DICK’S Sporting Goods Announces Partnership With US Youth Soccer
DICK’S Sporting Goods and US Youth Soccer have formed a powerful partnership to grow the game together with a multi-year agreement. DICK’S Team Sports HQ will serve as US Youth Soccer’s online platform partner, bringing the world’s largest retailer with significant discounts to the youth soccer market.
Youth Soccer News: DICK’S Sporting Goods has announced a multi-year, strategic partnership with US Youth Soccer, the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, and its DICK’S Team Sports HQ youth sports platform.
With nearly 4 million registered players, US Youth Soccer has grown from its humble beginnings in 1974 to the largest youth sports organization in America.
As the Official Sporting Goods Retailer and Soccer Management Technology Partner, DICK’S and DICK’S Team Sports HQ will provide innovative solutions to US Youth Soccer and its members in streamlining, operating and increasing participation.
Today, there are 17 US Youth Soccer State Associations benefiting from DICK’S Team Sports HQ.
In addition, DICK’S will support the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. The partnership also includes the development of the first-annual US Youth Soccer State Association Leadership Summit, which will be held in San Diego this September.
“With all the entertainment options available to young people such as video games, TV and social media, organized sports are challenged to provide a better experience to grow the game,” said US Youth Soccer CEO Chris Moore.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to partner with DICK’S, whose strong brand will not only help elevate and enhance the player experience at our ‘crown jewel’, the National Championship Series,” said Moore. “But will enable our members to better administer the sport through the DICK’S Teams Sports HQ platform.”
“We’re excited to welcome US Youth Soccer to the rapidly-growing DICK’S Team Sports HQ family of youth sports governing body partners,” said Ed Plummer, SVP, DICK’S Team Sports HQ. “At DICK’S, we believe that sports matter and our Team Sports HQ platform provides unparalleled digital capabilities allowing coaches to focus on developing young athletes and not worrying as much about the logistics and administration.”
The DICK’S Team Sports HQ platform will manage most of US Youth Soccer’s operations, communications and relationships with its affiliate state associations.
“If a State Association agrees to adopt DICK’s Team HQ, all software / technology licensing fees go away,” said Mark Rooks, Vice President of Community Marketing, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “If a State elects to come on as a partner, they will receive free technology and sponsorship funding.”
“We have 675 stores nationally — we are in every state but 3 — and we want to give soccer organizations discounts and special shopping events.”
The power of partnering with the nation’s largest sports’ retailer has perks. DICK’s offers partner clubs many special retail benefits including a ‘Shop Night’ at a local retail store where players and their families can shop prior to the start of the season with a 20% discount on everything in the store. “We are truly a one stop shop destination with an assortment and depth that sets us apart from everyone,” said Rooks.
“We are here to help States run their business more efficiently and profitably,” said Rooks. “Our US Youth Soccer Summit will focus on leadership skills. We fundamentally believe sports matter and that it is important to provide opportunities for kids to claymore and allow coaches to develop young athletes.”
In addition, DICK’S Team Sports HQ will provide club affiliates with online registration, web sites, mobile apps for scheduling and communications. DICK’s brings more than just technology to the youth soccer market, unlike other software vendors — team uniform sales and easy to set up fan wear shops are also optional benefits of the program.
One of the most intriguing differentiator is DICK’s Sports Matter program which offers access to donations and sponsorships — regardless if you belong to a club or organization that uses their technology or retail program.
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS FOUNDATION BELIEVE EVERY YOUNG PERSON SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BENEFIT FROM SPORTS.
Through DICK’s Sports Matter program, this company turns their belief into action by supporting youth athletic programs in communities across the country. All youth sports teams are welcome to apply for funding through the DICK’S Sporting Goods’ Sponsorships & Donations program.
DICK’S Team Sports HQ currently serves youth sports governing bodies representing over nine million young athletes including US Youth Soccer, PONY Baseball and Softball, and National Police Athletic League, among others.
As a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer, DICK’s has a strong desire to invest in the community and the retail prowess to make a strong impact.
More information on DICK’S Teams Sports HQ can be found by visiting here.
