and David Price’s second season. Then, there’s the young talent across the board with Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts and JBJ in the outfield and Xander Bogaerts manning short.

Finally, Hanley Ramirez takes over DH, and the Sox sign 2016 Gold Glove first baseman, Mitch Moreland. There’s a lot to look forward to for Red Sox Nation!

– Josh Sarnowitz, Goodwin Group PR

No matter which side you were on, Super Bowl LI was undeniably historic. The first-half domination by the Atlanta Falcons, the unbelievable comeback by the Patriots – with a few miraculous plays to keep it alive – and the first overtime in Super Bowl history.

Although the Patriots fared better in the end, Atlanta should be proud. At 11-5, the Falcons were the top-scoring NFL team and handed Seattle and Green Bay tough, post-season losses. The final game didn’t go their way, but the Falcons deserved to be in the Super Bowl. They’ll certainly make another appearance soon.

– Josh Sarnowitz, Goodwin Group PR

Former three-time Super Bowl Champion Matt Light is giving you the chance to attend Superbowl LI in Houston!

One lucky winner will receive the following:

• Two tickets to Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, February 5

• Two tickets to the coveted “Taste of the NFL” private party in Houston on Saturday, February 4

• Two round-trip JetBlue tickets to Houston

• Hotel accommodations for two (one room/double occupancy) at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Houston

Proceeds from this raffle benefit The Light Foundation and the Greater Boston Food Bank. For your chance to win, visit www.playoffraffle.com

– Cindi Mitchell, The Light Foundation

When I was growing up a Boston sports fan in the 1980s and early 1990s, turning the calendar to January usually meant there was no more football. Our focus turned more intently to the Celtics and Bruins.

Thanks to Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, who have qualified for the NFL playoffs in 14 of Belichick’s 17 seasons as head coach, times have changed. January is now dominated by football and the always percolating question: Can they win another Super Bowl?

Although it means a longer grind for me than most of my colleagues, it’s certainly welcomed.

– Mike Reiss, ESPN.com