Celebrating Excellence in Youth Sports: The Inaugural Youth Sports Awards

Key Takeaways

• The Inaugural Youth Sports Awards recognize achievements across 10 categories, including tech, coaching, facilities, and innovation.
• GoFundMe is partnering as the presenting sponsor, pledging donations of $250 and $500 to winning nominees’ chosen causes.
• Nominees include industry heavyweights like GameChanger, IMG Academy, and Rush Soccer.
• Finalists for each category will be announced on February 15, 2026, with winners revealed on April 1, 2026.
• Winners will be featured in the Youth Sports Business Report, amplifying their stories.

A First-of-Its-Kind Recognition Platform

Youth Sports Business Report (YSBR), in collaboration with GoFundMe, initiated the Inaugural Youth Sports Awards to shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations fueling the youth sports industry’s progress. This groundbreaking platform aims to recognize contributions at all levels, from local coaches to innovative tech companies, and establishes itself as the first dedicated awards program within the youth sports business ecosystem.

The Categories and Nominees

The awards encompass a diverse range of categories, illustrating the multifaceted nature of youth sports.

Best Youth Sports Tech

Nominees in this category include:

• GameChanger
• Fastbreak AI
• PlayerData
• PlayMetrics
• Veo Technologies

These platforms exemplify how technology enhances the experience of young athletes and coaches alike.

Best Youth Sports Podcast

Podcasts that made the list are:

• Athletic Intelligence
• Be Valiant Hosted by Valiant Sports Society
• Healthy Sports Parents Podcast
• Pure Athlete Inc.
• Youth Inc.

These podcasts convey essential insights and tips for parents and young athletes navigating the dynamic world of youth sports.

Best Youth Sports Facility

In recognition of outstanding facilities, the nominees include:

• AIM Sports Group
• IMG Academy
• LakePoint Sports
• Cooperstown All Star Village

These facilities serve as foundational environments, providing young athletes with the resources to excel.

Best Youth Sports Operator

Key players in this category include:

• Inclyousion Sports
• Prep Network
• TOCA Football

These operators are crucial in organizing competitive sports experiences and fostering community engagement.

Best Youth Sports Innovation

Innovators nominated in this category include:

• AIM+ AIM Sports Group
• Hudl & T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights

Their contributions are paving the way for enhanced training tools and engagement.

Best CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Nominees here are:

• Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Visit Omaha

These organizations play a pivotal role in promoting youth sports events and tourism.

Rising Star Award

Recognizing new talent, nominees include:

• Cara Bognar and Kate Wellner

These emerging figures are making significant strides in the youth sports community.

Youth Sports Person of the Year

Honorees such as:

• Greg Olsen and Justin Miller

They exemplify commitment to youth empowerment within the sports arena.

Youth Sports Coach of the Year

Exemplary coaches nominated include:

• Jonathan Stewart
• Will Sutton

Their mentorship is essential to developing young athletes’ skills and sportsmanship.

Youth Sports Parent of the Year

Key nominees are:

• John Devlin and Liz Beyo

These parents exemplify support and involvement in their children’s sporting journeys.

Recognizing What Moves Youth Sports Forward

The Youth Sports Awards celebrate the myriad players contributing to the vibrant youth sports ecosystem—from the passionate parent in the stands to the innovative tech startup reshaping training. Not only do these awards recognize achievement, but they also integrate a charitable component through GoFundMe, linking industry advancements directly with community impact.

Join the Movement

The Youth Sports Business Report stands as the leading authority in the youth sports industry, dedicated to improving experiences for young athletes, coaches, and families. The aim is straightforward: Make Youth Sports Better. By recognizing the essential contributions across the landscape, the initiative seeks to elevate the standards and opportunities available within the youth sports arena.

About Youth Sports Business Report

For over 50,000 followers, Youth Sports Business Report serves as the premier source for insights and news in the thriving $54 billion youth sports market. This resource is indispensable for industry executives, investors, and parents, offering a wealth of information on sports sponsorship, tournament management, coaching, sports technology, and more.

Join the community that values actionable sports business insights to navigate the evolving youth sports landscape, and connect with industry expertise to drive success. Stay engaged and informed through newsletters, LinkedIn updates, and more, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of youth sports trends.