Every Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. At i9 Sports, we also celebrate the remarkable ways veterans continue to serve long after their time in uniform. Their commitment to leadership, teamwork, and community doesn’t end when their service does; it simply takes on a new form.
For some veterans, that next chapter unfolds on the sidelines of youth sports fields and courts. Through i9 Sports, veterans are transforming the skills and values they honed in the military into something new: building youth sports communities that help children grow, thrive, and have fun. By creating spaces where kids can learn, play, and gain confidence, veterans are continuing to make an impact every day.
The Skills That Translate
Years of service teach veterans to lead with confidence, stay calm under pressure, and adapt to any challenge, skills that are just as valuable in business as they are in the military.
Running an i9 Sports franchise draws on many of these same strengths. In addition to organizing leagues, franchisees are responsible for setting a vision, inspiring teams, managing resources, and creating an environment where every kid feels supported and encouraged. The mission-driven mindset that guided veterans in service translates seamlessly into this work, allowing them to continue making a positive impact in their communities.
A Veteran’s Story: Leading with Purpose
For Larry Hayman, owning an i9 Sports franchise was a natural continuation of his service mindset. A former U.S. Army Automated Logistical Specialist who served from 2000 to 2004, including a tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Hayman knows firsthand how to lead teams and execute under pressure.
“Effective communication, leadership, preparation, planning, and teamwork—those were essential in the Army,” he said. “And they are just as essential in running an i9 Sports franchise.”
Today, Hayman owns three i9 Sports territories across Maryland’s Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s counties, offering everything from flag football and soccer to volleyball and cheerleading. His programs reach thousands of children each year, and he says that watching their confidence grow is what keeps him inspired.
“I have always loved sports and people,” Hayman said. “I get to combine those passions into something that truly makes a difference. Watching kids fall in love with the game, build friendships, and have fun is truly what it’s all about.”
A New Kind of Mission
For veterans like Larry, life after service is about embracing a new mission; one where they can continue to lead, build teams, and make a meaningful impact. Through the power of play, i9 Sports provides that opportunity, enabling veterans to shape and inspire the next generation.
Learn how your leadership can shape the next generation. Visit i9sportsfranchise.com to explore franchise opportunities for veterans.
