Discover valuable insights and expertise from Youth Sports experts in our upcoming panel webinar.
Note: Webinar was live on February 6th. You can register to watch the recording below!
We are so excited for our first official Ankored webinar coming up on February 6th! We've been working with youth recreation leaders of all types who have so much experience to share with the broader community.
We have invited three such experts to sit down with us for a live panel discussion around their experiences building and growing youth sports programs. Join us as we delve into the key factors that contribute to the growth of youth programs and learn valuable insights that can be applied to your own initiatives.
If you're a youth recreation program leaded, manager or administrator (or you hope to be), this session with provide you you with valuable information and practical tips on how to enhance program growth.
Meet Our Panelists
Each panelist has a strong background in youth sports and brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Their experiences range from managing grassroots programs to overseeing national-level initiatives.
First up is....
Courtney began her athletic career with a t-ball bat in her hand, and never really let it go. After a Division II softball career, she obtained her bachelors and master’s degrees in Sport Management and currently serves as a Community Recreation Director for the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Parks and Recreation Department. She has coached youth softball and baseball, including the All-Star 18u Fastpitch team for the MN Twins’ RBI Program. In her spare time, Courtney is still traveling the country playing competitive slowpitch softball, and stays active on a volleyball court during the cold winters.
Next we have....
Jason is a sports industry executive with thirty-year track record building and executing experiential programs designed to enhance young lives through the vehicle of sport. Previously served as Chief Strategy Officer for US Sports Camps, LLC, providers of Nike Sports Camps, the largest network of youth sports camps in the U.S. Currently consulting for companies (for-profit and non-profit), in the broader youth sports ecosystem. Former Division I college athlete with undergraduate degree in Communications from UC Santa Barbara and graduate degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco.
And last but certainly not least...
John is the Executive Director at National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). He is a Florida Atlantic University graduate, a former multi-sport athlete, and an avid golfer. Like his father, Fred Engh, John is continuing to expand NAYS which is "educating, equipping, and empowering youth sports leaders, volunteers, and parents so all children can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sports". NAYS has reached countless members of the sports community, having thus far partnered with more than 3,000 community-based organizations and having trained over 4 million coaches, parents, officials, and administrators. Founded in 1981, NAYS has an incredible following and is advancing towards a vision of "a future where all youth sports coaches, parents, officials and administrators are educated, and all children have access to safe and positive sports experiences".
Topics for Discussion
Our panel webinar will cover a wide range of topics related to youth sports program management. Some of the key areas that will be discussed include:
Challenge 1: Volunteers - finding, keeping, managing
Sustaining long-term growth and success in youth sports programs relies heavily on the ability to attract and retain qualified, dedicated coaches who often serve on a voluntary basis and can only commit part-time. We will explore effective strategies for sourcing, evaluating, and nurturing coaches to ensure their continued involvement season after season.
Challenge 2: Safety first for adults and kids
As the team expands, with more children, parents, and coaches involved, it brings increased risks for both the athletes and the team as a whole. This growth also puts a spotlight on how you manage the safety and well-being of everyone involved. It is crucial to develop a meticulous strategy that keeps everyone aligned and accountable for the safety of all individuals.
Challenge 3: The Unwritten Rules of Management
Managing a youth sports program comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the biggest obstacles is navigating the unwritten rules of management. The things no one warns you about that our speakers can share from experience. These kinds of surprising lessons and hidden "gotchas" can often make or break the success of a program.
Challenge 4: Admin Overhead Creep
Managing a growing recreational organization involves a significant amount of behind-the-scenes administrative work that often goes unnoticed. With a constant influx of players, coaches, volunteers, and parents, it becomes increasingly challenging to stay organized and on top of all the details each season. Establishing a robust framework is essential to ensure that no task is overlooked and every aspect is meticulously managed. By implementing this structure, you can confidently navigate the complexities of youth sports program management and ensure its continued success.
Challenge 5: Tots, Tempers, and Tantrums
Each player brings their own passion and personality which creates both drive and a certain amount of chaos. We’ll discuss how to nurture collaboration between everyone involved from the pee-wees right up to the seasoned coaches and directors. Learn how to nurture and develop the passion and performance with the growth of the team.
These are just a few of the topics that will be covered during the webinar. Join us to gain valuable insights into these areas and more, and expand your knowledge on effective youth sports program management.
Register and Bring Questions
Make sure to secure your spot for our upcoming panel webinar on youth sports program management. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain valuable insights that can enhance your program's growth and success.
We'll be holding a live Q&A session as well, so don't miss your chance to ask our experts whatever burning questions you may have about growing your youth sport program.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain knowledge from industry experts who have a proven track record of success in youth sports program management.
