In an exciting development for the youth sports community, Youth Inc., the innovative sports media and commerce platform founded by NFL veteran Greg Olsen, has announced the launch of its second season podcast with significant new partnerships and a fresh focus on mental fitness in youth athletics.
Building on Season One’s Success
The inaugural season of the Youth Inc. Podcast made a notable impact in the youth sports space:
- 44 hour-long episodes
- 400,000 downloads
- High-profile guests including Jerry Rice, Jim Boeheim, and Paul Rabil
- Comprehensive coverage of youth sports parenting and coaching topics
New Season, New Direction
Season two brings several exciting changes to the platform:
Dynamic New Co-Host
Dr. Michael Gervais, a renowned sports psychologist and previous guest, joins Greg Olsen as co-host. This partnership signals the show’s enhanced focus on mental fitness and youth sports development.
Strategic Partnerships
Two major companies have signed on as founding partners:
- Players Health: A pioneering youth sports insurance platform
- MaxU: An innovative mental performance platform
Ryan Baise, Youth Inc. CEO and former Fanatics head of new ventures, emphasizes the strategic importance of these partnerships: “We want this to feel like it’s a win for us, it’s a win for the partner, and it’s ultimately a win for the end consumer.”
Corporate Evolution and Future Plans
Youth Inc. is undergoing significant organizational changes:
- Transitioning from Audiorama joint venture to independent entity
- Preparing for the launch of a digital commerce platform in early 2025
- Planning to offer fan merchandise for travel clubs and high schools
- Future expansion into team uniforms and equipment
Impressive Investment Backing
The company recently secured substantial financial support:
- $4.5M seed round led by Will Ventures
- Notable investors include:
- Ryan Sports Ventures
- Isos Capital Management
- NFL stars Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud
- Ohio State football coach Ryan Day
Looking Ahead
With its new focus on mental fitness, strategic partnerships, and upcoming commerce platform, Youth Inc. is positioning itself as a comprehensive resource in the youth sports ecosystem. The platform’s evolution from a podcast to a full-service youth sports platform represents a significant step forward in supporting young athletes’ development, both on and off the field.
via / photo: SBJ
