Future of Sport Foundation

I’m incredibly proud — both personally and through my work with Tech Fest Live — to be partnering with organizations who believe in creating access, equity, and opportunity for youth in our community. These mission-aligned partners, Future of Sport Foundation, United for College + Career Success and Houston Health Department (My Brother's Keeper) are collaborating with us to bring STEM Go Pro Day to life — creating a space where students can dream bigger, explore more, and connect with the future of innovation and opportunity. Each of these organizations brings unique expertise that directly supports Tech Fest Live’s mission to close opportunity gaps and prepare students for the future of work. From data and evaluation that help us track meaningful impact, to mentorship and community engagement that meet students where they are, to industry insights and real-world programming that bring innovation to life — these partnerships are essential to our work. Together, we will transform possibility into purpose — delivering real impact, measurable outcomes, and unforgettable moments that shape the future of every student we reach! #TechFestLive #STEMGoProDay #HoustonYouth #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #TechEducation #CommunityImpact #FutureofSportFoundation #UFCS #MBK

The?Future of Sport?program has wrapped its latest cohort, NextPlay:Legacy and what an incredible journey it has been! ?? High school students Legacy The School of Sport Sciences engaged in an?immersive experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and problem-solvingwithin the sports, media, and technology industries. They didn’t just learn—they built, refined, and?pitched their own startup ideas?with confidence! Over the course of the program, students: ? Identified real-world challenges and developed solutions ? Learned essential business concepts, from?lean canvas?to?go-to-market strategies ? Built and refined their own?startup ideas ? Delivered?final pitch presentations?with confidence and clarity A special thank you to?Dr. Kerrie Patterson-Brown, Ed.D, Alban Dixon, and students at Legacy The School of Sport Sciences for their commitment to this initiative. This is just the beginning—looking forward to?expansion of the program?and creating even more opportunities for young innovators in sports, media, and technology. #FutureOfSport #EntrepreneurshipEducation #Innovation #SportsBusiness #STEMEducation #StartupMindset #NextGenLeaders #FutureFounders

?? Texas is set to become the next powerhouse for soccer in the U.S.—but how do we get there? ? As FIFA World Cup 2026? - Canada, Mexico and the United States approaches, the opportunities for Texas to shape the future of the sport—on and off the pitch—are bigger than ever. But can Texas surpass traditional soccer strongholds like New York and LA to become the true epicenter of the game? I’m thrilled to be moderating an all-star panel alongside industry leaders from Austin FC, Houston Dynamo Football Club, B-Engaged, and Umbrella as we dive into the strategies shaping the sport’s future at SXSW. From brand marketing and revenue growth to global fan engagement, this conversation will set the stage for Texas’ World Cup moment and beyond. ?? Panelists: ?? Megan Lindon – Senior Director, Brand & Merchandise, Austin FC ?? SJ Luedtke – CMO, Houston Dynamo ?? Michelle Tierney – Chief Revenue Officer, B-Engaged ?? Beth Johnson – Co-Founder, Umbrella ?? Moderator: Nate Thompson, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, HTX Sports Tech ?? March 9 | ? 3:00 PM CST ?? UK House, Palm Door on 6th | Austin, TX Join us at SXSW to explore how Texas can lead the charge for soccer’s future. Spots are limited—secure yours now! ?? RSVP here: https://lu.ma/v9p5mhfs More about UK Advertising @ SXSW: https://bit.ly/3wrtOhL #ukatsxsw #SXSW #SXSW2025 #Marketing #FIFAWorldCup2026 #BrandStrategy #Advertising #UKAdvertising #FutureOfFootball #TexasWorldCup #SportsMarketing #LinkedInSports #SportsBiz #WorldCup #Houston #Austin #Dallas #FIFA #Texas #SportsBusiness

?? It’s back! ?? Our Spring Seminar Series is returning, and it’s bigger and better than ever! ???? This program is designed to ignite creativity, build leadership, and enhance skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math—all while balancing athletics! Come participate in fun STEAM based sports activities! Also learn from pro and college athletes who majored in STE(A)M and other STE(A)M professionals!! ???????? Spring Seminar applications are now open for all Houston area high schoolers! Visit the link in the below to apply now!! https://lnkd.in/gVgDrBqw #BeExceptionalNEverything ???????????????????????? #nonprofitorganization #nonprofit #steam #stem #stemeducation #science #technology #engineering #arts #mathematics #engineering #studentathlete #morethananathlete #beesbelievers #giveback #holiday #houston #outreach #community #communityoutreach #stemcamp

“Working with ?????????? ???? ???????? ???????????????????? has been an incredible experience,” said ?????????????? ????????????, Corporate Affairs Specialist at Microsoft. “We are helping shape the ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ???????????????? but also the ???????? ???????????????????? ???? ???????? ??????????????.” This groundbreaking initiative aims to ?????????????? ???????????????? ?????????????? ???????? ??????????????????, ??????????????????????, ?????? ????????????????????, equipping them with ???????????????? ???? ???????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? ??????????. Microsoft AI Skills https://lnkd.in/eG2BikaZ

??? Huge thank you to Thomas Fields, founder of GRIND, for visiting Legacy The School of Sport Sciences as part of our NextPlay entrepreneurship program and sharing his incredible journey of building GRIND from the ground up! Thomas captivated the room with his story of perseverance, innovation, and the challenges of entrepreneurship in the sports tech space. From his early days as an athlete to becoming a trailblazer in sports training solutions, his experience resonated with our students. The class had the privilege of hearing firsthand about the ups and downs of startup life and the importance of staying focused on solving real-world problems. The students were energized, asking amazing questions that showed their curiosity and passion for innovation. Thank you for taking the time to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and game changers. ?? #Entrepreneurship #SportsTech #Houston #Education #FutureOfSport

3rd year of Cactus Jack HBCU Classic. Proud to be a part of bringing and putting this event on each year. This year the Classic will be held Feb 14-16, 2025 at Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park) in Houston, TX. If you, your business/company would like to attend or sponsor please let me know. Sponsorships starting at $5,000 and include a suite in Daikin Park for all 9 games, in-stadium advertising, game tickets, company booth and presentation opportunities. Last year over 20,000 in attendance. Great event for those who coordinate DE&I initiatives as well as any Black History Month programming... - 9 games of HBCU Div. I Baseball - Divine 9/HBCU Alumni Happy Hour - College and Career Fair - Breakout Sessions & Event Opportunities - First pitch and pre-game on field presentations - Gospel Breakfast - Kid Fun Zone - Vendor Booths And more. Message me for any information. Sponsorships deck available as well as vendor booths, group tickets and group meeting spaces. Come out and support this great event!!! #AYA #Relentless

?? Cinefly and Future of Sport Partner to Empower the Next Generation of Innovators Through NextPlay Cinefly, a trailblazer in user-generated content (UGC) technology, has partnered with the Future of Sport Foundation to support the launch of the?NextPlay?program at Legacy The School of Sport Sciences. This innovative initiative focuses on equipping students with skills in sports tech, entrepreneurship, and storytelling, using Cinefly’s platform to capture and share their journeys. As the philanthropic arm of HTX Sports Tech, the?Future of Sport Foundation?has chosen the?NextPlay?program as its inaugural effort to empower students at Legacy—the first school in Texas focused on careers in athletics. Through Cinefly’s AI Storyboards, students will learn to create professional-grade video content, documenting their growth while gaining real-world experience in digital storytelling. With no editing required, Cinefly makes professional video production accessible, offering students a chance to digital communication tools and share their authentic narratives. This partnership amplifies each organizations mission to drive innovation and equity in sports and education. By aligning with Cinefly, the?NextPlay?program will inspire students to explore opportunities in sports tech, creative media, and entrepreneurship while fostering connections with industry experts, venture capital firms, and community leaders. Together, Cinefly and FOS are committed to: 1?? Empowering the Next Generation: Providing students with cutting-edge tools to learn, create, and share their stories. 2?? Advancing Access and Inclusion: Expanding access to tech-driven opportunities in sports for creatives and innovators. 3?? Promoting Real-World Impact: Connecting students with leaders in entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation to shape their futures. #AI #Education #Entrepreneurship #Sports #SportsTech

???This Giving Tuesday, Shape the Future of Sport!??? At the?Future of Sport Foundation, we’re building pathways for students to thrive in sports technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Your generosity directly impacts the next generation by: ???Providing Scholarships:?Ensuring students at the?Legacy School of Sport Sciences?have access to transformative learning opportunities. ???Supporting Innovative Programming:?Funding programs like?NextPlay: Legacy Cohort, empowering students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation within the sports tech landscape. ???Fostering Opportunity:?Equipping students with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed in a rapidly growing sports and tech industry. Together, we can drive meaningful change and open doors for deserving students. ???Make an Impact Today:?https://lnkd.in/giKsaT8E #GivingTuesday #FutureOfSport #SportsTech #Houston #CareerReadiness #Education #WorkforceDevelopment #Legacy

???Big News from the Future of Sport Foundation! We’re proud to announce the launch of?NextPlay: Legacy Cohort, the first major initiative of the foundation, kicking off in?January 2025. In partnership with the?Legacy The School of Sport Sciences—Texas’ first school focused on careers in athletics—this pilot program will equip students with skills in?sports technology,?entrepreneurship, creative, and?innovation. Why it matters: The sports and tech industries are growing rapidly, and we’re committed to ensuring students have access to the tools, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed. How you can get involved: ???Corporate Partners: Collaborate with us to create opportunities for young innovators. ???Guest Lecturers: Share your expertise and inspire the next generation. ???Supporters: Fund the future by donating to the?Impact Fund?or?NextPlay Program. Let’s shape the future of sport—together. ?? Visit www.futureofsport.org to learn more and take action today! #SportsTech #Education #Innovation #FutureOfSport #Legacy #Philanthropy #Entrepreneurship #LinkedInSports #GivingTuesday