DICK’S Team Sports HQ Platform Grows with the Addition of Affinity Sports
The world of youth sports has become fertile territory for large companies looking to grab their share of the growing market. Today, DICK’S Sporting Goods acquired Affinity Sports, the leading online registration software platform in youth soccer. Last month, NBC Sports acquired SportNgin, a competitor of Affinity’s — and in April, Blue Star Sports acquired Bonzi. DICK’s acquired Blue Sombrero in 2012, another technology provider in the youth market.
Affinity Sports’ unique sports management technology will broaden the portfolio of DICK’S Team Sports HQ offerings, servicing youth sports National Governing Bodies and large-scale, nationwide organizations
DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS), the largest U.S.-based sporting goods retailer announced today the acquisition of Affinity Sports, a sports management technology company headquartered in San Diego. Under wraps for a while, this acquisition benefits everyone.
Affinity Sports, the specialists in Online Player Registration and Sports Management, is the brainchild of San Diego entrepreneur Mark Skeen. A comprehensive online registration solution for sports organizations, Affinity Sports dramatically reduces the time and money needed to run soccer leagues and clubs. With 28 State soccer associations as clients and millions of users, Affinity Sports is dedicated to growing the game of soccer — and now other sports as well.
“We are thrilled to announce Affinity Sports’ acquisition by DICK’s. We are very excited about the future and, as always, our first commitment is to our customers,” said Mark Skeen, CEO of Affinity Sports. “This acquisition provides our team with terrific resources to enhance our services, and our clients will immediately benefit from being a part of the DICK’S Team Sports HQ platform.”
“We’re excited to continue to grow our footprint in the important space of youth sports technology,” said Edward W. Stack, Chairman & CEO, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “At DICK’S, we believe that sports matter and providing access to sports is a key priority for us. The acquisition of Affinity Sports will help us to deliver an unparalleled service to some of the largest youth sports organizations in the country.”
eAffinity Sports will provide key services to various youth sports National Governing Bodies and large-scale organizations under the DICK’S Team Sports HQ platform.
Affinity Sports customers include many US Youth Soccer State Associations as well as several US Adult Soccer Association (USASA) states.
‘The latest round of consolidation in the player registration & website market proves soccer’s influence continues to grow,” said Duncan Riddle, Executive Director of the USASA. “The sports marketing opportunities that come from owning a player registration company is very attractive to major retailers and broadcasters.”
DICK’S – a sports retailer very adept at online promotion and sending compelling emails offering discounts — looks to bring benefits to the youth soccer market. Interested in streamlining the sale of merchandise to soccer players, teams and clubs, DICK’S Team Sports HQ has a comprehensive and easy to use online site — and, as the DICK’s website says, “It is the only, all-in-one service that equips and supports youth leagues with everything they need to succeed.”
DICK’S even offers sponsorship and support through their Foundation.
We believe sports matter because participation in sports makes people better. Sports increase confidence and motivate kids to stay in the classroom and aim for higher education. They help build character and teach life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field. That’s why we’ve made it the mission of our Foundation, Community, and Sports Matter programs to give young athletes opportunities to play.” DICK’S Team Sports HQ
DICK’S Sporting Goods Community Program proudly supports leagues, teams, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. If you are interested in submitting a request for a donation or sponsorship for your Sports Team or League, please create an account.
acquisition of Affinity Sports provides the retailer with insights into the thriving and often affluent youth soccer market.
DICK’S Team Sports HQ launched in January of 2016 and provides an all-in-one platform that offers youth sports leagues across the country three key services – online registration and team/league websites, custom uniforms and FanWear and access to donations and sponsorships.
Affinity’s specialized sports management software will both facilitate and simplify the registration, scheduling and communication processes between national or regional governing bodies and their associated leagues, working to close existing communication gaps and enabling better player and coach visibility between these important groups.
League administrators will also be able to use the online tools through DICK’S Team Sports HQ to design gear specific to their league, allowing coaches and parents to order uniforms and FanWear right from their league website.
To continue their effort of supporting organizations that inspire and enable sports participation, DICK’S Sporting Goods will also make donations and sponsorships available to these groups through DICK’S Team Sports HQ.
Getting to know DICK’S … have you seen this video?
Did you know that DICK’S Sporting Goods started in 1948? As of July 30, 2016, the Company operated more than 645 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK’S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream, True Runner and Chelsea Collective specialty stores.
