Georgia’s premier youth sports destination, LakePoint Sports, is once again taking center stage in the national conversation on youth athletics. On Tuesday, October 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, the Fifth Annual National Youth Sports Summit, presented by SportsEngine, will convene hundreds of leaders and innovators shaping the future of travel and youth sports at the Champions Center on the LakePoint campus.
The Summit — recognized as the nation’s top gathering of youth sports executives and visionaries — will feature in-depth discussions on sports innovation, fan experience, and the global growth of soccer in the wake of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Georgia at the Center of America’s Youth Sports Boom
“As we celebrate the fifth year of the National Youth Sports Summit, we’re proud to convene, connect, and collaborate with leaders across the travel and youth sports industry,” said Mark M. O’Brien, President and CEO of LakePoint Sports. “At a time when the industry is experiencing exponential growth and investment, this Summit is a galvanizing moment — one that celebrates our wins and sets the stage for what’s next.”
The event lineup reads like a who’s who of sports business — from executives at U.S. Soccer, Varsity Spirit, and PlayOn! Sports, to innovators driving technology, media, and global fan engagement.
The Summit’s soccer spotlight, titled “Growing the World’s Biggest Sport: FIFA World Cup Ripple Effect,” will feature Dave Smith (NASA-TopHat), Bria Garner (Coca-Cola FIFA Marketing Director), and Shari Summers (Chief Growth Officer, U.S. Soccer). Together, they’ll explore how the 2026 World Cup — hosted across Atlanta and North America — is fueling youth participation and investment in grassroots programs statewide.
Arthur Blank to Receive 2025 Impact Award
A major highlight of the Summit will be the presentation of the 2025 LakePoint Sports Impact Award, presented by Coca-Cola UNITED Bottling Company, to Arthur M. Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and one of Georgia’s most influential philanthropists.
Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports + Entertainment and the Atlanta Falcons, will accept the award on Blank’s behalf.
“Arthur Blank’s impact on sports, community, and youth development is nothing short of extraordinary,” O’Brien said. “From building world-class organizations to investing in opportunities that inspire the next generation, his leadership continues to shape the future of sports in ways that will resonate for decades.”
Featured Speakers and Sessions
The Summit’s agenda includes executive-level panels and fireside conversations exploring innovation, growth, and opportunity across sports:
Opening Remarks
- Mark M. O’Brien, LakePoint Sports
- Will McIntosh, President, Digital Platforms & Ventures, Versant
Key Panels
- The Travel and Youth Sports Industry: Hits, Headwinds, and Highlights — featuring Mark O’Brien and Todd Smith (SFIA)
- Prioritizing the Fan Experience: Streaming, Access, and Content — with Matt Hong (Versant Sports)
- Driving the Game Forward: Media, Data, & Deals — with Nick Busto (SportsEngine), Cameron Kolab (Youth Sports Business Report), and David Rudolph (PlayOn! Sports)
- Legacy of Youth Sports: Lifelong Memories and Collectibles — featuring Darren Rovell and Steve Ziff (Cllct)
The day concludes with the Impact Award presentation and closing reflections on how youth sports investment continues to strengthen communities, create jobs, and inspire future athletes.
Streaming the Future of Youth Sports
This year marks a milestone — the Summit will be live-streamed globally via the NBC SportsEngine platform, expanding its reach to coaches, club directors, and sports business leaders worldwide.
“The National Youth Sports Summit has become the best conference in our industry for leaders to exchange ideas and chart the course for the future,” said Will McIntosh, President of Versant Digital Platforms & Ventures. “We’re tackling the biggest trends driving youth sports today — from tech and media innovation to global growth.”
What This Means for Georgia and Atlanta’s Soccer Scene
The Summit’s focus on soccer’s rapid rise is particularly relevant to Atlanta’s sports ecosystem, which is already gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From Atlanta United’s thriving fanbase to youth academies like NASA-TopHat and Georgia Storm, the region has become a national hub for soccer development.
The discussions at LakePoint will help shape how Georgia youth soccer organizations adapt to global opportunities, enhance player pathways, and leverage growing investment in sports media and analytics.
Next Steps: Registration Open Now
The 2025 National Youth Sports Summit takes place Tuesday, October 28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. ET at LakePoint Sports Champions Center in Emerson, Georgia.
Seats are limited and registration is now open at NationalYouthSportsSummit.com.
Join the Conversation
How will events like the National Youth Sports Summit help shape Georgia’s future as a sports destination?
Will the 2026 World Cup spark a new generation of athletes in the South?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag @AtlantaSoccerNews on social media using #YouthSportsSummit and #ATL2026 to join the discussion!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.