i9 Sports: Revolutionizing Community-Based Youth Sports Programs

Based in Riverview, Florida, i9 Sports stands out as a premier youth sports league franchise in the United States and the largest provider of diverse, community-driven youth sports programs.

Established by Frank Fiume in 1995, i9 Sports offers a variety of sports leagues, camps, and clinics for boys and girls aged 3–14, featuring popular sports like flag football, soccer, basketball, and baseball.

The franchise began expanding through franchising in 2003 and has since grown to over 202 locations worldwide, with 201 operating within the US.

i9 Sports distinguishes itself by focusing on fun and safety while promoting good sportsmanship. They prioritize a positive experience for all participants, encouraging healthy competition without the pressure often associated with youth sports. This approach has made them a favorite among parents looking for a balanced sports experience for their children.

Moreover, i9 Sports provides comprehensive support to its franchisees, including extensive training and marketing assistance. This ensures that each franchise location maintains the high standards of quality and community engagement that the brand is known for, contributing to its impressive growth and success.

Training 

Pre-Training Preparation
Prior to the commencement of formal training, franchisees are required to complete specific Pre-Training Preparation tasks. These tasks are designed to acquaint franchisees with the i9 Sports system and set a solid foundation for the subsequent training stages.

Phase I Training
Spanning four consecutive days, Phase I Training can take place either at the i9 Sports Training Facility in Riverview, Florida, or virtually. This phase includes 26.5 hours of intensive classroom instruction covering various topics such as the history and culture of i9 Sports, sports programming, customer service, marketing strategies, and the use of proprietary software. There is no hands-on training during this phase.

Post-Phase I Online Training
After completing Phase I, franchisees must participate in Post-Phase I Online Training, which includes webinars and online training modules. This segment is designed to reinforce the knowledge acquired during Phase I and ensure franchisees are prepared to begin marketing and offering services. This training encompasses 1 hour for Email Blasts, 1.5 hours for Franchise Manager Training – Reporting, and 1 hour for Staffing Webinar.

Phase II Training
Phase II Training must be completed within one to three months after the Business Launch Date and prior to the Service Start Date. This phase includes grand opening day training at an operational location and combines self-paced online courses with in-person or virtual sessions.

Phase III Training
Two to three months following the Service Start Date, franchisees undergo Phase III Training, which consists of a series of webinars as designated by the franchisor.

Phase IV Training
Within ten to twelve months after the Service Start Date, franchisees participate in Phase IV Training, which includes a series of training webinars and/or strategic planning sessions.

Training Fees
For the initial training, the first two trainees are included at no additional cost. However, a reasonable fee is charged for any additional trainees, currently $395 for Phase I Training and $250 for Phase II Training. Should additional training or on-site assistance be required, the current charge is $750 per trainee per day, plus expenses.

Much like crafting a comprehensive business plan for various ventures, i9 Sports ensures their franchisees are well-prepared and supported through each phase of training, ensuring a smooth and successful launch of their franchise.

Territory Protection

As a franchisee, you will not be granted an exclusive territory. This means that your location may face competition not only from other franchisees but also from outlets owned and operated by the franchisor. Additionally, the franchisor may control other channels of distribution or competitive brands that could impact your business.

This policy ensures a broad market presence for the brand, encouraging healthy competition and innovation among franchisees. While this approach fosters growth and brand recognition, it requires franchisees to continually focus on delivering exceptional service and implementing effective marketing strategies to maintain a competitive edge in their local markets.