Every new parent thinks about getting their child involved in some sort of group or team activity, and i9 Sports is the perfect league for ages from 3 years old to eighth grade. Brought to our area in 1995 by Franchise Owner, Jeff Marsman, children from any town are welcome to join the teams, camaraderie and fun activities that i9 offers.
With four sports, T-Ball, Baseball, Soccer & Flag Football, offered for four seasons a year simultaneously at the Coral Springs Sportsplex and Basketball at the Coral Springs gymnasium twice a year, the rosters are open to families whose focus is on fun and encouragement. Coaches focus on instruction and fun, with special weekly awards for sportsmanship, helpfulness and other positive attributes that aren’t necessarily physical.
After involving his son, Joshua, when he was 6, in i9 seven years ago, it was a logical step for Ryan Gallagher to get his daughter, Marissa involved last year when she was 4. Roles for parents can be anything from cheering at the sidelines and getting to know other families to coaching. Ryan has happily helped his children and their teammates by being a positive coach and mentor for whichever sport they’re playing and learning to love. “I like the format of i9, to be able to go out and practice just before they play,” Ryan says. “They are able to apply the skills right away. I didn’t think it was right that kids at that age had to sit on the sidelines when they were part of other leagues. I like the equal playing time that each kid is able to get in with i9.”
A nationwide program, Jeff says, “i9 came into existence to cater to average kids and the majority of our population. We offer leagues that are not intended to cater to the top one or two percent of the performers, but rather to kids who can learn a sport, develop friendships and participate in a meaningful way regardless of their talent level. The opportunity for bonding between parents and children and the coaches and their teams is a great way of interacting and giving these kids the experience they’ll remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.” An experience that is pointedly different from many of the more competitive leagues in the area, i9 stresses equal playing time, scoreless games and no big championships. Every child is a winner and is awarded a trophy at the end of each season for their participation. Jeff says, “We think that every kid deserves to enjoy the experience.”
Our children depend on us for so many things with three of the most important being affection, security and encouragement. To give them a healthy view of competition and teamwork from their tenderest years, there is no greater example than the i9 model, which focuses on inclusion and equal time for every player, regardless of their ability. At i9, it’s more about character than competition.
i9 Sports – Youth Sports Leagues
954-227-9955