The Wilmington, NC owners are recognized for building a market from the ground up through disciplined marketing, high operating standards, and a commitment to the families they serve.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named i9 Sports franchise owners Jay and Danielle Mechtly of Wilmington, North Carolina, among its 2026 Franchisees of the Year. The award honors franchise owners who show excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service.
The Mechtlys are one of three winners from Youth Enrichment Brands, the parent company of i9 Sports. Fellow honorees include Dan Moore and Quinn Lukas of School of Rock Wexford and South Hills near Pittsburgh, and Amy Albiero of SafeSplash Swim School + SwimLabs in Louisville, Kentucky. All five owners were recognized at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.
“Having three franchisees recognized across three different brands says something about the caliber of owners in our system,” said Rob Price, CEO of Youth Enrichment Brands.
From West Point to the Sidelines
Jay’s path to franchise ownership started far from a youth soccer field. After high school he went to West Point and then served six years in the U.S. Army, including deployments in 2003 and 2005.
He came to i9 Sports the way many owners do: as a parent. Jay and Danielle’s four children all played i9 Sports, and Jay volunteered as a coach. He saw firsthand what made the model different, including one weekly event that combines practice and game, which solved the scheduling headaches his family had dealt with in other leagues.
Jay says his military background was a natural fit for franchising.
“People that succeed in the military are used to following a plan,” Jay said. “It’s like the franchise system in that there’s a standard procedure for doing what needs to be done.”
Building a Market From the Ground Up
The Mechtlys’ territory covers Wilmington, Jacksonville, and Brunswick County, North Carolina, and has grown to serve about 2,500 players per season. In fall 2023, they expanded into a second territory in Georgia covering Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and Rincon.
“Jay and Danielle built a market from the ground up.” said Elliot Schiffer, Chief Development Officer of Youth Enrichment Brands.
What sets the Mechtlys apart is how intentionally they run the business. Their marketing is planned and executed carefully, from school flyers and radio ads to car magnets around town, and it has driven steady registration growth year after year. Their operations are just as disciplined. They hold high standards for game day, customer service, and staff development, because they know a great experience on the field and a strong business behind it go hand in hand.
The result: families in their markets don’t just sign up. They come back, they refer friends, and they trust the i9 Sports name.
The Mechtlys also credit their people. Program directors Craig Decatur (Wilmington) and Allan Erickson (Savannah) are central to their success, and both are partners in the Savannah territory.
Setting the Standard for the System
The Mechtlys’ impact reaches well beyond their own territories. i9 Sports uses their programs in new franchisee training, so new owners see what “good” looks like from the start of their journey.
Built for Veterans
Jay’s story shows why i9 Sports works for people who have served. Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and comfort with a proven system, which is exactly what franchising rewards. i9 Sports takes part in the IFA’s VetFran program, which offers qualified U.S. Armed Forces veterans a 10% discount on the franchise fee.
Own an i9 Sports Franchise
i9 Sports gives owners a proven playbook, marketing support, proprietary technology, and ongoing business coaching, along with a network of owners like the Mechtlys who set the bar for what’s possible.
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