If you’re new here, let me introduce myself. And if you’re not new here, why haven’t you sent this to your friends who need to know more about youth sports yet?
I’m Doug Freeman. I grew up in Lakeland, Florida. Played junior college ball, then D2, then independent professional baseball. Coached at the junior college level. Started Prep Baseball Florida, then started Groupbook to service hotels and tech partners in group travel. Sold both.
So I’ve had quite a ride. In my Free Time, I share my insights on youth sports, what you should actually expect, plus business, AI, acquisitions, some culture, and really whatever I think is important or relevant. I’ll have some initiatives I want to push, but mostly I want to talk about what’s important today, in an ever-changing landscape, from my perspective.
Here’s the honest version. A lot of you open this. Not many of you write back. That’s fine. But I want to write what you actually need, not what I feel like writing.
Youth sports has never been louder. Everyone has a ranking, a system, a guarantee. Most of it is selling you something.
So here are four things I have a real take on, from the chair, not from a brochure:
Recruiting. What coaches actually look for, and what they ignore.
Events. Which ones are worth the money, and which ones are just expensive weekends.
Choosing a team. How to pick an org without getting sold.
Showcases vs tournaments. What each one actually does, and where parents waste money.
I could go deep on any of them. I’d rather go deep on the one you need.
Vote below. Something else on your mind? Just reply to this email and tell me. Best answers run Thursday.
I preach consistency and value around here. Showing up every week is the consistency part. Writing what you need is the value part. Help me do both.
What should I go deep on next?
— Doug
P.S. The winner gets Thursday.
Know a parent who lived the travel-ball life and built something real? Forward this.
Own a sports company, or any company, really? I’ve exited two of my own, and I’m actively helping owners raise money privately or sell. If that’s a conversation you want to have, book a call.
Parent in the middle of the youth sports ride who wants one-on-one guidance? Book here.