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News

Trending in Travelsports Series: Weekend Hockey Tournaments

‘Working for the Weekend’
South Ontario-based Hockey Tournament Operator Taps into
Growing Demand for Sports Tourism Experiences

Weekend Hockey Tournaments, based in Oakville, Ontario, may be located in the heart of the largest hockey market in the world, but the full-time tournament organizer has experienced explosive growth over the last several years by expanding into in some key major U.S. metropolitan areas.

Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, and Nashville are highly popular tourist meccas, but these cities also have something else in common: they are also home to NHL hockey franchises.

For Weekend Hockey Director James Zitmanis and his team, the potential cross-promotional opportunities were too good to pass up.

Local Sports Boost
“Sports have always been a way to bring people together and we’ve seen a pent-up demand for travel tournaments in the aftermath of the pandemic,” he explained. “Between that and the success of local NHL teams like the Nashville Predators, Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, we saw opportunities to add value to our tournament packages by offering game tickets and other options, including skating sessions on a team’s home ice.”

The results have exceeded expectations. Weekend Hockey has been adding roughly 10 – 15 new tournaments each year, as a growing number of teams in the U.S. and Canada crave out-of-town tournament experiences.

And, with North American sports tourism in general gaining in popularity, the decision to begin organizing tournaments in regions outside more “traditional” hockey markets was an easy one.

“Let’s be honest: I’d rather spend my winters in Florida than Ontario and I’m not the only person who says that,” Zitmanis said with a laugh. “Travel teams of all ages on both sides of the border want to join tournaments that offer spirited competition with teams from other areas. The opportunity to enjoy nicer weather and a professional sporting event while in-town only adds to the allure.”

Another popular market for Weekend Hockey Tournaments has been Utica, NY, home of the AHL Utica Comets (New Jersey Devils affiliate).

Always Improving
High-level demand for Weekend Hockey events means that each of the 75 yearly tournaments it hosts is booked to full capacity, but it’s the company’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences that keeps travel teams coming back year after year.

“This is our passion, and it has been since our founding in 2006, but we are always looking for ways to be better,” Zitmanis said, citing the hiring of professional photographers to capture important moments and social media influencers to generate online buzz as a few examples.

Bottom line: Weekend Hockey prides itself on delivering fun, competitive tournaments.

“I believe the competitive nature of our tournaments sets us apart,” Zitmanis added. “Teams tend to keep signing up with us, so we must be doing something right.”

Search for Tournaments
Visit Weekend Hockey’s page to view upcoming events.

 

About Travelsports
Travelsports is the leading aggregator of information for the youth and adult sports industry. We strive to connect, inform, and inspire the sports community by providing a one-stop destination for tournaments, clubs, facilities, insights, and resources.  Our goal is to support the success and well-being of individual athletes and the vibrant sports ecosystem.

Our ‘Trending in Travelsports’ series offers a chance to highlight some of our sports partners and share their insights on emerging trends in the $42-billion North American travel sports market. These trends are creating new opportunities for businesses as well as tournament participants of all ages.  Read on to learn more and, if there’s a topic you’d like us to consider covering in future posts, send us a quick note at info@travelsports.com.

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Hockey Tournaments

What is … The Quebec Peewee Tournament?

Every year hundreds of kids that love the game of hockey get to experience an NHL atmosphere in a tournament that has been around for over 60 years. 

The tournament founded in 1960 by Gerald Bolduc.

In 1959, Bolduc decided to build a team from Quebec City to compete in the hockey tournament in Goderich, Ont. After seeing how much fun his team had, Bolduc thought it would be a great idea to bring a tournament to Quebec and the tournament in Quebec City was started. 

“The tournament would start here, and they would play on a outside rink,”  said Patrick Dom, general manger for the Quebec Peewee Hockey Tournament.. “The first year there were only 24 teams, there was one team from Boston a few teams from Ontario and all the remaining teams were from Quebec.” 

Dom said that the first event was so popular and crowded that tournament decided to move the finals indoors where the WHA’s Quebec Nordiques once played. 

“They moved the outside rink inside because it crowded,” Dom said. “The love passion and relation between the tournament and the province of Quebec and was good and the people loved it.” 

The tournament kept growing in terms of days, teams, and attendance. There are now 120 teams made up of 11 and 12 year olds that compete in the tournament every year in front of 200,000 fans over 12 days.

“What we want to do is bring the NHL to this level,” Dom said. “We want the kids to remember this forever.” 

Famous hockey players have played in this tournament like Brad Park, Guy Lafleur, the Gretzky and Howe brothers, Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, and Steven Stamkos. 

Dom played in the tournament in 1979 and he says he still remembers the little things.

“I still remember every shift,” Dom said.

The post What is … The Quebec Peewee Tournament? appeared first on Elite Level Hockey.

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Hockey

PWHL opens door for future female pros

When my female hockey player takes the ice, I see the joy on her face. She’s happy to be there.

Happy to be with her friends, to enjoy her favorite sport.

But at 14, up until recently, there weren’t many opportunities to go on playing once she ages out of minor hockey. Now with the initiation of the PWHL, there is a glimpse of light.

The inaugural PWHL draft took place in September 2023. The soft glow of hope started to grow. The first game on January 1, 2024, between teams Toronto and New York set a record and not just as the first game played in the PWHL. The game played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, sold out with a record-breaking attendance of 19,285 people.

This game marked a turning point for women’s hockey. To my daughter and her peers, league represents so many things.

The league holds a groundbreaking position to grow talent and elevate the overall appeal of women’s hockey. Young girls growing up with dreams of playing professional hockey can now chase them. They get to watch people who look like them be recognized on a national level. The glass ceiling that held that dream down has been broken.

In a survey conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from January 4 to 9, 2024 by Abacus data, 35% of Canadians see the PWHL inspiring a new generation of female athletes, while 30% recognize its role in creating opportunities for young players, and 24% believe it can enhance the visibility and popularity of women’s hockey. 

For many Canadians the league allows them to see women playing the sport on a regular basis. Before now, chances to see the women’s game were limited to Olympics or the World Junior competitions.

To now be able to watch them on television or, even better, in person, gives so much more merit to the quality of the women’s game.  

But it’s not just about having more access to see the sport. The PWHL is a solid product. Its inaugural season has seen sellout crowds. The game is fast, exciting and gritty. If anyone ever tells you the girl’s game isn’t rough because it doesn’t have checking, then they need to see these ladies play.

They take to the ice in full make-up and then get in the corners and put pressure against the boards. They score with finesse. They play hard, they play to win, using stick handling skills built on years of practice honing their sport.

The PWHL also provides a chance for our girls to see additional sides of leadership from women that reflect the way women often lead in organizations. Every household leader (aka mom) knows that getting their team to the rink on time requires them picking up the small pieces such as checking bags for equipment and fueling their athlete with snacks.

In organizations, women don’t just lead from in front but rather by lifting others up. They succeed by getting the little things done, even when people aren’t watching. Have you noticed…the players of the PWHL pick up their own pucks after warm-up, something you would never see at an NHL game.

In all aspects of the league, women lead the charge. Most of the support staff ensuring player success are female. Media staff and on ice staff and officials are also predominately female. While there is no mandate or requirement for women to fill these roles, the opportunity for increased visibility is evident, and being fulfilled.  

While it is so positive to see the many smiling girls at these PWHL games watching women excel and broadening their view of the possible, I also have one big fear. As an overall demographic, women tend to watch hockey less than their male counterparts. Young boys grow up watching their hockey heroes.

Young girls who haven’t had the opportunity to watch much of their female hockey heroes until now, need to start watching.

Let’s face it, television viewership, fans and commercial sponsorship are what make the NHL so successful. Without a solid fan base and viewership, one must question if the league will be feasible in the long term. 

For now, though, the PWHL is on solid ice. Hockey fans love it. Next year with the excitement of the draft, team names and logos and the merchandise that follows we can see how the league’s popularity grows…and with it our daughters.

The post PWHL opens door for future female pros appeared first on Elite Level Hockey.

Categories
Hockey

Seaside Hockey Helps Visible Minorities Play the Game

Seaside Hockey is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for youth in the Greater Toronto Area to receive quality instruction, professional coaching, and gain skills in a hockey-based mentorship program.

The vision is to aid visible minority youths in Toronto area communities to play hockey by removing financial barriers. It is also a safe inclusive environment for youths with their families to enjoy hockey while delivering quality instruction.

Seaside got their name from the Africville Sea-sides, who played in The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL). This league was an all-Black men’s league founded in 1895 by Black Baptists and Black intellectuals in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The current founders wanted to use Seaside as a tribute to the Colored Hockey League in Nova Scotia.

The league was intended to attract young Black men to Sunday worship with the intention of a hockey game between rival churches after the services.

It was also former to teach teamwork and sportsmanship in an atmosphere of fun and positive reinforcement.

Kirk Brooks, one of the founders of Seaside Hockey, explains more about the organization

“Seaside Hockey was started three years ago, and the main mission was to make hockey more affordable,” Brooks said. “Also, we wanted to introduce hockey to new Canadians, new individuals, our motto is new to the game and new to the sport.”

Brooks says Seaside Hockey, which has sponsors like the Black Hockey Federation, Scotiabank,  407ETR and the GTHL, stresses the fundamentals to new players, especially skating.

“When a child enters the program, we ask them ‘Do you want to skate,’ ” Brooks said. “Once they learn to skate, we add hockey equipment like a stick, then quickly as possible we have them doing power skating drills, stick handling drills, puck handling drills, but were big believers on development.”

Playing minor hockey can have a fun experience and players often make new friendships along the way. It is also very much a family sport.

“I’m from Canada, I played hockey since I was about 13 years old,” Brooks said. “I played in a league for a bit, my son Nathaniel is a developmental coach for the Arizona Coyotes, my daughter Nyla is a skating instructor, my son Xavier still plays hockey, those are some of the reasons why I played the game because I am a hockey dude through and through.”

A few NHLers have worked with Brooks before such as Wayne Simmonds, Devante Smith-Pelly, Trevor Daley, and the Subban family.

To join Seaside Hockey, you can visit www.seasidehockey.ca and fill out the preregister form.

The post Seaside Hockey Helps Visible Minorities Play the Game appeared first on Elite Level Hockey.

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Hockey

Gillian Apps Created Her Own Path

Have you ever thought about attending a college or university in a different country? About what opportunities those schools might bring to the table? About what path you might go down? 

At the recent PrepSkills event April 20  at Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto, high school student athletes were able to visit with staff from the different American schools that were attending the event. 

PrepSkills is an organization built to help Canadian students with their SSAT and SAT preparation as they seek admission to private and/or independent schools as well as U.S. colleges and universities. 

Former athletes such as Julian Jenkins and Gillian Mary Apps were speakers at the event. 

“Sports can be a great feature to drive your education,” said Jenkins, a former football player at Stanford, and currently the senior director of regional recruiting at NCSA. “Even if it’s not necessarily at your dream school, how bad do you want to be in sports?” 

Apps, the granddaughter of Toronto Maple Leafs legend Syl Apps and daughter of former NHLer Syl Apps Jr., is a three-time Olympic hockey gold medalist for Canada. She grew up in Unionville, Ont., while she had several family members that have played sports at a high level, Apps made her own decision on where she wanted to go to university. 

“When it was time for me to go to university, I wanted to create my own path,” Apps said. “I went to Darthmouth College. For me, I wanted to go to the Ivy League.” 

Apps was inspired by watching her siblings play sports in the United States. 

“I went to Princeton to watch my brother play hockey, and I thought ‘Wow this is amazing,’ ” Apps said. “When it was time for me to go to apply for schools, I thought I could I see myself living here.” 

Apps, also a three-time IIHF world champion gold medalist, retired from international play in September 2015 with fifty goals and fifty assists in 168 international appearances. 

“People ask me what was the best Olympic, but its so hard to say,” Apps said. “I played in Torino in Italy which was my first Olympics. It was my dream came true. The second one was in Vancouver and not a lot of athletes get to represent your country as the host. The last one was in Russia, and I knew it would be my last Olympics.” 

Apps has a message to the young Canadian students going across the border. 

“Regardless of where you go, and where your education takes you, you know that Canada is always home,” said Apps, who stressed the importance of getting a post-secondary education. “For me, after I retired, right away I was so thankful that I had a degree to lean back on.” 

Amateur Hockey Scouting

The post Gillian Apps Created Her Own Path appeared first on Elite Level Hockey.

Categories
Hockey

U.S. College Expo for student athletes

Picking a post-secondary school can be exciting and challenging. There are schools across Canada that have a lot to offer. However, what if Canadian a student athlete wants to go to the United States to further their studies? What is the process? What are the requirements?

Prepskills can help fill in those blanks and it is holding a one-day U.S. College Expo event in Toronto on April 20th that allows parents and students to connect in person with U.S. college representatives.

“We have a number of American universities and colleges coming to Toronto to visit with families to help them understanding the U.S college admissions process,” said Joanna Severino, the Founder and President of Prepskills. “We want to let them know a little bit more about the programs, and the opportunities for Canadian students to study in the United States.”

Through their years of experience, Prepskills has built relationships with numerous educational and affiliate partners in both Canada and the United States. There are many American universities like University of Michigan, University of South Florida, and Western Kentucky that will attend the upcoming event at Roy Thompson Hall. 

Canadian students can explore the different colleges and universities that are offered at the event. 

“We actually try to keep it intimate” Severino said, “Having been a high school teacher myself, some students are going to be overwhelmed with trying to put them in a room with 200 universities.” 

Severino says Prepskills helps build relationships between students and parents, high school councillors, and athletic associations for athletes looking to go to the U.S. on a  scholarship. 

The main goal of the U.S. College Expo to help educate families that may not understand the college application process. 

“The American universities do take a wholistic approach,” Severino said. “What that means is they’ll look at the academic records from grades 9-12, which is unusual for a Canadian student who will apply locally and tend to focus on their grade 11 marks.”

Prepskills hockey scholarships in the U.S.
Prepskills hockey scholarships in the U.S.

Student athletes however have an extra layer of complexity. Prepskills is dedicated to providing student athletes with tools required to satisfy the requirements of the NCAA Eligibility Center which is an organization that helps determine the eligibility of students to participate in college level sports in the United States. 

“As a student athlete, you may be a talented division one hockey player, but that won’t get you in,’’ Severino said. “You have to go through admissions and check off all the boxes when it comes to academics.” 

Severino mentions when it comes to the admission process for student athletes they would have to take account in eligibility for recruitment. 

“For example, the NCAA requiring the 16 core courses for admission, Severino said.” “That’s what the student athletes have to keep in mind.” 

The NCAA regulates all required student athletes to meet a prescribed level of performance while maintain their amateur status before entering a college or university. 

There have also been examples of NHL players using this preparation program like former Toronto Maple Leaf’s and current Edmonton Oilers left winger Zack Hyman. Severino says Hyman prepared very well and she had the pleasure working with his family and he went to the University of Michigan. 

Severino also mentions things to look out for in the upcoming event. 

“I think it’s important to take the time to examine each of the university options,” Severino said. “Were all custom to knowing the name brands and the university that stand out in our minds, but you’re going to find some hidden gems and that’s what we like to do with families because there some great college options like an Ivy League School.” 

Severino also mentions taking the time to listen to the guest speakers. 

Prepskills is a SAT and SSAT provider in Canada for students seeking to go to private or independent schools, colleges or universities south of the border.

There are several types of courses offered by Prepskills that are tailored to meet individual needs of students, maximizing their strengths, and improving areas of learning where they may be less proficient.

To learn more about then upcoming US College Expo or about Prepskills, visit their website at www.prepskills.com

 

 

Amateur Hockey Scouting

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Gear Hockey Newsletter

Best Hockey Sticks for 2024 – TravelSports Staff Picks

Best Hockey Sticks for 2024: TravelSports.com Staff Picks

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, which helps us bring you this content and more.

Hockey is a sport that combines speed, agility, and precision, and the hockey stick is your primary tool on the ice. When selecting a hockey stick, it’s crucial to consider its role in ball or puck control, shooting accuracy, and the power behind every pass or shot. Modern hockey sticks are meticulously designed combining advanced materials and engineering to enhance your on-ice performance.

The construction of hockey sticks has evolved from traditional wood to high-tech materials like carbon fiber, offering a blend of flexibility, durability, and lightness. A well-crafted stick can significantly impact your game, allowing for sharper passes and more powerful shots. The curvature of the blade, the flex of the shaft, and the stick’s length are tailored to suit various playing styles and positions. A forward might opt for a stick that allows for quick wrist shots, while a defenseman might prefer one that can launch powerful slap shots from the point.

Choosing the right hockey stick involves assessing factors such as the flex rating, which indicates the amount of force needed to bend the stick. This should be matched to your weight and strength for optimum performance. The stick’s lie is also important, as it determines the angle the stick shaft forms with the blade on the ice, affecting your puck handling. Weight and balance contribute to the overall feel of the stick in your hands, influencing your control and reaction speed.

Equipped with the right hockey stick, your on-ice performance can be greatly enhanced. Beyond the basic specifications, personal preference and comfort play significant roles in finding the perfect stick. In the next section, we’ll explore some of the top hockey sticks on the market, scrutinizing features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

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Axe Throwing Baseball Basketball Clubs Coaches Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tournaments Volleyball

Downtime At A Tournament? What To Do!

Read the latest from Travelsports
Downtime at a Tournament? What to Do!
Hey Travelsporters!

Good luck to everyone who is playing at Memorial Day tournaments this weekend. Thank you to all who have served as we remember and honor those who have fallen.

– Team Travelsports

What to do with your downtime during a tournament?

During downtime when traveling to a youth sports tournament, it’s important to keep the team engaged and make the most of the experience.

Here are some suggestions for activities during your teams downtime:

Relaxation and Recreation: Downtime is a great opportunity for relaxation and recreation. Consider activities like swimming, playing games, or simply enjoying some leisure time at the hotel. Some hotels may offer recreational facilities like a pool, gym, or outdoor spaces that can be utilized for team activities.

Sightseeing and Exploration: Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the tournament’s host city or nearby attractions. Visit local landmarks, museums, parks, or other points of interest. It can be both educational and fun for the team.

Team Meetings and Strategy Sessions: Utilize the downtime for team meetings to discuss game strategies, review performances, or plan for upcoming matches. This can be an excellent opportunity for coaches and players to communicate, set goals, and make adjustments.

Volunteer or Community Service: Engage the team in a volunteer or community service activity. Look for local organizations or initiatives that may need assistance. It not only provides a valuable learning experience but also promotes a sense of giving back.

Cultural and Educational Activities: Research the local culture and history of the tournament’s location. Plan visits to cultural centers, historical sites, or museums that can provide insights into the local heritage. It can be an educational experience for the team.

Team Dinners or Social Events: Arrange team dinners or social events during downtime. This can be a fun way to celebrate accomplishments, build team spirit, and enjoy local cuisine together. Look for nearby restaurants or consider organizing a potluck or BBQ at a suitable location.

Rest and Recovery: Downtime is also essential for rest and recovery, especially for young athletes. Make sure to prioritize downtime for relaxation, proper sleep, and rejuvenation. Encourage team members to take care of their physical and mental well-being.

Group Activities and Games: Plan group activities or games that promote interaction and fun. This could include card games, board games, team challenges, or outdoor activities like a scavenger hunt. Engaging in recreational activities can boost team morale and create lasting memories.

Watch Other Matches: If there are other games happening during the tournament, consider watching matches of other teams. This can provide an opportunity to observe different playing styles, strategies, and learn from other athletes’ performances.

Remember to balance downtime activities with the tournament schedule and the need for rest. It’s important to create a mix of fun, relaxation, team-building, and preparation to make the most of the overall experience.

2023 Trending Tournaments

Check out the top trending tournaments, by sport, on our site!

Baseball

Travel Ball USA Memorial Day Classic
All American Open
2023 PG West Memorial Day Classic
Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament

Softball

PGF Atlanta Fastpitch Memorial Day Classic
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Div I Softball World Series
Lexi Kretsch Summer Showdown

Hockey

Kings of Spring Nashville
Montreal Meltdown AAA Hockey Tournament
Ponytail Challenge Hockey Showcase

Lacrosse

NCAA DI Women’s Lacrosse Championship
The Ohio Lacrosse FestivalSummer
Genesis Lacrosse Tournament

Sports for a Cause!

Buddy Baseball is a program designed for children ages 7 to 22 with various learning and/or physical disabilities. Buddy volunteers are comprised of teens and young adults. It’s a great program – find a local one near you! Here is an example of a local program in Wilmette, IL.

DID YOU KNOW??

Did you know that Travelsports’ tournament and facility pages have a section on What to Do that are near the location of the tournaments and facilties? If your team has some downtime and is looking for something to do, make sure to check the “What to Do” section on tournament & facility pages.

“What to Do”
Bowling Alleys
Batting Cages
Mini-Golf

And More!

MARKETPLACE
Don’t forget to check out our Marketplace!

We want to highlight an online marketplace that has joined Travelsports. Be sure to click on their name to check out their store on Travelsports.

 

Sports Plus We developed Sports Plus as a way to introduce meaningful hockey ideas to parents outside the big box stores. Our first product, Heads Up Head Safe™ embodies our love of the game and caring for the players’ safety. Our second product, The Drying Twig comes from our kids constantly leaving their wet equipment in a pile on the floor at home and on a tournament. Made in the USA is a big plus with us and a lot of people we speak with and that is why we are bringing this to you.

We are proud supports of The Wounded Warrior Project and The Long Island Warriors Veterans Hockey Club.

ADVERTISING
Interested in advertising on our newsletter? Send us a note to info@travelsports.com

 

Categories
Baseball Hockey Hotels Lacrosse Tournaments Youth Sports

There’s A Hotel For Everyone

Hey Travelsporters! 

With our softball page officially launched, we wanted to send a reminder about upcoming tournaments. If you’re traveling for an upcoming tournament, be sure to check out the softball leagues page to find upcoming end of season tournaments! With tons of tournaments being uploaded everyday, be sure to keep an eye out! Make sure to check out our hotels page to find one near the event you’re traveling to. We understand that stress of having to book a hotel to accomodate your team and their families. If you’re looking for ways to find the perfect hotel, be sure to check out the article below.

Finding the Right Hotel For Your Team 


Traveling with a sports team can be an exciting and challenging experience, especially when it comes to finding the perfect hotel, assuming you and your team have a choice! Choosing the right hotel is crucial for the success and comfort of your team, as it can affect their performance and overall experience. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect hotel for your traveling sports team:

  1. Location: The location of the hotel is essential for a sports team. Look for a hotel that is close to the venue where you’ll be playing or practicing or if you are playing at multiple facilities, try and find one in the middle. It’s also essential to choose a hotel that is close to restaurants, grocery stores, and other amenities.

  2. Room Amenities: The rooms should be spacious enough to accommodate your team, and should also have enough storage space for their gear. Look for a hotel that offers amenities like refrigerators, microaves, and coffee makers in the rooms.

  3. Recreation Facilities: If your team has some downtime between games, look for a hotel that has recreation facilities like a pool or a gym.

2023 Trending Tournaments 

Check out the top trending tournaments, by sport, on our site! 

Baseball

All American Open 
Spring Classic
Hladky Memorial Tournament



Softball 

21st Annual May Celebration 
Wildcat Classic 
Top Gun-USA Diamond Domination – “Get Your Top Gun Game on Super NIT” 



Hockey

Top Tier Pittsburgh 
Windy City Rumble
Western Super Summit



Lacrosse 

Virginia State Cup Team Tournament
Palmetto Lax Classic 
 
Did You Know?
 
Did you know that Travelsports has a facilities tab? Like finding the right hotel, it’s important to know about extracurricular activities for team bonding when traveling for a tournament. If you’re looking for a fun extracurricular activity in your area, be sure to visit to find thousands of listings including 

 
And More! 
 
Resources 
 
 
Concussions in children can be quite scary, and it is a natural consequence of playing sports. Unfortunately, we can’t fully prevent the risk of concussions while playing sports, but we can mitigate the risk. Below is an in-depth guide about concussions occuring in youth sports and information about the risk of concussions in kids. Also included is information about the risk of concussion in specific sports, how we can be safer, and information about the recovery and treatment process. Read more below. 

 
Categories
Hotels Sports Business

Travelsports Business Newsletter – Location Expansion vs. Sports Diversification

In this month’s newsletter, we’ve included some things to think about when deciding on whether to expand your business into new geographic locations or diversify into other sports. We are currently working on a new analytics tool created specifically for businesses and event operators that may help with this decision – stay tuned! You may have noticed that we have added additional categories to our facilities page including Fieldhouses/Gyms, Golf Courses, Dance Studios, Indoor Training Facilities and more. Be sure to check them out. 

 

Event Expansion

Regional Expansion vs Sports Diversification

Whether you are satisfied with the size of your business or looking to grow, staying on top of trends: Demographics, Economics, Participation Rates, etc., will undoubtably influence whether to stay the course, expand regionally or diversify into to other sports. In addition, securing facilities to host your events is another critical component in your decision to expand or not. The good news is that there are sources of information accessible to businesses wrestling* with these decisions.

Demographics

City and region growth rates are driven by a number of factors including immigration, migration, technology mobility, weather, etc. These factors and others contribute to certain states and regions growing faster or slower than others. When looking to expand your existing business, demographic trends can be an important data point to consider but may not be the only factor to consider. The Census Bureau is a good place to start when looking to better understand demographic growth trends.

               


Economics

While there are articles written about the idea that the youth sports industry is “recession” proof, your customers, parents and players, will change their behavior based on economic uncertainty which can impact your growth plans. “During a recession, however, families may opt for a regional travel team instead of a national team to reduce travel expenses”. Forbes. Staying on top of economic signals can help guide you as to whether to look to expand or stay the course.

Participation Rates

The trends for youth sports participation accelerated after covid, with certain sports growing and others shrinking. The Aspen Institute through their “Project Play” does an amazing job at analyzing the factors that influence participation rates in youth sports. Growth rates in sports may mean you should double down in your existing sport or possibly extend into another sport. Be sure to check out participation rates for youth sports at Project Play

               

Facilities

Demographics, economics and participation rates all factor into deciding whether you should expand or not, but they are not the only things to consider. Access to facilities and employees are two additional critical factors that will undoubtably influence your decision. While Travelsports hasn’t yet fully tackled the “employee” issue, we have gone on to create the largest list of facilities on one site. From rinks to fields, gymnastics facilities to fitness centers, Travelsports has over 38,000 facilities listed on our platform that you can use when deciding on adding your next event. 

*“We like to throw in some sport motifs when possible!”

 



Attention Sports Tournament Managers

Are you tired of spending countless hours manually building a schedule? Does it feel nearly impossible to juggle requests and make every team happy?

Throowave is your solution! 

Our automated scheduling tool makes scheduling a breeze by taking into account a variety of factors, such as:
  • Location availability & preferences
  • Rest times between games
  • Preferred match-ups
Say goodbye to the hassle and say hello to a stress-free tournament planning experience! Join the many satisfied tournament managers who have already chosen Throowave as their go-to scheduling solution. 

Don’t wait! Visit throowave.com today to sign up for a demo and discover the benefits of our scheduling tool for yourself. 

Sponsored Ad
 
 
 
 

Travelsports is in the process of building a way for you to highlight events, let teams/managers know that you need an extra team for an upcoming tournament, general announcements, etc. through “Posts”. Similar to the content that you post on your website, emails and social media, “Posts” will allow you to amplify your message to a hyperfocused customer base. Stay tuned! 
 
 
Hotels

Every month we will highlight a hotel that has joined Travelsports. Tournament & Clinic operators, be sure to check out our hotel section on Travelsports to view hotels that are interested in working with you. 




Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University

Enjoy a comfortable stay and multiple amenities in a place that feels like home. Located in the heart of Nashville, the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University offers free 2-mile shuttle and is walking distance from Vanderbilt’s campus and the historic Centennial Park. If you’re traveling for an upcoming tournament, be sure to bring your sports teams here for a winning stay.