Youth Inc. Expands Digital Media Network for Youth Sports with New Podcast Season and Commerce Platform

Youth Inc., the pioneering digital media network focused exclusively on youth sports content and commerce, is set to launch the second season of its highly successful podcast on October 30, 2023. This expansion comes on the heels of a $4.5 million seed funding round in 2024, led by Will Ventures, signaling a significant step forward in the company's mission to transform the youth sports landscape.

Co-founded by Emmy Award-winning NFL analyst and former Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, along with former Fanatics executive Ryan Baise and Audacy, Inc.'s Tim Murphy, Youth Inc. has quickly established itself as a valuable resource for the youth sports community. The first season of the Youth Inc. Podcast garnered over 400,000 downloads and featured conversations with renowned athletes such as Jerry Rice, Russell Wilson, and Jennie Finch.

The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the challenges faced by young athletes today. With the addition of acclaimed sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais as co-host, the podcast aims to provide crucial insights on topics such as fostering resilience, managing competitive pressures, and leveraging mindset training for long-term success. This expansion of content reflects the growing need for comprehensive support in the youth sports sector, which currently involves more than 30 million young athletes across the country.

Youth Inc.'s growth extends beyond its podcast offerings. The company has announced plans to launch a robust commerce platform in early 2025, designed to provide a centralized hub for youth sports-related products and services. This initiative, led by Ryan Baise, aims to create a marketplace where families and coaches can access vetted content and products tailored to the needs of young athletes.

The expansion of Youth Inc. holds significant implications for the youth sports industry. By combining expert-driven content with a dedicated commerce platform, the company is positioning itself as a one-stop resource for navigating the complex landscape of youth athletics. This integrated approach could potentially streamline access to information, products, and services for millions of families involved in youth sports.

Furthermore, the focus on mental health and performance psychology in the podcast's second season addresses a critical need in youth sports. As young athletes face increasing pressures and expectations, the insights provided by Dr. Gervais and other experts could play a crucial role in promoting healthier approaches to competition and personal development.

The involvement of high-profile athletes and industry experts in Youth Inc.'s initiatives lends credibility to the platform and may help to elevate discussions around youth sports at a national level. This could lead to broader awareness of both the challenges and opportunities within youth athletics, potentially influencing policy decisions and industry practices.

As Youth Inc. continues to grow, its impact on the youth sports ecosystem could be substantial. By providing a centralized platform for content, commerce, and community, the company is poised to address long-standing gaps in resources and support for young athletes, their families, and coaches. The success of this venture could set a new standard for how youth sports are approached, supported, and developed in the digital age.