Youth sports have been a constant thread throughout my life. From my early years as a multi-sport youth athlete to playing college baseball, sports have always been at the core of my journey. As a father of two wonderful daughters, my experiences with youth sports came full circle, this time as a parent.

I believed my experiences, combined with my professional background in sports and media, would prepare me to navigate the youth sports environment. However, my wife and I often struggled to make the right decisions for our daughters' participation in youth sports.

Today's youth sports landscape shares many similarities with my younger days, but the business side has grown so significantly that it unintentionally negatively impacts our kids. As parents, our goals should be for our children to play, develop, and enjoy the sports they love. In today's world, it is crucial for parents to have the right plan and tools to achieve these outcomes for their kids. With any luck, they might even join the select group who can play their favorite sports at a higher level.

My hope is that Valiant Sports Society will provide parents with valuable information and tools, so they will make courageous decisions with the determination and confidence needed to craft the right plan for their kids. And most importantly allow their kids to play their favorite sports fearlessly.

Please join me in becoming part of the Valiant Sports Society. Together, we can foster a lifelong love of sports, promoting physical health, mental well-being, and the development of crucial life skills.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

— Todd Merkow, Founder & CEO, Valiant Sports Society