- Jeremy and Katie Dillard opened the 300th i9 Sports franchise in Greater York, Pennsylvania, after eight seasons as i9 Sports parents and volunteer coaches.
- Their first season launched with 140 kids in soccer, flag football, and T-ball, 10 staff members, and games at York Country Day School.
- The Dillards’ story was featured in SportsTravel magazine: “A Team for Ezra.”
Who Opened the 300th i9 Sports Franchise?
The 300th i9 Sports franchise belongs to Jeremy and Katie Dillard, a York, Pennsylvania family who first came to i9 Sports as customers. The Dillards became i9 Sports Area Developers in March and opened their Greater York territory, signing about 90 minutes ahead of franchise No. 301. Their first season kicked off on September 12.
How Did the Dillards Discover i9 Sports?
It started with their son, Ezra. In fall 2019, 8-year-old Ezra loved football but was discouraged by stressful tryouts and leagues that labeled kids by skill level. Jeremy found an i9 Sports flag football league in Harrisburg, about 35 minutes from home, where practice and games happen on the same day and every child plays.
Ezra loved it. Jeremy went on to spend eight seasons volunteering and coaching while all three Dillard children played.
“There’s an intentional effort to bring every single kid that’s on the team into focus,” Jeremy told SportsTravel.
Why Did an i9 Sports Parent Decide to Own a Franchise?
The Dillards saw what i9 Sports did for their own kids and wanted to bring it to their community. Today, Ezra helps coaches, referees, and parents on game day, and he’s grown more confident through the program. His siblings help run the league too, with Elli running the concession stand.
For families like the Dillards, owning an i9 Sports franchise turns something they already believed in into a business they can build together.
How Did the Dillards Launch Their i9 Sports Franchise?
The Dillards built their first season through grassroots marketing:
- Attending local community events
- Putting up road signs
- Recruiting families one conversation at a time
The result was 140 participants in their first season across soccer, flag football, and T-ball for ages 3 to 6. They hired 10 staff members and rent facilities from York Country Day School.
The first months weren’t easy. “The challenge at first, for me, was believing that what you’re doing is working,” Jeremy said.
i9 Sports President Ron Shimek says that kind of persistence is what sets successful owners apart. “You have to have grit to get through the challenges that are going to come your way,” he said.
Is Youth Sports a Growing Market?
Yes. According to federal survey data cited by SportsTravel, 58% of U.S. youth played a sport in 2024, up from a pandemic low of 48.5% in 2021. Parents are looking for programs that are convenient, affordable, and focused on fun and development instead of pressure. That’s the market i9 Sports was built for.
What Makes the i9 Sports Model Different?
- One day a week. Practice and game happen on the same day, which makes scheduling simple for busy families.
- Every kid plays. No tryouts, no skill-based labels, and a focus on sportsmanship and development.
- Multiple sports. Owners can offer flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, T-ball, volleyball, and more.
- Ages 3 to 14. Programs serve kids from their first season through middle school.
- Proven system. Owners get marketing support, proprietary technology, and ongoing business coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 300th i9 Sports franchise?
The 300th i9 Sports franchise is Greater York, Pennsylvania, owned by Jeremy and Katie Dillard. It opened its first season on September 12.
How many i9 Sports franchises are there?
i9 Sports has over 300 franchises run by 200+ owners in nearly 40 states.
What ages does i9 Sports serve?
i9 Sports offers youth sports programs for kids ages 3 to 14.
Do I need a background in sports to own an i9 Sports franchise?
No. i9 Sports owners come from many backgrounds, including corporate careers, the military, and parents who first knew the brand as customers. i9 Sports provides training, marketing support, technology, and business coaching.
Can parents own an i9 Sports franchise?
Yes. Many i9 Sports owners, including the Dillards, discovered the brand through their own children before deciding to own a franchise.
What is an i9 Sports Area Developer?
An i9 Sports Area Developer is a regional franchisee or master operator who manages, expands, and oversees multiple i9 Sports youth sports territories within a designated geographic region. Key responsibilities include:
- Territory Expansion – Acquires and develops multiple youth sports market territories (covering flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and more).
- Operations Management – Oversees local program directors, schedules, facility rentals, and coaching staff—often managing day-to-day operations across multiple cities or multi-county regions.
- Community & Brand Building – Promotes youth development by emphasizing fun, sportsmanship, and inclusive play rather than a win-at-all-costs mindset.
- Business Leadership – Focuses on business growth, marketing, and staff empowerment rather than direct sports coaching
Ready to Bring i9 Sports to Your Community?
The Dillards went from the sidelines to franchise owners. If you’re looking for a business that’s built around family, community, and kids, i9 Sports could be the right fit.
