SFIA and its members are committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. While there has been progress in advancing traditionally underrepresented talent among the leadership ranks of our industry, there is more to be done. SFIA is committed to promoting professional development in our industry. To that end, we’re focusing on high-performing, early-career professionals and the next generation of leaders.
SFIA’s EXCELERATOR Program started in 2023 and represents SFIA’s (and the industry’s) commitment to accelerating the careers of exceptional early-career professionals from diverse communities in the sports industry and empowering them to become the next generation of leaders.
It is a six-month cohort program officially launching this April. It will feature a robust, impactful curriculum drawing on the knowledge and expertise of the industry’s best leaders. Those who participate in the experience can expect to build and expand their network within and outside the sports and fitness industry, grow their professional toolkit, and gain visibility into the opportunities available
across the industry.
The 2025 cohort class will be limited to 10–12 individuals. It is an intentionally selected group from Excelerator sponsors and SFIA membership. SFIA’s People & Culture Committee will continuously review and monitor the program and report to SFIA staff, Board, and members) on developments throughout the year.
Year III Excelerator Sponsors include Adidas, Brooks Sports, BSN, Franklin Sports, National Football League, National Hockey League, New Balance, Puma, Rawlings & Riddell Sports.
Application Process
The 2025 program cohort will be resourced through EXCELERATOR sponsors and SFIA membership. There are two pathways to apply for the 2025 EXCELERATOR program cohort:
1. If you are an employee (with eight years or less of work experience) of an EXCELERATOR sponsor (listed above):
- A designated senior-level executive (vice president-level or above) will lead an organization-specific internal application process
- Interested applicants should contact their HR department to learn more about their process
- All EXCELERATOR sponsors have the option to select one (1) candidate in the program
- All internal processes with a completed application form must be submitted online(below) or to Glenn Horine ([email protected]) by February 14, 2025
2. If you are an employee (with eight years or less of work experience) at an SFIA member organization that is NOT an EXCELERATOR Sponsor
- Please complete and submit the application form online(below) or to Glenn Horine by ([email protected]) by February 14, 2025
- SFIA may offer up to two (2) ASSOCIATE “scholarships” to qualified candidates at organizations who are not a sponsor of the EXCLERATOR program.
The 2025 application process will be open between January 20 – February 14, 2025.
Associate Eligibility
- Any employee with fewer than eight (8) total years of cumulative work experience and currently working at an SFIA member organization whom a senior-level executive from their organization has recommended
- Demonstrated personal and team leadership skills and a sustained level of high employee performance at SFIA member organization
- Indicated interest in professional development for purposes of career growth
- Expressed passion for building a long-term career within the sports & fitness industry
Governance
- The SFIA EXCELERATOR Program will be administered and coordinated by SFIA with oversight from the People & Culture Committee, SFIA COO Glenn Horine, and Julie Hammer, Facilitator
Excelerator Selection Process
Timeline
- Application announcement: Week of January 20, 2025
- Application deadline: February 14, 2025
- Follow-up with candidates: Week of February 27
- Notification of selection: Weeks of March 3 and 10
- Confirmed program details: Weeks of March 17 and 24
Selection Criteria
SFIA ASSOCIATES will be selected based on the following:
- Employment experience at the current member organization
- Strength of the nominator’s recommendation
- The interest level in developing a leadership role within the sports and fitness industry
- Contribution to cohort diversity
Programming
ASSOCIATE programming will include:
- Professional Development Workshops
- SFIA Industry Events
- Brunch ‘N Learn Series with Industry Executives
- Career Counseling Sessions
- Mentorship Program
- Monthly Check-in with SFIA Leadership and the Program Facilitator
- Meeting EXCELERATOR Alumni
Benefits for SFIA Associates
There are several benefits for SFIA ASSOCIATES participating in the Excelerator program, including but not limited to the following:
- Participation at SFIA’s industry events and the opportunity to meet industry leaders from professional sports leagues, national governing bodies, SFIA members, and guests
- Engaging a wide variety of industry leaders and engaging in thought leadership, networking, professional development, and mentorship (1:1 and small group) opportunities
- Understanding what SFIA does on behalf of the industry and its membership in the areas of Research, Public Policy, Thought Leadership, and Member Engagement
- Networking with alums of the Excelerator program
- Recognition as an emerging leader through participation in SFIA’s Excelerator Program
Associate Reimbursement & Costs Covered
SFIA aims to cover all costs for the Associates related to programming and on-site hospitality
- Opening and closing night socials/dinners
- Professional workshop facilitation and hospitality
- Career Counseling
- Facilitation of mentoring program and Brunch ‘N Learn series
- Registration fees for SFIA Super Regionals and other SFIA events, including webinars
throughout the year
If needed and so requested, SFIA can reimburse Associate travel expenses (e.g., airfare, hotel, etc.) associated with attending the in-person EXCELERATOR professional development sessions in May and November.
2025 SFIA EXCELERATOR Associate PROGRAM APPLICATION (Due February 14th)
Want a paper copy of the form? Click Here. If you complete the paper copy of this form, please send your completed form to Glenn Horine, [email protected].
2025 SFIA Excelerator Associate Member Recommendation
Want a paper copy of the form? Click Here. If you complete the paper copy of this form, please send your completed form to Glenn Horine, [email protected].
Want a paper copy of the form? Click Here. If you complete the paper copy of this form, please send your completed form to Glenn Horine, [email protected].
FAQs
What is an SFIA ASSOCIATE?
An SFIA Associate is an early-career employee of a Sports & Fitness Industry Association member organization seeking access to and opportunities for professional development within the sports industry.
Who’s eligible to be an SFIA ASSOCIATE?
An early-career employee (less than eight years of aggregate career employment) recommended by a senior-level executive (vice president level or above) from an SFIA member organization who completes the EXCELERATOR application by the stated deadline.
How are SFIA ASSOCIATES selected?
For Excelerator sponsors: A qualified employee can be placed into the program with a completed application form, including appropriate recommendations and background information. Candidates should review the application process internally with their Human Resources/People & Culture department.
For non-sponsored SFIA members: Qualified candidates interested in a potential “scholarship” opening must submit the required application form, recommendations, and background information. The People & Culture Committee will meet to review eligible candidates and make a timely decision on possible Associate scholarship opportunities. The committee will convene immediately after the submissions are due to make selections.
What is the desired outcome of the SFIA EXCELERATOR program?
The EXCELERATOR program will unite the sports and fitness industry and present a much-needed “all are welcome” message from SFIA members. It will make a meaningful difference in the professional development of early-career employees through access to SFIA member events, thought leadership from SFIA member executives, and coordinated SFIA networking and mentorship activities.
What is the duration of the SFIA EXCELERATOR program?
The 2025 Excelerator program runs for five to six months, beginning in the spring and concluding mid-Fall. It includes:
- Initial discovery meetings
- Welcoming and closing dinners
- Professional development sessions
- Virtual networking events
- Career counseling
- Mentorship program
How large is the SFIA ASSOCIATE class?
SFIA will intentionally keep the Associate cohort small, with an anticipated group of 10-12 individuals. The annual cohort size may increase in the coming years based on support from SFIA membership.
Who is administering the program?
The management of the SFIA EXCELERATOR program will be overseen by SFIA’s Chief Operating Officer and the People & Culture committee.
How can SFIA members support the SFIA EXCELERATOR program?
Membership can support the SFIA EXCELERATOR program in a variety of areas, including i) Candidate nomination, ii) Sponsorship, iii) Mentoring, iv) Networking, and v) Professional Development Curriculum.