Stronger Leadership. Smarter Decisions. Greater Impact.

Join an exclusive group of Youth Sports Executives dedicated to leadership excellence and club success.

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What is a Leadership Circle?

A Leadership Circle is an exclusive, curated group of 8 youth sports executives committed to sharing insights, solving challenges, and driving meaningful change. These small, structured peer groups offer a confidential, non-competitive environment where members exchange ideas, tackle pressing issues, and elevate leadership skills.

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  • IYSL Leadership Circles are small groups with 8 Members
  • Designed for Leaders seeking support and collaboration with successful peers
  • Leaders exchange ideas, tackle issues, share best practices and improve their leadership skills
  • Leaders gain fresh perspectives and contribute to the advancement of youth sports at all levels
  • Circles are formed with extreme care. IYSL avoids assigning direct competitors to the same Circle
  • IYSL is meticulous in selecting Members through a comprehensive on-boarding process
  • Circles meet 8 times a year - every 45 days - virtually and once a year at the Leaders in Youth Sports Conference

How Leadership Circles Work

Every 45 days, Members participate in a virtual 2-hour video meeting.  All issues to be resolved are submitted by members before the meeting.  One Member also presents for upto 18 minutes on a hot topic or best practice.

Every 90 days, members engage in a longer 4-hour virtual session designed for deep discussions on strategic leadership topics and complex club management issues. These extended meetings allow for more in-depth problem-solving and presentations.

Once a year, members convene for an in-person, half-day Leadership Circle retreat as part of a 3 day Leaders in Youth Sports Conference. This awsome event  offers face-to-face networking, high-level strategy discussions, and expert insights, strengthening relationships and reinforcing leadership growth.

Members have an exclusive opportunity to attend a monthly webinar focused on key leadership topics proposed by the Membership. These webinars feature industry experts, experienced leaders, and peers from outside their regular circle, providing fresh perspectives and valuable insights. 

Between meetings, Members are encouraged to back-channel, collaborating in small groups or one-on-one to solve challenges and support each other in real time. These connections create a continuous learning loop, allowing members to apply insights, refine strategies, and accelerate progress between the structured 45-day meetings.

How Will You Benefit?

  • Solve challenges with seven top leaders who bring real-world expertise and strategic insights
  • Gain practical solutions from peers who understand the realities of youth sports leadership
  • Join a driven group of leaders committed to improving youth sports and supporting each other
  • Leverage peers’ strengths in fundraising, HR, facilities, and strategic planning to enhance your leadership
  • Avoid leadership isolation by gaining support from experienced executives facing similar daily challenges
  • Stay ahead with exclusive webinars featuring best practices from top youth sports innovators

Profile of a Circle Member

  • Is a high performer with a proven track record.
  • Has a clear understanding of the issues faced by leaders and organizations.
  • Is keen to share, contribute, and share examples of good and best practices.
  • Is a collaborator, working with trusted colleagues to solve challenges.
  • Is an innovator and has experienced success in developing better systems and processes.
  • Is committed to a mission to improve the experience for children and families through enhanced leadership in youth sports.

Leadership Circle Guarantee

Membership costs $1,999 annually, with a commitment that the value will exceed your investment. We are so confident in the impact of Leadership Circle Membership that we offer a no-risk guarantee—cancel at any time, and we will refund any unused portion of your membership fee.

Leadership Circle Interest Form

Please complete the form and submit. David Newbery or Scott Wollaston (IYSL Directors) will be in contact to set up a video call to discuss your Membership interests.

Circle Membership Interest Form

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