SFIA and its members are committed to accessibility, 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. We are focusing on high-performing, early-career professionals (“Associates”) 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 varied communities in the sports industry and empowering them to become the next generation of leaders.
It is a five-month cohort experience starting in the spring. It features a robust and impactful curriculum drawing on the knowledge and expertise of the industry’s best leaders. Participants can expect to 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 2026 cohort class is 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 progress throughout the year.
Past Excelerator Sponsors include: adidas, Bauer | Cascade | Maverik, Brooks, BSN, Franklin Sports, National Football League, National Hockey League, New Balance, Rawlings Sporting Goods, Riddell
Application Process
The 2026 program cohort will be resourced through Excelerator sponsors and SFIA membership. There are two pathways to apply for the 2026 Excelerator program cohort:
1. Employees of Excelerator Sponsors
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
- Contact your HR department to learn more about their process
- All Excelerator sponsors may select one (1) candidate in the program
- Please complete the application form online (see below) or submit Glenn Horine ([email protected]) by February 27, 2026
Employees of Non-Sponsor SFIA Members
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 the application form online (see below) or submit Glenn Horine ([email protected]) by February 27, 2026
- SFIA may offer up to two (2) Associate “scholarships” to qualified candidates
The 2026 application deadline is February 27, 2026.
Associate Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Any employee with fewer than eight (8) total years of cumulative work experience
- Currently employed at an SFIA member organization
- Recommended by a senior-level executive (vice president level or higher)
- Demonstrated personal and team leadership skills
- Sustained level of high employee performance
- Interest in professional development for purposes of career growth
- Passion for building a long-term career within the sports & fitness industry
- Commitment to attend in-person workshops (as well as virtual meetings)
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 February 2, 2026
- Application deadline: February 27, 2026
- Follow-up with candidates: Week of March 9
- Notification of selection: Weeks of March 26
- Confirmed program details: Weeks of April 13 and 20
Selection Criteria
Associates will be selected based on:
- Employment experience at the current member organization
- Strength of the nominator’s recommendation
- Interest level in developing a leadership role
- Contribution to cohort diversity
Programming
The program includes:
- Professional Development Workshops (in-person)
- SFIA Industry Events
- “Brunch ‘N Learn” Series with Industry Executives
- Career Coaching Sessions
- Mentorship Program
- Monthly Professional Development Presentations
- Networking with Excelerator Alumni
Benefits for SFIA Associates
- Professional Development Workshops (in-person)
- SFIA Industry Events
- “Brunch ‘N Learn” Series with Industry Executives
- Career Coaching Sessions
- Mentorship Program
- Monthly Professional Development Presentations
- Networking with Excelerator Alumni
- Access to SFIA’s industry events and networking with industry leaders from professional sports leagues, national governing bodies, and SFIA members
- Engagement with industry leaders through thought leadership, networking, professional development, and mentorship (1:1 and small group) opportunities
- Understanding of SFIA’s industry role in research, public policy, thought leadership, and member engagement
- Networking with Excelerator program alumni and meaningful connecting with cohort peers
- Recognition as an emerging leader
Reimbursement & Costs
SFIA covers:
- “Opening” and “closing” night dinners
- Professional workshop facilitation and hospitality
- Career coaching
- Mentorship program and “Brunch ‘N Learn” series
- Registration fees for SFIA events, including webinars throughout the year
- Travel expenses (if needed) for in-person sessions
2026 SFIA EXCELERATOR Associate PROGRAM APPLICATION (Due February 27th)
Click here for a digital copy of the application. If you complete the digital copy of the application, please send your completed form to Glenn Horine at [email protected].
2026 SFIA Excelerator Associate Member Recommendation
Click here for a digital copy of the application. If you complete the digital copy of the application, please send your completed form to Glenn Horine at [email protected].
Click here for a digital copy of the application. If you complete the digital copy of the application, please send your completed form to Glenn Horine at [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.