Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Smith.
Hi Ted, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For years, my Saturday mornings were spent on the sidelines as a volunteer coach with i9 Sports. What started as a way to be involved in my community quickly turned into a deep passion for the i9 Sports model—a program that prioritizes fun, safety, and sportsmanship.
At the time, my wife and I were navigating the beautiful but demanding chaos of raising two young children. To ensure one of us was always home with them, I worked late nights bartending while spending my days earning a Bachelor’s in Sports Marketing & Media and a Master’s in Public Relations from Full Sail University.
The schedule was daunting, but it allowed us to be present for our kids during their most formative years.
The turning point came just one week after I walked across the stage with my Master’s degree. I was out on the fields coaching when the owner of the local i9 Sports franchise walked by and asked how I was doing. I jokingly replied, “Better if I had your job!”
To my surprise, he didn’t laugh. He looked at me and said, “I’m actually thinking about selling, and I’d love to sell it to someone with your passion and energy.”
That was the spark I needed. After reviewing the numbers and the franchise requirements, the stars aligned. In 2018, I officially transitioned from volunteer coach to franchise owner.
Today, I am proud to lead the program I once volunteered for. My mission remains the same: to provide a world-class youth sports experience for families, fueled by the same energy I brought to the sidelines as a volunteer coach all those years ago.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While my background provided a foundation, the following struggles were significant hurdles along the way:
Financial Management & “Cash Flow Shock”: Beyond initial fees, managing funds for a growing team while facing high operating costs and royalty payments was a primary trial. Learning to manage a professional-scale budget—including rent, payroll, and marketing before the business becomes profitable—required quick financial acumen.
The Transition from Friend to Boss: While recruiting friends helped launch the program, it introduced the challenge of accountability. Implementing formal disciplinary processes and maintaining professional standards without damaging personal relationships is a common “unknown unknown” that many new owners face.
Operational Burnout: In the “owner-operator” phase, the sheer volume of administrative tasks and 24/7 technical work often leads to exhaustion. Defining the difference between “needs” and “wants” in operations was essential to move from reactive task work to efficient systems.
Scaling the “Standardization” Trap: As a new owner, you had to perform every role well. However, scaling requires moving from doing the work to documenting it. The struggle was learning to create standard operating procedures (SOPs) so the team could replicate your performance without your direct involvement.
Unforeseen “Unknown Unknowns”: Beyond the business plan, challenges like high employee turnover, inflation-driven cost increases, and strict compliance with franchise brand standards created a constant “learning on the fly” environment.
Ultimately, the road was marked by the difficult shift from being a Tactical Operator who wears all the hats to a Strategic Leader who manages the systems that wear the hats
We’ve been impressed with i9sports, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What We Do
We offer youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics for children ages 3-14 in popular sports like flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and lacrosse. Our programs are designed to be convenient for busy families, with a once-a-week practice and game schedule, and no required fundraising or travel.
What We Specialize in / What We’re Known For
i9 Sports is known for its recreational format that reclaims youth sports for kids who just want to play and have fun, rather than focusing solely on competition and winning. We specialize in fostering an experience where families can enjoy sports together without the intense, win-at-all-costs culture prevalent in many other leagues.
What Sets Us Apart
Our unique approach, known as the “i9 Sports Experience,” is what truly differentiates us. Key differentiators include:
Emphasis on Sportsmanship: A core part of our program involves a weekly focus on a specific sportsmanship value (e.g., integrity, leadership), and a medal is awarded to a player on each team who best demonstrates that value.
“When in Doubt, Sit Out” Concussion Safety Protocol: We were the first national youth sports organization to implement this and other safety measures, prioritizing the physical safety of our athletes.
Focus on the “Fun” Factor: We prioritize building an intrinsic love of the game, rather than the pressure to succeed immediately.
Convenience for Families: Our once-a-week model honors family time and active lifestyles, a significant draw for modern parents.
What We Are Most Proud of Brand Wise
We are most proud of our unwavering mission to help kids succeed in life through sports. We take pride in seeing children build self-confidence, develop fundamental life skills like teamwork and self-discipline, and create lasting, positive memories on the field.
What We Want Readers to Know
We want readers to know that i9 Sports is where children can build confidence, enjoy a pressure-free culture, and fall in love with sports through inclusion and fun. We believe in developing the total athlete—not just their physical skills, but also their character—and providing a positive, age-appropriate environment where every child has an equal opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their skill level. It is, simply, “The Way Youth Sports Should Be”.
Any big plans?
As I look toward 2026, my roadmap for this i9 Sports franchise is built on three pillars: aggressive market expansion across Central Florida, a complete transformation of the After School Program (ASP) model, and the formalization of a “full-circle” career pipeline for our athletes.
1. Scaling to Full Market Potential
Currently, I am operating in only 15% of my 14-zip code territory in Central Florida. My primary goal is to bridge that gap and ensure every community in my allotted area has access to the i9 Sports experience.
The Strategy: We will scale by identifying and securing new “venue hubs” within untapped zip codes, focusing on the diversity of today’s youth sports landscape.
The Goal: By 2026, I aim to significantly increase our market penetration by offering a spectrum of programs—from high-energy, fun-focused leagues for families seeking convenience to skill-intensive training for those looking for athletic development.
2. Redefining the After School Program (ASP)
I recognize a major pain point for Central Florida families: after-school care is often expensive and lacks high-quality engagement. My vision is to give the ASP a total makeover.
The Vision: We are building a structured, affordable alternative to traditional after-school care that focuses on actual skill training and athletic development.
The Execution: We are currently developing a formal structure to present to local schools. This program won’t just be “childcare”—it will be an enrichment program where kids receive professional-level coaching and character building during the hours their parents are at work.
3. Creating a “Full-Circle” Athlete Pipeline
The most rewarding part of this journey is seeing our players age out and wanting to stay involved. My plan is to turn our program into a mentorship engine for these young adults.
Job Creation: We are intentionally hiring and mentoring our returning athletes as coaches and site managers.
Life Skills & Culture: This is where we teach them the “real world” skills of accountability, positive reinforcement, and workplace culture. By bringing them back as staff, we are not just running sports leagues; we are developing the next generation of leaders in our community.
Moving Forward
The transition from an owner-operator to a regional leader means my “hats” will continue to change. However, by focusing on these three areas, I am confident we can maximize our reach, provide a much-needed service to working parents, and create a lasting impact on the young adults who grew up in our program. The road ahead is about growth, innovation, and community legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.i9sports.com/franchises/winter-garden-fl/313
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i9sportsis313/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i9sports
Image Credits
Vince Sanders at Visions by Vince
