SFIA - Sports & Fitness Industry Association

With the support of the SFIA?and partner organizations across youth sports, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced the Youth Sports Facilities Act (YSFA) in Congress yesterday. The YSFA would open a new funding source for youth sports facilities and recreational spaces using Economic Development Assistance (EDA) grants. EDAs are currently not eligible to be used for investments in youth sports infrastructure projects which is why the YSFA is so critical, as it would provide the financial support needed for communities currently lacking in facilities to receive the funding needed to develop new sports and recreation projects. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dDSWrryN

After less than a week of renewed negotiations on a new labor contract for dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association walked away from the bargaining table over the use of automation at the ports. The pause on the strike will lapse on January 15, 2025. SFIA is concerned about the potential for a resumption of a labor strike at East Coast Ports in January as union members are firmly behind the fight on automation. SFIA will continue to press for resolution of the outstanding contract issues, and government intervention if needed, to avoid an unnecessary disruption in supply chains. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eTBFRaGn

?? NEW PICKLEBALL RESEARCH ?? The 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, produced by SFIA and Pickleheads, IS NOW AVAILABLE! Get a more detailed and expansive overview of America's fastest-growing sport with in-depth analysis of participation, facilities, and courts! DOWNLOAD: https://loom.ly/S4KjoE0 SFIA Members: $150 | Non-Members: $350

As SFIA's new President & CEO Todd Smith takes the reins, he sat down with Terry Lefton at Sports Business Journal to talk about why he is prepared to take on this role and the opportunities for major growth in the next decade. Read here: https://lnkd.in/e2eQFDwb

Today, we reflect, honor, and remember all who have proudly worn the uniform. On behalf of SFIA, we salute our veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our freedom and thank all those who have served. Happy Veterans Day! ?? ??

?? COMING SOON ?? In-depth analysis of participation and facilities data of America's fastest-growing sport, pickleball! The second iteration of the State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, produced by SFIA and Pickleheads, will be available NEXT WEEK! Key takeaway sneak peek: -- Every single age group increased participation year-over-year. 2.3 million people aged 25–34 played pickleball in 2023, making this the age group with the most participants -- Dedicated pickleball facilities grew 55% year-over-year vs only 14% growth for temporary facilities. Swing on over to sfia.org/research to see all our research offerings, and stay tuned to purchase the State of Pickleball report - discounted for SFIA Members!

And that is a wrap! SFIA hosted its final Super Regional of 2024 - taking place in coordination with Babson College and TeamWork Online last week. The Boston Super Regional included a half day of programming along with a Career Fair and the Start-Up Challenge Finals. We also hosted our Excelerator Associates as their program came to an end. An exciting day with lots of great people who made it a success! Shout out to our speakers, judges, and special guests! - Jared Goldman, Bonnie Dominguez, Jinger Gottschall, Patrick Streeter & Drew Spieth, New Balance - Jonathan Ram - Adam Franklin & John Lynch, Franklin Sports - Bill Patterson, Octane5 International - Alex Kerman, SFIA - Sports & Fitness Industry Association - Cindy Klein Marmer, Leslie Garbarino, Kellen Kruglewicz, Teddy Sourlis & Carissa Rubin, Babson College - Meghan Turner, Boston Fleet - Patrick MacLellan, Merchant Cost Consulting - Start-Up Challenge Finalists: Mari Thomas-Welland, MAAREE (Virtual); Martha Silcott, FabLittleBag; Mat Quon and Michael Pullen, LZRD Tech, Inc.; John Weinlader, Volley Thank you to everyone who was able to join us, and to our sponsors Octane5 International and Merchant Cost Consulting!

The WINNER of the 2024 Start-Up Challenge is... ??? MAAREE! ??? Full announcement: https://loom.ly/tHsWXmQ

What does youth sports participation look like by sport? Project Play analyzed 2023 data from the SFIA - Sports & Fitness Industry Association for children ages 6-12 and 13-17. We compared participation rates from a decade ago, from right before the pandemic and from one year earlier. One key takeaway: flag football continues to explode. From 2019 to 2023, tackle football decreased 5% for ages 6-12 as flag increased 16% and became the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. Thirteen high school state associations have sanctioned girls flag football and another 19 states are involved in pilot programs at some level. Read more participation trends in State of Play 2024: https://lnkd.in/dgY9txsg

Election Day is fast approaching, and SFIA wants you to EXERCISE your right to vote this election day! ?? SFIA encourages you to?walk, run, bike, skate?(or however you choose), to the polls this Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, and let your voice be heard. Here are some helpful resources to make sure you are all set to participate: Register or update voter registration: https://vote.gov/ Find polling place & early voting options: https://lnkd.in/eRfsAkZ