SFIA and The Players Impact Team Up to Host 2025 Start-Up Challenge, Applications Now Open for Sports & Fitness Innovators

15 Semi-Finalists will be Selected for the 2025 Virtual Pitch Event; Top 5 Finalists to Compete Live, In-Person This Fall

(May 22, 2025) – The industry’s premier innovation showcase, SFIA’s 2025 Start-Up Challenge, has officially opened the application process for driven entrepreneurs looking to revolutionize the sports and fitness industry. Game-changers in the sports and fitness space are encouraged to apply to compete for the opportunity to pitch their product, technology, or idea to industry executives, venture capitalists, and leaders from private equity.

For the 2025 Challenge, SFIA is excited to partner with The Players Impact (TPI). TPI was founded in 2017 and offers professional athletes with investment resources, networking, and mentorship to help them succeed in business beyond their playing careers. As part of their involvement, TPI will engage their network of professional athletes, who will play a key role in the judging process, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to help identify the most promising innovations. Together, SFIA and TPI aim to foster a dynamic ecosystem where sports, technology, and entrepreneurship intersect to shape the future of the industry.

“The 2025 Start-Up Challenge is a unique opportunity for innovators in sports and fitness to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and technologies,” said Todd Smith, President & CEO, SFIA. “Partnering with The Players Impact allows us to provide a platform where entrepreneurs can connect with industry leaders and professional athletes with the hope of forming strategic partnerships for their businesses. This program not only highlights the incredible talent within our industry but also drives the future of sports and fitness.”

Applications are open until July 31, 2025, for start-ups looking to change the landscape of the industry. For this year’s Challenge, the esteemed panel of expert judges will select up to 15 semi-finalists to pitch virtually in September to compete for the five finalist spots. Each of the semi- finalists will create an investment profile for the judges to review prior to a virtual session. Judges will hear live pitches and ask the semi-finalists questions about their start-up. The judges will evaluate each semi-finalist, with the top five finalists selected to compete live, in-person at the 2025 Start-Up Challenge in November.

Through the Start-Up Challenge, SFIA has showcased 60 start-up companies as finalists, and since participating in the Start-Up Challenge, these finalists have collectively raised over $330 million.

“We are proud to join forces with SFIA for the 2025 Start-Up Challenge to spotlight and support the next generation of innovation,” said Tracy Deforge, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, The Players Impact. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to equip athletes to lead, innovate, and influence the evolution of the sports industry, and we look forward to seeing the transformative solutions that this year’s applicants will bring to the table.”

All semi-finalists chosen for the virtual pitch session will receive one year of complimentary SFIA membership, exposure and connections to 90+ industry judges, a logo-feature in an SFIA research report, and personal introductions to five judges of their choice.

The top five finalists selected to pitch live in November will also receive complimentary, exclusive access to The Players Impact Start Up Membership, promotion on SFIA platforms and in marketing materials, national media coverage, and, will be asked to judge the 2026 Start-Up Challenge.

The Grand Prize winner will receive all the session prizes, plus, a spotlight in one of SFIA’s annual research reports and the opportunity to network and connect with SFIA members at an SFIA event, including free registration, a speaking opportunity, and recognition at the event.

Applications will be accepted through July 31, and are open to any entrepreneur with an idea, product, or service in the sporting goods, team sports, sports tech, and/or fitness categories. The application and additional information can be found here.

SFIA is also accepting applications for 2025 Start-Up Challenge judges. Applications will be reviewed throughout the process and announced periodically. Judges are required to attend the virtual pitch session in September and review each start-up finalist’s investment profile and submit one question for each finalist prior. While not required to attend the in-person event, judges will evaluate the 15 start-up semi-finalists and help decide the top 5 finalists. For more information on judging and to apply, click here.

Media Contact:
Lisa Futterman: [email protected]

ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.

ABOUT THE PLAYERS IMPACT: The Players Impact, renowned for its commitment to democratizing education and access for the next generation of athlete entrepreneurs and investors, has fostered a thriving community across sport, talent, and career. With a seven-year legacy of empowering athletes and facilitating connections within the industry, TPI has become synonymous with innovation and inclusivity.

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) launched the 2034WARD Campaign in March 2025, a new initiative that leverages historic global events to drive growth in sports and fitness participation to build stronger and healthier communities, as we kick off this landmark decade of global sporting event.

Here is an overview of our media efforts on this groundbreaking campaign.

Podcast episodes:

Winning is Not Everything

• Part I: Todd Smith Reflects on How He Responded to Major Injury
• Part II: Todd Smith Recalls Thrill of Recruiting Call from Stanford Baseball Coach

Raising Athletes

• Championing Sports, Fitness &; Community Growth with Todd Smith

News Story:

• Athletech News: SFIA Launches 2034WARD To Boost US Sports Participation

For more information or for questions, contact Bonnie McLaughlin at [email protected]. 

SFIA has been working hard to get the message out on behalf of the sports and fitness industry that tariffs will have a negative effect on sports and fitness participation in the U.S., especially at the youth level.

Here is an overview of our media efforts:

News Stories:

• Sportico: New Tariffs Would Send Youth Athletes Back to the Sidelines
• ESPN: How the sporting goods industry is bracing for tariffs
• AP: Trump tariff tumult has ripples sporting goods
• Sportico: Specter of Trump tariffs has sports companies bracing for impact
• Bloomberg: The White House Just Kicked a World Cup Own-Goal

For more information or for questions, contact Bonnie McLaughlin at [email protected]. 

Decade-long initiative provides sustained financial support to advance youth sports in the U.S.

IRVINE, CA – SCORE Sports, a leading provider of quality sports uniforms, apparel and equipment, today marks its 50th anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to youth sports with the launch of its 50 for 50 Fundraising Challenge. The nationwide challenge is designed to empower 501(c)(3) non-profits youth sports organizations to fundraise and compete for a $50,000 grand prize, advancing their mission to make sports accessible to all.

Additionally, SCORE Sports pledged a total of $500,000 in funding over the next ten years to support youth sports organizations across the country, reinforcing its foundational commitment to fostering athletic development and community spirit.

“At the heart of SCORE Sports’ five-decade journey lies a steadfast belief in the power of sport to unite us all,” said Joe Flannery, Chief Executive Officer of SCORE Sports. “We’ve seen firsthand how sports can shape lives, instill values, and build lasting connections. The 50 for 50 Challenge is our way of working with partners and organizations to continue building inclusive programs and create opportunities for kids in their communities and investing in a future where every child has the chance to play.”

Here’s how it works:

• REGISTER FOR THE CHALLENGE: All eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to youth sports can register beginning today through May 15th, 2025 11:59pm EST.
• MOBILIZE YOUR COMMUNITY: Between May 16th and June 13th, 2025 11:59pm EST, participating teams will leverage GivenGain, our trusted fundraising platform, to activate their networks—teammates, coaches, families, and fans—and drive contributions. Every dollar raised directly empowers the organization’s mission.
• COMPETE TO WIN GRAND PRIZE: The organization that raises the most support will be awarded $50,000 from SCORE Sports. Other prizes and incentives will be awarded throughout the challenge, recognizing the efforts of all participants.

“At GivenGain, we believe in the extraordinary power of community to create change,” said Johannes van Eeden, Founder of GivenGain. “Through our partnership with SCORE Sports and the 50 for 50 Challenge, we’re equipping youth sports organizations with the tools to turn that power into real impact for young athletes across the country.”

The 50 for 50 Fundraising Challenge empowers youth sports organizations to secure vital funding. This effort aims to remove barriers, such as equipment costs and registration fees, allowing more children to participate and build strong, connected communities through the unifying power of sport. To learn more or to join the challenge, visit scoresports.com/50for50.

About SCORE® Sports: SCORE® Sports is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of youth team sports uniforms and equipment, committed to uniting people through sport. SCORE Sports exists today because, 50 years ago, two sisters saw a need for affordable sports uniforms. Since then, SCORE has grown from the ground up, building diverse communities around the belief that when young people have access to sports, the world becomes a better place.

Today, SCORE has evolved into a top multi-sport outfitter, serving athletes of all ages and abilities across soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, flag football, and volleyball. We remain known for the quality and affordability of our products, the swiftness and reliability of our deliveries, and the integrity and generosity of our people. As ever before, we remain united by the uniform.

In 2022, SCORE Sports was acquired by Brand Velocity Group (BVG), a private equity firm committed to growing purpose-driven brands. This partnership has fueled SCORE’s mission to expand access to youth sports and strengthen the communities we serve nationwide. (https://scoresports.com/)

About Brand Velocity Group: Brand Velocity Group is a diversified investment platform focused on disrupting and improving the private equity industry’s traditional approach to growing consumer-facing businesses, with an emphasis on the idea that marketing works and people matter. By combining the team’s decades of finance and operating expertise with leading in-house marketing and employee development resources, BVG has developed a unique and demonstrated approach to accelerating growth of the businesses they partner with. As one example, the BVG team believes that private equity should and can be a positive force in driving company culture, and in support, they “Share the Gains” with portfolio company employees in recognition of the value they create by making each employee an equity holder.

To support SCORE, BVG mobilized an elite group of investors and like-minded individuals at each of the league, team owner, and athlete levels.

To learn more about BVG, its portfolio companies, and its innovative growth strategies, please visit www.brandvelocitygroup.com.

About GivenGain: GivenGain is the world’s leading nonprofit fundraising platform, helping individuals, events, and organizations raise funds for causes they care about—anywhere in the world. Founded in 2001, GivenGain is a nonprofit foundation that reinvests 100% of platform contributions into innovation and support. The platform powers fundraising in over 100 countries for global events like the Boston Marathon, major charities like UNICEF, and a growing global community of fundraising champions and philanthropists driving impact every day. With seamless tech, worldwide reach, and purpose at its core, GivenGain is creating a world without barriers to giving. (https://www.givengain.com/)

Media Contact:
Rebeka Beteivaz
[email protected] 
O. 800.626.7774 ext.4490
D. 310.847.6390

DURHAM, N.C. (April 10, 2025) – SKLZ, the leader in athlete development products, and DICK’S Sporting Goods, the premier destination for athletic equipment, are excited to announce the launch of the Ultimate Fan Experience. Customers who purchase SKLZ products from DICK’S Sporting Goods will have the chance to win a premium game-day experience and an exclusive meet-and-greet with professional baseball player, Paul Skenes.

Michael Polk, Chief Executive Officer at Implus, said, “We are thrilled to partner with DICK’S Sporting Goods to bring this unforgettable opportunity to baseball fans across the country. The Ultimate Fan Experience celebrates our dedicated customers who trust SKLZ to provide exceptional training products that enhance their performance.”

From April 10 through June 1, 2025, customers who purchase any SKLZ product at DICK’S Sporting Goods online or in-store will have a chance to enter by scanning the QR code on the receipt to access the entry page.

The grand prize winner and one guest will receive two game-day tickets from premium seats and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Paul Skenes for photos, autograph sessions, and more. SKLZ will cover expenses including airfare, a two-night hotel stay and select meals.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on SKLZ Instagram (@SKLZ) in early June.

For more information and to view the official rules, please visit: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/s/reference/sklz-ultimate-fan-experience

About SKLZ: SKLZ is the leading provider of performance training products and programs for athletes of all levels. SKLZ products are designed to sync the body to the brain, helping athletes to be stronger, smarter, and faster. With tools available for every sport and skill, like training nets, agility ladders, resistance bands, and more, SKLZ empowers athletes to never settle for yesterday’s best. Learn more at www.sklz.com.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods: DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands and Going Going Gone! stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com,  investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

About Implus: Implus is home to 16 brands in the footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories. As an industry leader in active accessories, Implus is committed to enabling people to live active, healthy, and fulfilled lives, providing innovative products to more than 80,000 retail outlets worldwide. Distributing across more than 70 countries, Implus is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with five international offices. Key brands within Implus’ portfolio include Balega®, SKLZ®, Yaktrax®, TriggerPoint™, Sof Sole®, RockTape® and Spenco®. Learn more at www.implus.com.

Media Contact
Rachel Rose
(984) 344-1642
[email protected]

(March 25, 2024) – As featured in the March issue of Team Insight Magazine as part of Women’s History Month, SFIA is launching the Female Athlete Empowerment Committee, chaired by Erin Griffin, SVP of Marketing and Communications at Riddell and Janelle Anderson, CEO of Rip-It Sports. The committee will provide resources and support to female athletes across all levels of sports, with the goal of increasing female participation while also reducing early dropout rates. The initiative kicks off at SFIA’s 2025 Team Sports Conference with a panel discussion on building an ecosystem for girls’ and women’s sports empowerment.

Click here to read more: https://www.formula4media.com/new-articles/making-history

For more information or for questions, contact Bonnie McLaughlin at [email protected]. 

DURHAM, N.C. (February 10, 2025) – SKLZ, the leader in athlete development products, is spotlighting their best-selling baseball and softball training aids ahead of the 2025 season.

Michael Polk, Chief Executive Officer of Implus, said, “Our SKLZ collection of baseball and softball training aids provides athletes the tools they need to elevate their performance and build their confidence while preparing for the season. Our products are designed with features to enhance throwing, hitting and agility skills so that athletes stay game-day ready.”

SKLZ offers a range of baseball and softball training aids designed to help athletes of all skill levels improve their mechanics, agility and overall performance. Key products include:

• Hit-A-Way Portable Training Station: The #1 baseball batting trainer in an all-in-one portable design. It features a sturdy pole and twist-back design to maximize a player’s power, swing speed, and mechanics, and delivers up to 500 swings per hour without the hassle of chasing balls.
• Catapult Soft Toss Machine: A machine designed to work on both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. It serves a ball every 8 seconds, allowing athletes to work on their hitting and catching while focusing on hand-eye coordination.
• Fielding Trainer: A rebound net designed to provide three ball-return settings – grounders, line drives and fly balls. It helps players of all levels build the necessary reactions, muscle memory, and glove skills to transform average defenders into all-star players.

SKLZ baseball and softball training aids are available online at SKLZ.com, and in store and online at select Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors stores.

About SKLZ: SKLZ is the leading provider of performance training products and programs for athletes of all levels. SKLZ products are designed to sync the body to the brain, helping athletes to be stronger, smarter, and faster. With tools available for every sport and skill, like training nets, agility ladders, resistance bands, and more, SKLZ empowers athletes to never settle for yesterday’s best. Learn more at www.sklz.com.

About Implus: Implus is home to 18 brands in the footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories. As an industry leader in active accessories, Implus is committed to enabling people to live active, healthy, and fulfilled lives, providing innovative products to more than 80,000 retail outlets worldwide. Distributing across more than 70 countries, Implus is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with five international offices. Key brands within Implus’ portfolio include Balega®, SKLZ®, Yaktrax®, TriggerPoint™, Sof Sole®, RockTape® and Spenco®. To learn more about Michael Polk and Implus leadership, please visit www.implus.com/leadership/. To learn more about Implus, please visit www.implus.com.

Media Contact
Rachel Rose
(984) 344-1642
[email protected]

A Letter From the President & CEO of SFIA, Todd Smith

To our valued SFIA Members,

2024 has been a remarkable year for our industry, and we are immensely grateful for your engagement as SFIA members.  Since joining SFIA on October 1st, I have been deeply impressed by your steadfast dedication and efforts to advance our industry and promote sports and fitness participation.  Thank you for all you do.  

This year has been a year of achievement and transition for SFIA.  Below you will find highlights from the many programs and services SFIA provided to our members and the industry throughout 2024.  Within each section, you can select the “Read More” button for the full list of accomplishments made within each respective area.  Please reach out if you would like additional details on any of the items listed.

I am both humbled by our organization’s accomplishments throughout 2024 and energized by the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.  As we begin the new year, please know of my unwavering commitment to building upon SFIA’s strong foundation while driving new initiatives that address our industry’s evolving needs.  I welcome your feedback and input throughout this process.

It is a privilege to represent you.  I look forward to working closely with you as we advance our industry together in 2025.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

-Todd Smith
President & CEO, SFIA

2024 SFIA Highlights

Member Services Highlights

• In 2024, SFIA proudly expanded our membership base by welcoming 48 new member companies, representing diverse sectors from established brands to innovative startups.
• In early 2024, SFIA, in partnership with ExpertVoice, launched the Pro Deal Marketplace.  This initiative helps members save money on sports products and sells to professionals within the sports and fitness industry.
• Delivered tailored State of the Industry presentations at various member companies’ sales and strategy meetings, providing valuable insights and strategic guidance.
• Continued our partnership with Good Sports to provide an excess inventory solution, providing support to kids in underserved communities and giving them the opportunity to be equipped for sports and physical activity.

Committees & Councils

• Our committees saw increased engagement with industry leaders across the full member spectrum.
• Key developments:
  – Managing three active committees:
  — MarCom & Events- focusing on industry communication and event thought leadership
  — People & Culture – overseeing the successful Excelerator Program
  — Committee member involvement included Adidas, Bridgestone, Brooks, BSN, Franklin, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, New Balance, Nike, Rawlings, Riddell, True Fitness, USA Football, USTA, and US Youth Soccer.
• At the 2024 Team Sports Conference, SFIA hosted engaging in-person Council meetings for Baseball/Softball, Football, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Soccer, Wrestling, Running, and Basketball.  These sessions provided a platform for discussing the current landscape, fostering collaboration to grow each sport, and provided opportunities to discuss equipment rules changes and communicate with NFHS, NCAA, and other sports governing bodies.
• Hosted four Pickleball Council meetings (two in-person and two virtual) to bring together the pickleball industry.  At our last meeting, we heard an update from USA Pickleball on their PBCoR paddle standard, launched our 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, and hosted a “Future of Pickleball” panel with USA Pickleball CEO Mike Nealy, RacketPro CEO Dan Santorum, and ACE Pickleball Club’s VP of Strategic Partnerships, Mookie McDevitt.
• SFIA continued to serve as a vital link between Council members, sport governing bodies, and standards organizations, achieving millions of dollars in savings for its members.

Excelerator Program

• The 2024 program reached new heights in participation and programming:
  – Engaged 10 Associates from leading member organizations (Adidas, Brooks, BSN, Capelli Sports, Clarks, Franklin Sports, Good Sports, New Balance, Rawlings, and Riddell) alongside 10 corporate sponsors.
• Delivered comprehensive professional development workshops hosted by major sports organizations, a leading academic institution, and
  – NFL-led sessions on industry leadership
  – MLS workshops on sports league marketing
  – Babson College led- program on negotiations 
  – Boston Bruins sessions on retail, merchandising, and philanthropy 
  – New Balance’s Ray Hilvert (SFIA Board Member) leading a session on purpose-based leadership

• Implemented monthly Brunch N’ Learn series featuring executive insights from industry leaders and focused discussions on current market trends, leadership, and career development.
• Created a structured mentor program matching 10 industry leaders with program participants, including specialized mentor/mentee workshops.

Career Fair

• Hosted the first-ever SFIA Career Fair in partnership with Teamwork Online at Babson College (Wellesley, MA).
• Over 75 students participated with member panelists from Franklin Sports, New Balance, Rawlings, and SFIA.

Thought Leadership Highlights

Delivering exceptional education and strengthening industry community

• Hosted our 8th Annual Start-Up Challenge, showcasing 11 innovative companies (Volley, Prorizon, New Stream, iPlayMe2, MAAREE [Winner], LZRD Tech, Total Motion 360, FabLittleBag, Alphabeats, Activate, and PickFit) and highlighting startups that have collectively raised over $310 million since the beginning. 
• Conducted six specialized webinars addressing critical industry topics:
  – Current tariff impacts and strategies
  – Sports participation trends analysis
  – Comprehensive state of the industry review
  – Supply chain optimization
  – Aluminum extrusion tariffs update
  – Forever chemicals regulations and implications

2024 Team Sports Conference:

• SFIA members, sporting goods brands, professional leagues, and governing bodies came together for the annual event in April to discuss the youth and school team sports market.  Attendance increased 8.7% in 2024 with more than 150 attendees representing more than 50 companies.
• 12 SFIA Council and Committee meetings took place on day one, and on day two, attendees participated in a series of panel sessions on team sports mission and environment, with the SFIA State of the Industry Session and The Influence of State Associations on High School Athletics Session being rated as the top presentations.
• Additional sessions covered topics including the growing influence of women in sports, NIL, how technology is changing the team sports experience, and the marketing potential of global sports events held in the US.

Super Regionals

• Produced four dynamic Super Regional events in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and Boston, attracting over 300 attendees and featuring exclusive hosting by Wilson Sporting Goods and Rawlings Sporting Goods.
• These gatherings brought together SFIA Members for unparalleled education and networking opportunities. Read more below.
• Panel Topics and Presentations included – State of the Industry, Start-Up Challenge Finalist Pitches & Judging, Arthur Blank’s Value-Based Leadership Session, CEO Conversations with Joe Dudy, CEO, Wilson Sporting Goods, Adam Franklin, Franklin Sports, and Ron Ostrowski, President, Rawlings Sporting Goods, Professional Sports Teams Driving Youth Sports Engagement, Empowering Youth Through Community Sport, New Frontiers in Athlete Endorsements, The Future of Investing in Girls and Women’s Sports, Risk Management in Youth Sports, The Value of Multi-Sport Investment.

Research Highlights

• Established leadership in pickleball market analysis:
  – Generated hundreds of media citations throughout 2024
  – Released the second annual “State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report” in partnership with Pickleheads
  – Introduced first-ever pickleball market size data in our Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report
• Released the second annual “State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report” in partnership with Pickleheads.  This pioneering report continues to provide an in-depth analysis of pickleball participation and facilities data.
• For the FIRST TIME, we have included pickleball market size data in our Manufacturer’s Sales by Category Report. By adding more specific pickleball data, we aim to empower the industry with greater knowledge, leading to more actionable results. We will continue to seek opportunities to add sport-specific data to enhance our reports further.
• Published five comprehensive research reports on participation trends, sport-specific insights, and business intelligence data, available to SFIA members at no cost.
• Introduced a NEW single sport participation report for 7v7 Football in 2024, increasing the total number of single sport participation reports to 91. These reports offer in-depth analysis of sports participation, segmented by gender, age group, income level, geographic region, education level, and ethnicity, providing valuable insights for our members.
• Collaborated with USTA to include tennis data in our “Trends in Team Sports Report” for the FIRST TIME EVER, enhancing the report’s comprehensiveness and offering new insights into tennis participation trends.
• Delivered more than 15 tailored data presentations and report analyses to SFIA member companies, supporting their product development, business planning, and forecasting efforts.
• Continued our collaboration with The Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative, which uses SFIA data as a key benchmark to track and measure the success of this nationwide effort.
• Offered SFIA’s Participation Dashboard, allowing members to easily compare participation rates across multiple sports and activities with the click of a button.
• Remained an active leader in the Physical Activity Council (PAC) partnership, the nation’s top source for sports, fitness, and recreational activity participation data.
• SFIA research and programs are frequently cited by major news outlets, with mentions appearing in news articles more than once a day. Prominent publications referencing SFIA data include The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The LA Times, Bloomberg, Forbes, WWD, USA Today, MLB, NBA, CNN, Yahoo, AP, and more.
• Launched the third-ever member satisfaction survey to gain deeper insights into the value of an SFIA membership and to identify ways to enhance our benefits and services for the association.
• Provided discounted running reports through Running USA that cover in-depth analysis of Gen Z runners and race trends.

Government and Public Affairs Highlights

Lowering Participation Barriers     

• Spearheaded the introduction of the Youth Sports Facilities Act to increase federal resource allocation for youth sports facility development.
• Advanced the PHIT Act to reduce the cost barrier to activity through the use of pre-tax medical dollars to pay for activity expenses.  
• Secured language for Bureau of Economic Analysis “Youth Sports Economic Impact Study” to highlight economic benefits to support youth sports policies. 

Preserving Supply Chains        

• Ensured no labor stoppages at ports, railroads, trucking, and delivery services to disrupt supply chains.
• Encouraged the U.S. to protect shipping in the Red Sea.  

Promoting Tariff Relief        

• Pressed for renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for duty-free imports from 119 countries.
• Requested the re-opening of a transparent Section 301 Tariff Exclusion process for Chinese-made consumer goods and inputs.

Protecting IPR

• Worked to make online platforms follow the same rules as brick-and-mortar retailers regarding the authenticity of products sold.
• Sought to close the De Minimis loophole that bypasses CBP inspections for counterfeits.

Standards & Compliance Highlights

Working cooperatively with certification, testing, and sport governing bodies to create equitable and effective standards for equipment

• Created a groundbreaking standard for pickleball protective eyewear in collaboration with ASTM and The Vision Council, addressing safety needs in this ever-evolving sport.
• Worked with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to develop a standard for Football Arm Sleeves.
• SFIA represented the team equipment industry in fee negotiations with the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment
  (NOCSAE).
• Worked with USA Pickleball to create equitable standards development process for pickleball paddles.
• Continued to grow the SFIA Football Glove Specifications, now with 25+ licensees.

(October 1, 2024) – Mizuno USA’s Running Division is excited to announce strategic changes to its sales management structure in response to impressive double-digit growth within the running specialty channel. This growth has exceeded expectations, and projections for the upcoming SS’25 and AW’25 seasons are even more promising.

To better accommodate this accelerated growth, Mizuno Running is restructuring its sales management team. The team will now include three regional managers: Casey Barrett will oversee the newly established North region, Greg Udzielak will continue his leadership in the West region, and Matt Baum will manage the new South region. Additionally, Matt will maintain his role as Account Executive for the crucial Fleet Feet Sports partnership.

Mizuno Running places a high priority on building authentic relationships with retailers. This new structure will enhance regional management interactions, enabling the team to identify innovative ways to better serve the specialty market.

These changes, effective 10/1/24, underscore Mizuno’s commitment to the running specialty channel and its dedication to fostering strong partnerships within the industry.

ABOUT MIZUNO USA: Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the world’s largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, volleyball, swimming, and tennis equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Peachtree Corners, GA

Media Contacts:

Brand Support
[email protected]

(August 12, 2024) RaiseRight, the leading gift card fundraising platform in the US, has partnered with FlipGive to expand its digital fundraising solutions to include online shopping. This partnership will help both companies further their mission to simplify fundraising by turning everyday shopping into earnings and donations.

RaiseRight is leveraging FlipGive’s white-label shopping rewards platform to give organizations a new way to earn, demonstrating their commitment to innovative digital fundraising solutions. Now, RaiseRight users can easily raise money for their favorite organizations by shopping online with 450 new brands using the RaiseRight website, mobile app, and the newly launched RaiseRight Earnings Extension.

“We are excited to enhance our users’ ability to fundraise by shopping online,” says Lou Agnese, CEO of RaiseRight. “Our collaboration with FlipGive significantly expands our brand portfolio, empowering our users to fundraise even more with a new way to earn. This partnership affirms our mission to be the most convenient and effective fundraising solution for schools, athletic programs, nonprofits, and community organizations across the US.”

“We’re thrilled to work with RaiseRight to supercharge organizations’ fundraising through online shopping,” says Amy Halpenny, CEO of FlipGive. “The FlipGive Rewards platform helps our partners turn everyday shopping into cashback earnings by seamlessly embedding shopping into their existing mobile app and website, along with extensions that allow users to earn wherever they shop online.”

About FlipGive
FlipGive (flipgive.com) is an easy-to-use cashback app where everyone wins. Teams raise funds without fundraising and brands earn new shopper loyalty by giving back where it matters. FlipGive has given back over $50M by helping families across North America turn everyday shopping into effortless fundraising so kids can play more and spend less on the sports they love. FlipGive Rewards, a white-label shopping rewards and cashback platform, gives companies an easy way to turn everyday shopping into cashback donations that give back to their users. Launched in 2016, FlipGive is a Certified B Corporation and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

For more information on FlipGive’s white-label rewards platform, please visit www.flipgive.com/for-business.

About RaiseRight
RaiseRight (raiseright.com) empowers families to fundraise for their local communities conveniently and effectively through everyday shopping. Since 1994, RaiseRight has helped over 50,000 nonprofit organizations raise more than $900 million for initiatives and causes that matter to them. Users can shop online or purchase gift cards for everyday spending to offset expenses such as school tuition, athletic equipment, band trips, church operations, and more. Fundraising through everyday spending disrupts the traditional methods of selling goods, organizing events, or asking for donations. RaiseRight is simply the right way to fundraise.

For more information on RaiseRight’s new online shopping fundraising solution, please visit www.raiseright.com/how-it-works/shop-online.

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