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 May. 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 2024 cohort class (“ASSOCIATES”) size will be limited (between 10 – 12 individuals) and 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 II Excelerator Sponsors include Adidas, Brooks Sports, BSN, Clarks, Franklin Sports, National Football League, National Hockey League, New Balance, Rawlings & Riddell Sports.
Application Process
- The 2024 program cohort will be resourced through EXCELERATOR sponsors and SFIA membership
- There are two pathways to apply for the 2024 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 April 5, 2024
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 April 5, 2024
- SFIA may offer up to two (2) ASSOCIATE “scholarships” to qualified candidates at organizations who are not a sponsor of the EXCLERATOR program.
The 2024 application process will be open between March 18 – April 5, 2024.
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 an outside facilitator
Excelerator Selection Process
Announcement
- SFIA will announce the application process for the 2024 EXCELERATOR Program the week of March 18, 2024, through its digital channels – website, newsletter, email blast, etc.,
Application Deadline
- EXCELERATOR sponsors are to submit one (1) ASSOCIATE application form by April 5
- Qualified applicants from SFIA membership, whose organizations are not sponsors of the EXCELERATOR program must submit the application form by April 5
- SFIA to follow up with ASSOCIATE candidates the week of April 15
Review of Applications
- The People & Culture committee, SFIA COO Glenn Horine, and an outside facilitator will review all applications and the opportunity to award potential ASSOCIATE scholarships
- Candidates will be notified by Glenn Horine and/or the program facilitator the week of April 15
- ASSOCIATES selected will be required to attend two events that “bookend” the EXCELERATOR experience on May 28 – 30 in NYC and TBD location and dates in November 2024
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
- Presenting an inclusive cohort with representation from all communities, including a preference for those identified with underrepresented communities
Programming
ASSOCIATE programming will include:
- Professional Development Workshops
- SFIA Industry Events
- Lunch ‘N Learn Series with Industry Executives
- Career Counseling Sessions
- Mentorship Program
- Monthly Check-in with SFIA Leadership and the Program Facilitator
- The People & Culture Committee will review the schedule of events and all related programming
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 at the Super Regionals
- 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 in New York City and TBD market
- Professional workshop facilitation and hospitality
- Career Counseling
- Facilitation of mentoring program and Lunch ‘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.
2024 SFIA EXCELERATOR Associate PROGRAM APPLICATION (Due April 5th)
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].
2024 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?
EXCELERATOR sponsors can place a qualified employee into the EXCELERATOR program with a completed application form that includes appropriate recommendations and background information. Qualified applicants from an EXCELERATOR-sponsored organization should review the application process internally with a representative from their Human Resources/People & Culture department knowledgeable about the EXCELERATOR program and application process.
A qualified candidate from an SFIA member (non-sponsor) interested in a potential “scholarship” opening will need to submit the required application form, appropriate recommendations, and background information. SFIA’s 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 2024 EXCELERATOR program is a six-month program schedule that will begin in late April with initial discovery meetings for each Associate in the group. The program will launch on May 28 with a welcome dinner and run through mid-November. It will include i) professional development sessions with senior industry leaders, ii) cohort virtual networking events, iii) career counseling, and iv) a mentorship program pairing Associates with SFIA executives in non-competitive industry sectors.
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 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.