Center for Excellence in Youth Sports

Youth sports and recreation organizations ranging from elite training programs and youth health organizations to recreational leagues encompass a nearly $20 billion industry. Most importantly, youth sports participation is a critical component of adolescent health and well-being.

Adolescent girl wearing a baseball mittAmong the positive outcomes of participating in youth sports are:

  • Improved academic performance
  • self-esteem
  • social skills

For this reason, the organizations that operate in this sector are the cornerstones of the communities in which they reside and the importance and impact of youth sports cannot be overstated.

However, these organizations face a unique set of challenges driven by the volunteer nature of both their staff and, uniquely, their leadership. They are further challenged by increased community demands and consistent resource constraints.

Recognizing the novelty of this environment, The Center for Excellence in Youth Sports offers consulting and development services tailored to the youth sports industry.

Our Mission

Adolescent boy in soccer uniform holding a soccer ballEnhance participation, equity, and access to play by increasing the organizational and leadership capacity of Youth Sports and Recreation Organizations.

Our Vision

A future where youth sports organizations are as strong as the spirit of the youth they serve.

Our programs and interactions reflect this vision through our Core Values:

  • Collaboration: Working across boundaries to create new possibilities
  • Engagement: Engaging every stakeholder
  • Youthful: Approaching problems with the excitement of the athletes we serve
  • Science-Based: Providing practical applications of state-of-the-science solutions

Services Available

The Center offers a number of services including:

  • Operational Assessment
  • Strategic Assistance Training Program
  • Strategy Development
  • Marketing Planning
  • Marketing Research
  • Change Management Plan
  • Succession Planning
  • Collaboration Supports
  • Program Evaluation
  • Leadership Development
  • Board Development
  • Financial Assessment and Controls

Darren TreadwayFor more information about The Center for Excellence in Youth Sports please contact:

Darren C. Treadway, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Excellence in Youth Sports
Specialty Chief Editor, Frontiers in Psychology - Organizational Psychology
Associate Professor of Business
(716) 839-7319
ceys@daemen.edu