Youth Inc., a digital media network focused on youth sports content, has announced the launch of Season Two of its Youth Inc. Podcast on October 30, following a successful $4.5 million seed funding round led by Will Ventures. This move signifies a pivotal moment in the company's mission to become a key player in the youth sports industry. The podcast, which first aired in 2022, quickly became a vital resource for the youth sports community, featuring interviews with sports legends like Jerry Rice and Russell Wilson, and amassing over 400,000 downloads.
The upcoming season introduces Dr. Michael Gervais, a renowned sports psychologist, as co-host, highlighting the podcast's dedication to offering actionable advice and insights for young athletes. Greg Olsen, co-founder of Youth Inc. and an Emmy Award-winning NFL analyst, stressed the importance of creating a platform that speaks directly to the challenges faced by young athletes today. Season Two will explore essential topics such as resilience, competitive pressure, and mindset training, aiming to equip young athletes with the tools they need for success.
Supported by Founding Partners Players Health and MaxU, the six-episode season is part of Youth Inc.'s broader strategy to enhance its offerings. The company is also preparing to launch a commerce platform in early 2025, designed to provide tailored products and services for youth sports families and coaches. Ryan Baise, another co-founder and former Fanatics executive, believes this initiative will transform how families access resources in the youth sports landscape.
Youth Inc.'s expansion reflects a growing recognition of the unique needs within the youth sports community. By integrating expert content with a dedicated commerce platform, the company is setting a new standard for how young athletes and their support networks engage with sports-related resources. This holistic approach not only promises to enrich the youth sports experience but also has the potential to influence the industry's future direction, making Youth Inc.'s latest developments a significant milestone for millions of young athletes across the United States.
