Travel Sports Newsletter

Collegiate Athletic Scholarships

Receiving an athletic scholarship to compete at the college level is the ultimate goal for many student-athletes. However, there are plenty of misconceptions about how scholarship offers work—and how much aid student-athletes actually receive.

Every year, millions of parents pay to place their children in youth sports programs in hopes the child eventually will develop the skills needed to earn a coveted athletic scholarship that pays for college. College isn’t cheap, so understanding the details of this part of the process is important if you’re looking to lessen your college costs.

The NCAA has some sobering news for those parents: just over 1% of high school athletes (1.3%, according to statistics from the NCAA) receive full or partial athletic scholarships. And just as important, those scholarships are not guaranteed for four years. 

However, if your child is among the elite in their chosen sport, there is an incredible of amount of financial aid available. Division I and Division II schools provided more than $3 billion in athletic scholarships in 2017 to just over 175,000 athletes. That averages out to $17,142 per athlete, but there are a couple of catches to that equation, the most obvious one being that not every athlete is going to get $17,142. 

While most scholarship money comes from the college itself, there are some ways for student-athletes to receive funding from private sources. Many athletic departments have endowment scholarships set up by former athletes or alumni who support a specific sport or cause.

While scholarships are the traditional way for student athletes to off-set the cost of college, the emergence of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) at the collegiate level, allows athletes to receive financial compensation for the use of an athlete’s name, image, and likeness through marketing and promotional endeavors. This can include autograph signings, product endorsements, social media posts, and more.

What do athletic scholarships cover? 
Athletic scholarships cover a portion of the costs for tuition and fees, course-related books, room, board and, sometimes, living expenses. The amount covered is dependent on whether the offer is a full or partial scholarship. 

Who gives out athletic scholarships?
Athletic scholarships are offered at the NCAA D1 and D2 levels, as well as at the NAIA and NJCAA levels—combined, that’s thousands of schools.

Do D2 schools give athletic scholarships?
Yes, D2 schools give athletic scholarships. Most scholarships at the D2 level are partial scholarships. Full scholarships at D2 school are rare, but still possible.

Are full ride scholarships for all 4 years?
No, full ride athletic scholarships are typically one-year agreements between the college and the athlete, although some are multi-year.

Preparing for an Out-of-Town Sports Tournament

Preparing for an out-of-town youth sports tournament requires careful planning and organization to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both the athletes and their parents or guardians. Here's a checklist of things to look for and consider when preparing for such an event:

Tournament Details - Let's leave this up to the coach & manager! :) 

• Verify the tournament dates, locations, and schedules.
• Check if there are any registration or entry fees, and make the necessary payments.
• Review tournament rules and regulations to ensure compliance.

Accommodations - Assumes you have flexibility/options!

• Book lodging well in advance to secure convenient and comfortable accommodations
• Consider proximity to the tournament venue, as well as amenities like restaurants and grocery stores ... and a bar?? 
• Check for group rates or discounts, especially if you're traveling with a team.

Transportation - Planes, trains & automobiles!

• Plan how you'll get to the tournament venue, whether by car, bus, or air travel.
• Ensure that you have all necessary travel documents (e.g., ID, passports) if traveling internationally.
• Arrange transportation to and from games and the hotel, if necessary.

• Create a checklist of all necessary sports gear and equipment.
• Ensure that all equipment is in good condition and meets tournament requirements.
• Don't forget personal items like clothing, toiletries, and medications.

Food and Nutrition - Try and avoid fast food!

• Research dining options in the area, including restaurants and grocery stores.
• Plan balanced meals and snacks to fuel athletes throughout the tournament.
• Consider dietary restrictions and preferences of the team members.

Other Things to Consider: 

• Team Communication
• Medical and Safety 
• Team Itinerary
• Weather Considerations
• Team Entertainment and Recreation Plans
• Team Spirit
• Budgeting
• Parent/Guardian Roles

In the dynamic world of business, partnerships have risen as a potent force, powering the way forward for companies of all sizes. No longer is a business seen as a solitary entity waging its battles alone, but rather a critical node in an interlocking network of organisations, where each partner leverages unique strengths to bolster the entire network. This article explores the strategic advantages of partnerships and offers guidance on how to identify and collaborate with synergistic businesses to achieve shared success.

The Value of Partnerships

A partnership is akin to an extended force multiplier in the business arena. It allows for synergy, a phenomenon where the combined output of the partnership exceeds the sum of what each business could achieve individually. There are several compelling reasons why partnerships have become a cornerstone in today's business strategy.

1. Sharing Resources: Partnerships can help businesses pool resources, including finances, technology, human resources, and even customer bases, providing a stronger foundation from which to operate and grow.
2. Risk Mitigation: The adage "don't put all your eggs in one basket" rings true in business as well. By partnering with other firms, businesses can diversify their operations and spread risks, enabling them to navigate turbulent market conditions more effectively.
3. Market Access: A strategic partnership can open up new markets that would otherwise be challenging to enter. This could be due to regulatory restrictions, high entry costs, or lack of local knowledge. By collaborating with a partner who has an established presence, these barriers can be circumvented.
4. Innovation: Often, when businesses with differing skills and experiences collaborate, the cross-pollination of ideas can lead to innovative solutions that neither could have achieved on their own.

Building successful partnerships doesn't happen overnight. It requires due diligence, clear communication, and a commitment to mutual success. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Identify Potential Partners: Look for businesses that complement your own. They might offer products or services that align with your own or have a customer base that could benefit from your offerings. Don't limit yourself to your industry; sometimes, the most innovative partnerships come from completely unrelated fields.
    

5 Ways to Get Ready for Fall Sports

The new school year is just around the corner; kids are preparing for another year of learning, friendships, and experiences, and mothers are rejoicing everywhere! Whether it’s vocabulary tests, after school clubs, or sports, your kids are going to be kept pretty busy, and you want them to have the best and safest year possible.

The benefits of getting children physically active at a young age are numerous. According to The Aspen Institute, physically active children are 15% more likely to attend college, score up to 40% higher on tests, and are 1/10th as likely to be obese.

Whether this is their first year or their last participating in sports, every child wants to perform the best they can. Every parent wants their child to have a good time while also staying safe so they can keep playing the sports they love now and lead healthier and more successful lives later. 

Here are some tips on things to help you keep your athlete safe and have a successful season.

Protective Gear - (mouth-guards, pads, shin guards, face masks, knee braces, etc.)
Getting the right gear is key to minimizing potential for injury, and also minimizing recovery time. The right equipment can help decrease the severity of injury as well. Be sure to review all the things you need to help keep your all-star safe to enjoy the game, and to stay in the game. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true when it comes to finding and using the right protective gear.

Equipment - gloves, bats, balls, uniform, shoes
Every athlete knows that having equipment to practice with is important to becoming the MVP. Equipment is also what helps them to connect with their team and play the sports they know and love.

Physical
Every child needs to receive a clean bill of health before participating in sports. By getting a sports physical, concerns such as activity-induced asthma, scoliosis, joint pain, heart problems, vision and hearing impairments, etc., can all be caught prior to the sports season, and preventative or aiding measures can be taken to ensure your child is still able to participate.
                   
Concussion Baseline Test
What is a baseline test? Baseline testing is a highly specific questionnaire that is taken prior to getting injured. With this information, individuals can have data to compare to if they get injured later on. Regardless of what sport they are playing, head injuries are always a risk for any type of sport including basketball, football, wrestling, volleyball, lacrosse, soccer and more.

This test measures a few things including processing speed, current symptoms, pain levels, balance, and physical abilities.The starting of a new sport season is the perfect time to get tested.

Why is it important?

Read the rest of the article here

Building a brand in youth sports involves creating a strong identity and reputation that resonates with your target audience, whether it's players, parents, coaches, or the community. Here are some steps to help you build a brand in youth sports:

1. Define Your Brand Identity:Determine what sets your youth sports program apart from others. Identify your core values, mission, and vision. Consider the type of experience you want to provide for participants, the values you want to instill, and the goals you want to achieve. This forms the foundation of your brand identity.

2. Develop a Unique Logo and Visual Identity: Create a visually appealing and distinctive logo that represents your youth sports program. Choose colors, fonts, and graphics that reflect your brand's personality and resonate with your target audience. Consistency in your visual identity across various platforms helps in brand recognition.

3. Build a Strong Online Presence: Establish a professional website and create social media accounts for your youth sports program. Regularly update these platforms with engaging content, such as team updates, player spotlights, achievements, and upcoming events. Use these channels to communicate your brand's message and connect with your audience. Leverage our Travelsports platform to help you increase your audience reach!

4. Engage with the Community: Actively engage with the local community to build relationships and promote your brand. Participate in community events, sponsor local initiatives, and collaborate with schools, clubs, or organizations. Supporting community causes and being visible in the community enhances your brand's reputation and fosters trust. 

5. Offer Exceptional Coaching and Programming: Provide high-quality coaching and programming that aligns with your brand values and goals. Focus on creating a positive and inclusive environment that prioritizes player development, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Positive experiences will generate word-of-mouth referrals and enhance your brand's reputation.

6. Provide Outstanding Customer Service: Prioritize excellent customer service in all interactions with players, parents, and coaches. Promptly respond to inquiries, address concerns, and maintain open lines of communication. Going above and beyond to provide exceptional service builds trust and loyalty among your audience.

7. Leverage Partnerships and Sponsorships: Collaborate with local businesses, sponsors, or sports-related organizations to enhance your brand's visibility. Seek partnerships that align with your values and can provide support, resources, or sponsorship opportunities. Co-branding and strategic collaborations can expand your reach and credibility.

8. Create a Positive Team Culture: Foster a positive team culture that promotes sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork. Encourage values-driven behavior and celebrate achievements both on and off the field. A strong team culture creates a sense of belonging and attracts participants who resonate with your brand's values.

9. Showcase Success Stories: Highlight success stories of your players and teams to showcase the impact and positive outcomes of your youth sports program. Share testimonials, achievements, and personal stories through your website, social media, or local media outlets. Positive stories inspire others and reinforce your brand's credibility.

10. Seek Feedback and Continuously Improve: Regularly seek feedback from participants, parents, and coaches to understand their experiences and identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine your programs, address concerns, and enhance the overall brand experience. Continuously evolving and adapting will help your brand stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of your target audience.

Building a brand in youth sports takes time, consistency, and dedication. By focusing on creating a positive experience, delivering quality programming, and engaging with the community, you can establish a strong brand presence that resonates with your audience and sets your youth sports program apart.