Couple starts i9 Sports franchise

Date AddedSeptember 02, 2009 06:47:21 AM

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VIENNA - A local couple has started a youth sports league franchise in West Virginia.

Sean and Angi Smith have acquired the first i9 Sports franchise serving northern Wood County and southern Washington County. The company, based in Tampa, Fla., has more than 200,000 members in 750 communities in the nation.

The focus of the franchise is on the parents and the participating children, ages 4 to 14, Smith said. Coaches undergo background checks and receiving training on health and safety, he said.

Convenience is a prime consideration for parents as is league organization, Mrs. Smith said. For example, practice is on the same day of the games and a 24-hour weather hotline so parents know what playing conditions are before they get to the field, Smith said.

For the children, the emphasis is not only on playing and exercise, but sportsmanship and building self-esteem, he said.

"We do keep score, but competitiveness is not our main priority," Smith said.

Studies have shown that kids play for fun and want to play with their friends, Smith said. Teams are organized with that in mind, he said.

"As a kid, that can be a deal breaker," Smith said.

Also, the leagues are for girls, too, Mrs. Smith said.

"That what makes us a little different than the other leagues," she said.

Smith is an assistant football coach at Parkersburg High School. He was an assistant football coach at Parkersburg South before moving to Parkersburg High.

Smith also was a quarterback for St. Marys High School and Marshall University.

Each child plays and has a chance to play all positions regardless of ability, Smith said. Flag football leagues are being formed and will start on Oct. 3 and end Nov. 21, he said. The goal is 10 to 15 teams with eight to 10 players, he said.

Games will be played at Southwood Park.

Registration, which costs $125, ends Sept. 7, he said. After football, the transition will be into basketball on Dec. 5, Smith said.

Frank V. Fiume founded i9 Sports in 2003.