Coalition unites youth sports industry to ensure equity, accessibility to sports programs across the country 

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN / April 27, 2022 – NBC Sports Next, the sports technology division of NBC Sports and home to the sports software platform, SportsEngine, announced today it has formed a new partnership with the PLAY Sports Coalition. 

The PLAY Sports Coalition is a movement representing more than 3,600 national and local youth sports leaders focused on ensuring that youth sports survives and thrives, providing support and resources in the areas of funding, advocacy and movement building. The PLAY Sports Coalition seeks to unite sports-based youth development organizations and build alignment in the critical areas that are impacting these organizations the most. Its mission is to ensure youth sports programs thrive as part of a vital movement to help repair a society that needs community, connectivity and joy.

The multi-year partnership names NBC Sports Next as a founding partner of PLAY Sports Coalition. Additionally, Trish Sylvia, Vice President of Advocacy and Engagement for NBC Sports Next, will represent the organization on the PLAY Sports Coalition board of directors. 

“We are thrilled to welcome NBC Sports Next to the PLAY Sports Coalition,” stated Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, acting Executive Director, PLAY Sports Coalition. “Working together, this Coalition demonstrates how our industry can pursue collaboration over competition in the interest of service to young people and bridge divides to help them reach their own potential, in and beyond the sports they play.” 

“We are very honored and excited to form this partnership with PLAY Sports Coalition,” said Brett MacKinnon, SVP & General Manager, youth and recreational sports, NBC Sports Next. “Through our work with our youth sports platform, SportsEngine, we believe strongly in the power that sports has to set a positive course in the lives of youth athletes. We are proud to be able to stand with PLAY Sports Coalition in helping unite our industry and ensure that youth sports continues to thrive.” 

The partnership with PLAY Sports Coalition is part of NBC Sports Next’s commitment to helping create equity, accessibility and affordability to sport through the company’s Better Together initiative. The mission of Better Together is to strengthen communities and company culture through focused programs that attract diverse talent, and promote inclusion and equity through education, resources and community impact.  NBC Sports Next believes strongly in the positive momentum gained through the formation of national partnerships such as PLAY Sports Coalition that enable organizations to bring their collective resources together, engage with and advocate for the communities they serve, promote equity and leverage their platforms for good. 

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About PLAY Sports Coalition

PLAY Sports Coalition is a unique coalition of thousands of stakeholders across the national and community youth sports industry united to be an active advocate of support for youth development programs, young athletes, working families, coaches and volunteers across all 50 states, particularly those in under-resourced areas. It was formed in April 2020 to unite a fragmented industry and continues to be an active advocate of support for youth development programs, young athletes, working families, coaches and volunteers across all 50 states, particularly those in under-resourced areas. The mission of the PLAY Sports Coalition is to ensure the youth and local sports industry thrives by providing families, and especially youth, equitable access to play opportunities for physical and mental health, character and leadership development. We believe it is a vital movement that will serve a key role in repairing a society that needs community, connectivity and joy.

About NBC Sports Next

NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within its three groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting & Gaming. NBC Sports Next, known for its sports technology product innovation, equips more than 30MM players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, a youth sports club, league and team management platform; TeamUnify, swim team management services; GoMotion, sports and fitness business software solutions; TourneyMachine, tournament management solutions for youth sports; GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; GolfPass the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; and NBC Sports Edge, a leading platform for fantasy sports information and betting-focused tools. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences.

As league and club technology partner, SportsEngine to offer digital services and benefits to streamline member communication, administration, and content

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN / March 15, 2022 – NBC Sports Next, the sports technology division of NBC Sports and home to the sports software platform, SportsEngine announced today it has formed a partnership with Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the United States. The LIJSL is dedicated to the development of players, coaches, teams, clubs, and referees throughout the region.

SportsEngine will serve as LIJSL’s Official Technology Partner, offering member clubs with insight to new technology, exclusive pricing on SportsEngine’s premium tools, and web design packages. Additionally, SportsEngine will serve as the presenting sponsor of the annual LIJSL Member Marketing Conference and will support best practices topical sessions along with providing access to NBC Sports Next services such as the ClubBuy group purchasing program and introductions to other business partners.   

“We’re proud to welcome SportsEngine as our Official Club and League Technology Partner,” stated Andrew Seabury, President of the Long Island Junior Soccer League. “This partnership will improve services to our members while providing added benefits for all of our member clubs. Furthermore, innovating and advancing our administrative processes allows us to remain focused on player, coach and club development which are our top priorities.”

“We are excited to enter into a long-term agreement with LIJSL and maintain our commitment to their clubs and programs,” said John Weinerth, Vice President of Sport and Enterprise, Youth and Recreational Sports, NBC Sports Next. “With our best-in-class registration and member management solutions, we are confident that the LIJSL and their member clubs will spend less time on administrative tasks and more time focusing on their players and clubs.”

More than one million teams, leagues and clubs use SportsEngine software to run their tournaments, leagues, online registration, websites, and mobile apps. Through these applications, sports teams, clubs, leagues, and national governing bodies are able to drastically reduce the time they spend on administration and communication, allowing them to focus more time on developing their athletes and furthering the love of sport. 

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About NBC Sports Next

NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within its three groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting & Gaming. NBC Sports Next, known for its sports technology product innovation, equips more than 30MM players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, a youth sports club, league and team management platform; TeamUnify, swim team management services; GoMotion, sports and fitness business software solutions; GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; GolfPass the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; and NBC Sports Edge, (formerly Rotoworld) a leading platform for fantasy sports information and betting-focused tools. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences. 

 

About Long Island Junior Soccer League

Established in 1966, the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), is a 501(C)(3), non-profit, educational organization. Starting with eight clubs, the LIJSL has since grown into one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the U.S. with over 100 member clubs, 5,000+ volunteers, and more than 50,000 registered player-families. It is the mission of the league to foster the growth and development of youth through the sport of soccer to individuals under the age of 19, at all levels of competition. Taking a holistic approach, LIJSL teaches youth players the value of hard work, discipline, responsibility, and teamwork.  After more than 55 years, hundreds of thousands of players have passed through the Long Island Junior Soccer League all the while Building Character Through Soccer.

As league technology partner, SportsEngine to expand reach of the USL digital network inclusive of digital services and benefits to streamline all USL member communication, administration, and content

 MINNEAPOLIS, MINN & TAMPA, Fla. / January 13, 2022 – NBC Sports Next, the sports technology division of NBC Sports and home to the sports software platform, SportsEngine announced today it has renewed its partnership with United Soccer League, (USL) the largest and fastest growing professional soccer league in North America. The new agreement extends upon the long-term partnership between the two entities and names SportsEngine as the preferred web and registration platform of USL. 

The USL, which oversees the USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two, USL Academy, USL Super Y League, and the newly announced the USL Super League and USL W League, possesses over a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States. The organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 150 clubs in its membership.

The new partnership expands the reach of the entire digital network across all USL properties, effectively allowing for engaging digital content within and across all leagues and clubs. The new agreement also extends to the USL Youth Academies and enables additional core products and tools from SportsEngine to help support their grassroots programming. 

This partnership is accompanied with the release of the recently launched Miami FC website presence on the newly designed USL Network through SportsEngine. The Miami Football Club is Miami’s longest-tenured professional soccer club, having played its inaugural season in 2016, and is returning for its third season in the USL Championship this spring.

“We’re proud to continue and expand our partnership with SportsEngine,” stated United Soccer

League Vice President of Technology & Data Strategy, Adam Satz. “It’s imperative that the USL and its clubs deliver a first-class digital experience to our fans. We look forward to strengthening the connection with our fanbase through the enhanced solutions that this partnership will provide.” “We are excited to be able to expand our partnership with USL and build upon the work we have accomplished together so far,” said John Weinerth, Vice President of Sport & Enterprise, NBC Sports Next. “SportsEngine’s comprehensive solutions built to streamline and maximize the  USL content and data collection strategies will enable the USL to focus on their players and clubs, and further their commitment to growing the game of soccer.”

More than a million teams, leagues and clubs use SportsEngine software to run their tournaments, leagues, online registration, websites, and mobile apps. Through these applications, sports teams, clubs, leagues, and national governing bodies are able to reduce the time they spend on administration and communication, allowing them to focus more time on developing their athletes and furthering the love of sport. 

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About NBC Sports Next

NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within its three groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting & Gaming. NBC Sports Next, known for its sports technology product innovation, equips more than 30MM players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, a youth sports club, league and team management platform; TeamUnify, swim team management services; GoMotion, sports and fitness business software solutions; GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; GolfPass the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; and NBC Sports Edge, (formerly Rotoworld) a leading platform for fantasy sports information and betting-focused tools. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences. 

 

About United Soccer League 

The United Soccer League (USL) is comprised of more than 150 member clubs that bring communities together through the world’s game. Including the USL Championship (USSF Division II), USL League One (USSF Division III), USL League Two and W League (Pre-Professional), USL Academy (elite youth) and Super Y League (youth), the organization is built on a proven and recognized model in international football. In September, the USL announced the USL Super League, a new professional women’s league that will apply for Division II sanctioning from USSF and expects to begin play in 2023.

“NBC Sports Next is where sports and technology intersect to allow for the ultimate immersive experience for all of our customers.” – Will McIntosh, Executive Vice President, NBC Sports Next

STAMFORD, Conn. (Aug. 9, 2021) – NBC Sports’ Digital & Consumer Businesses division, part of NBCUniversal Media, LLC, today announced the launch of a newly combined team under the brand NBC Sports Next to unify and streamline its three newly named groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting, Gaming & Emerging Media. 

“NBC Sports has never shied away from being a leader at the crossroads of sports and technology. We’re proud to bring our top products and teams together under one integrated brand that will serve as a permanent home for opportunities across applications and technologies,” said Will McIntosh, executive vice president, NBC Sports Next. “Wherever sports and technology evolve, our partners and customers can trust that NBC Sports Next will be there.”

The fresh NBC Sports Next brand ties directly to its mission to reach passionate sports fans everywhere, make big events bigger and innovate to make playing sports better, reflecting the division’s ability to scale and harness the powerful platforms of NBCUniversal, as well as achieve accessibility and availability through its apps and digital products.

“We are proud to be a leader in providing the most immersive and engaging sports experiences,” said Jody Vogelaar, chief customer officer, NBC Sports Next. “We were driven to create a name that reflects our ability to go wherever sports and technology evolve. With this brand transformation and unique position within the media industry, NBC Sports Next’s portfolio of mobile and digital applications in the sports and entertainment space provides unparalleled experiences for our partners, advertisers, customers, athletes and fans.” 

NBC Sports Next brings together SportsEngine and GolfNow, two leaders in their respective markets, and NBC Sports Enterprises, the high-growth portfolio of gaming, betting and content products, under a united brand to bolster innovation and provide better, more intuitive sports experiences. Through best-in-class features and capabilities, NBC Sports Next’s apps improve how to manage and engage customers’ passions in the areas of youth and recreational sports, golf, and the growing markets of sports betting, gaming and emerging media. Additionally, bringing together the capabilities of these areas provides greater value to partners looking to connect with audiences across the NBC Sports Next portfolio. 

Now unified under one subdivision of NBC Sports, NBC Sports Next will have three groups that define how its teams create partnerships and reach target markets:

• • Youth & Recreational Sports is comprised of technology platforms, such as SportsEngine, GoMotion, TourneyMachine and TeamUnify that enable athletes, parents, coaches and team administrators in the youth and recreational space to manage their organizations, collect payments, share schedules, connect with other families, find programs to participate in, and properly screen and train coaches in an effort to keep kids safe.
  • Golf fuses the team behind products and services like GolfNow, TeeOff and GolfPass, which better connects golfers and golf facilities around the world through innovative technology and services that create optimum golfing experiences. 
  • Betting, Gaming & Emerging Media includes sports betting, prediction and gaming resources for sports and video game connoisseurs. NBC Sports EDGE, (formerly Rotoworld) NBC Sports Predictor and NBC Sports Audio feature sports news, analysis, fantasy sports and premium content to immerse sports fanatics in a whole new way.

 

About NBC Sports Next

NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within its three groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting, Gaming & Emerging Media. NBC Sports Next, known for its sports technology product innovation, equips more than 30MM players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, a youth sports club, league and team management platform; GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; GolfPass the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; TeamUnify, swim team management services; GoMotion,  sports and fitness business software solutions; and NBC Sports Edge, (formerly Rotoworld) a leading platform for fantasy sports information and betting-focused tools. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences. 

-NBC Sports Next-

NBC Sports Track & Field Analyst, Ato Boldon, to Serve as Spokesperson, Advocate for Support of Youth Sports Programs to Congressional Youth Sports Caucus

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN / July 15, 2019 – SportsEngine Inc., an NBC Sports Group company and the leading provider of sport relationship management software, announced its sponsorship of National Youth Sports Day on Tuesday, July 16 on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

National Youth Sports Day is designed to shine a light on the lifelong benefits of youth sports in building the future of our country. SportsEngine, in partnership with National Council of Youth Sports, will advocate and inform lawmakers of the importance of keeping youth sports safe, available to all and a priority in the health and development of today’s youth.

Four-time Olympic medalist and NBC Sports Track and Field Analyst, Ato Boldon, will attend to represent SportsEngine and serve as a spokesperson for this event. In addition to his role as a track and field analyst for NBC Sports, Boldon is a youth track coach, and serves as the sprinting coach for 17-year old Briana Williams, who has the fastest 100m time in the world for 2019 and 2018 for age U18.

National Youth Sports Day will begin with a Congressional Briefing between the Congressional Youth Sports Caucus, and youth sports stakeholders to discuss the importance of keeping funding, supporting physical fitness, and specifically, making youth sports programs a priority. Boldon will address the overall health benefits of youth sports in children’s development and explain how safe and quality sports experiences can open doors to future opportunities.

Following the Congressional Briefing, a Youth Sports Expo will be held at the Capitol featuring activities and information displays hosted by youth-serving organizations. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

“Our top priorities at SportsEngine are to get more kids involved in sports, make sure they are safe and make the lives of coaches and team administrators easier through our technology solutions,” stated Justin Kaufenberg, CEO, SportsEngine, Inc. “Our participation in National Youth Sports Day demonstrates our commitment to be part of the important conversations and decisions being made affecting the state of youth sports today. We are honored to be part of it.”

Schedule of Events: 

Congressional Briefing: 8:30 – 10am | House of Representatives Rayburn Office Building, Room 2020, 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20515

Congressional Youth Sports Expo, 11am – 1pm, Lobby, Rayburn Office Building

“Youth sports can contribute to long term health, build confidence and provide lasting, positive lessons for today’s youth,” stated Ato Boldon. “It’s important to continue to bring awareness to the role that sports can play for our children and to help ensure youth sports are safe, quality experiences and available to all communities across America.”

“Besides the physical benefits youth sports provides, young people reap a host of other perks,” stated Wayne B. Moss, Executive Director, National Council of Youth Sports.  “The research indicates young people involved in sport have improved academic achievement, learn teamwork and problem-solving skills, have better self-esteem and reduced risky behavior. Youth Sports Day is to acknowledge and celebrate the importance and benefits of youth sports.”

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About National Council of Youth Sports

The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) exists to promote the importance of youth sports in America and works to enhance the experience of all participants. The NCYS is nationally recognized as a leading advocate for young people to have full access to sports participation and to ensuring that games are played in safe environments. As the largest organization in America serving the industry, NCYS serves 60 million registered participants in organized youth sports programs. Our members are recognized as the gatekeepers, key decision-makers, influencers and advocates for youth sports participation.

About SportsEngine, Inc. 

Helping the world play smarter and live more, SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, is the leading provider of sport relationship management software serving millions of coaches, parents, athletes, clubs, leagues, governing bodies, and associations. SportsEngine helps sports organizations around the globe reduce the time they spend on administrative tasks, and enables them to focus more on developing their athletes, providing safe experiences, and furthering the love of sport.  Leagues across the country use National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), a SportsEngine, Inc. company, to manage their background checks and safety programs. Learn more at: www.sportsengine.com,  Facebook.com/sportsengine; or twitter.com/@sportsengine.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN / April 2, 2019 – SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, and the leading provider of Sport Relationship Management software announced today that SE Studio, the company’s software platform for class and studio-based sports, has rebranded to GoMotion.

The GoMotion software platform enables users to create and publish class schedules, view and communicate with members, collect fees, and manage online fundraisers via a custom website and integrated mobile app. The software is used primarily by gym or studio owners for classroom or studio-based sports and activities such as dance, all-star cheer, martial arts, gymnastics and ice skating.

Since the launch of SE Studio in March of 2018, the software platform has experienced rapid growth, validating the market demand for an all-in-one solution that specializes in serving studio and classroom-based sports and activities. The rebrand to GoMotion is in response to this demand, to provide clarity around what markets the software platform serves and to position it for expansion in its current and new markets.

“We are excited to announce the rebrand of SE Studio to GoMotion,” stated Tom Fristoe, Vice President, New Markets, SportsEngine, Inc. “The name GoMotion connects the forward movement in sports and technology and better reflects the complete, one-island class management solution we offer and the markets we serve, which include sports and activities that go beyond the studio and into the classroom, ice rink, gymnasium, tennis court, and more. We look forward to building upon its early success as we empower our customers to achieve unprecedented business results.”

“GoMotion is a forward-looking brand that fits perfectly into the SportsEngine, Inc. ecosystem,” stated Brian Bell, President, SportsEngine, Inc. “With GoMotion we’re positioned to expand the markets we serve to include really any sport or activity that can benefit from a best-in-class sport relationship management solution.”

Tina Walden, owner of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin-based Infinite Cheer and Tumbling, expressed praise for the platform’s functionality to help her growing business. “This is going to be a huge game changer for us as a micro gym,” stated Walden. “We are finally completely online. Registration, billing, auto credit card transactions, online waivers, etc. The best part is we have an iPad at the gym as a kiosk that people can do everything on.”

The platform remains owned and operated by SportsEngine, Inc. No action is needed by existing SE Studio customers as they will be transitioned with no interruption to GoMotion’s platform and mobile app.

About SportsEngine

Helping the world play smarter and live more, SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, is the leading provider of Sport Relationship Management technology solutions serving millions of coaches, parents, athletes, clubs, leagues, governing bodies, and associations through its suite of software platforms. The company’s software platform for studio and class-based sports, GoMotion, helps studio owners and instructors manage payments, registrations, class scheduling seamlessly through an all-in-one mobile app and custom website. SportsEngine.com is the largest online directory of youth sports programs, designed to help parents and athletes discover and participate in sports. Learn more at: www.sportsengine.com, Facebook.com/sportsengine, or @sportsengine/">twitter.com/@sportsengine.

Media Contacts:

Jenna Soule
Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications
Phone: 612.799.3542
Email: press@sportsengine.com