Welcome to the Sponsorable Podcast, where we deep dive into the dynamic world of grassroots sports and the business of sponsorships! Hosted by Garrett Shea, founder of Sports Sponsorships and Events Consulting (SSEC), this podcast is your go-to resource for insights on building impactful partnerships and elevating youth sports experiences.
Available on YouTube and Spotify.
The Sponsorable Podcast with Garrett Shea on Youtube
Sponsorable with Garrett Shea on Spotify
EPISODE 12: Bringing Serious Business to Rhode Island with Soccer: Brett Johnson of Benevolent Capital Group
In this compelling new episode of Sponsorable, Garrett Shea sits down with Brett Johnson, CEO of Benevolent Capital Group, to explore the intricate world of sports investment and development. Brett shares his journey from a pivotal moment in 2014 when he envisioned bringing professional soccer to Phoenix, to building the successful Rhode Island FC and Stadium—an endeavor that exemplifies the power of strategic investment in grassroots and professional sports. He discusses the challenges of stadium costs, market selection, and the importance of location, highlighting how his ventures in USL soccer and other sports are transforming underserved markets into thriving sporting hubs with TV exposure, sponsorship, and community pride.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 11: Empowering Girls through Flag Football with Dr. Jen Welter, the first female NFL coach
In this inspiring episode of The Sponsorable Podcast, Garrett Shea sits down with trailblazing football pioneer Dr. Jen Welter, the first female NFL coach, to discuss how sports can serve as a transformative tool for women and girls worldwide. Jen shares her incredible journey from representing Team USA and winning gold medals to breaking barriers as the first woman to coach in the NFL—highlighting her resilience and determination to redefine what’s possible. She emphasizes how football creates a “magic window” for young women, fostering confidence, leadership, and opportunity far beyond the field.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 10: International Sports Travel for Youth Teams with Eric McAleer, Senior VP at WorldStrides Sports
In this episode of The Sponsorable Podcast, Garrett Shea is joined by Eric McAleer, Senior VP of WorldStrides Sports, to explore how international travel is transforming the youth sports experience. Eric shares how WorldStrides, North America’s largest educational travel provider creates unforgettable, customized trips for teams across the globe, blending competition, culture, and character-building.
From organizing safe, affordable travel to destinations like Spain, Italy, and Brazil to fostering global understanding and lasting friendships, Eric offers valuable insights into how international sports travel develops both athletes and leaders. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or organizer, this episode highlights the life-changing impact of playing the game abroad.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 9: Monetizing Youth Sports Newsletter into a Powerhouse Marketing Platform with Ian Goldberg, iSport360
Garrett Shea sits down with Ian Goldberg, CEO of iSport360, to explore how digital media is reshaping youth sports sponsorships. Reaching over 3.5 million parents, coaches, and organizers, iSport360 leverages newsletters, video series like Half Time Heroes, and branded content to connect with a passionate community, while staying transparent and trustworthy.
Ian shares how the platform monetizes through advertising, syndication, and licensing, and why brands like Allegra and IHG Hotels are investing in grassroots storytelling. From content creation to authentic sponsorships, this episode is packed with insights for brands and organizations navigating the evolving world of youth sports media.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Available on Spotify.
EPISODE 8: Leveling The Playing Field: How WeCoach is Changing the Game for Women in Sports with Vanessa Fuchs
Garrett Shea sits down with Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCoach, to explore how the organization is building a lasting movement to recruit, advance, and retain women in coaching. With over 18,000 members and partnerships with brands like the NFL, Gatorade, and the Marines, Vanessa shares how WeCoach is creating impact through intentional, high-quality programs like “We Aspire” and “We Mentor.”
They discuss the importance of mentorship, data-driven advocacy, and why grassroots partnerships, not just big events, are key to growing women’s leadership in sports. This episode offers a powerful look at how purpose-driven work creates lasting change.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 7: Understanding Club Structure and Value Proposition with Justin Miller, CEO Rush Soccer
Garrett Shea sits down with Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer, to explore the future of youth soccer in the U.S. and what comes next after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the largest club soccer organization in the country, Rush supports 60,000+ players across 110 clubs and is redefining how grassroots soccer scales, partners, and performs.
Justin shares how Rush integrates brands like Carvana and Hudl, leverages tech to streamline operations and player development, and prepares for global growth with pro teams and a national academy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand youth soccer’s next big play.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 6: Creating Authentic Partnerships in Community Sports Marketing with Dave Natale of NMS Consulting
Garrett Shea sits down with Dave Natale of NMS Consulting Inc. and former Head of National Community Marketing at Dick’s Sporting Goods, to explore how to build authentic, scalable sponsorships in youth sports. With over 20 years of experience, Dave shares how Dick’s grew from six to 900+ stores by staying rooted in local sports communities and supporting over 5,000 leagues nationwide.
From shop days to training clinics, Dave unpacks how to deliver real value beyond just writing checks and offers strategies for leagues to build long-term, impactful partnerships that engage parents, athletes, and brands alike.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 5: The Sponsorship Evolution in Youth Soccer with Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer
In this episode, Garrett Shea sits down with Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, to discuss how a local approach to leadership can spark national impact. With a background at Major League Soccer and over a decade at NJYS, Evan shares how the organization grew its sponsor portfolio from two partners to a strategic lineup including RWJ Barnabas Health, Prime, and Score Sports while staying true to its grassroots mission.
They also dive into national collaboration through the U.S. Consortium of State Associations, G3 (Growing the Girls Game), World Cup partnerships, and how intentional sponsorships are shaping the future of youth soccer.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 4: Revolutionizing Sponsorship Management with Technology: Mitch Thompson, Founder/CEO Pando Partner
Garrett Shea sits down with Mitch Thompson, CEO of Pando Partner, to explore how AI and technology are revolutionizing sponsorship management. With experience advising major brands like Budweiser and Toyota, Mitch shares how Pando’s platform is helping sports organizations and sponsors streamline activation, improve tracking, and deliver measurable results. From automation to data-driven insights, this episode dives into how tech is transforming the future of grassroots sports partnerships.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 3: The Impact of Technology and Partnerships in Grassroots Sports with Rob Connor, VP Babe Ruth League
On this episode of the Sponsorable Podcast, Garrett Shea chats with Rob Connor, VP of Babe Ruth League, about how youth sports organizations can grow and adapt in a fast-changing landscape. Rob shares how Babe Ruth League has evolved from volunteer-driven roots into a globally recognized organization, building long-term brand partnerships and leveraging technology to enhance league management and sponsorships. They also tackle important topics like overuse injuries in young athletes and the international growth of the Babe Ruth League World Series.
Tune in for a deep dive into the future of grassroots baseball and how to deliver lasting value for players, families, and sponsors.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 2: Broadcasting, Sponsorships, and Partnerships in Youth Sports with Greer Monterastelli
Live sports streaming is transforming the way youth sports are viewed and valued. In this episode, Garrett Shea chats with Greer Monterastelli, VP of Home Team Network, about the rise of live broadcasting across high school, club, and collegiate sports. With experience ranging from combines to professional curling, Greer shares how Home Team Network is making professional-grade production more accessible helping organizations engage fans, attract sponsors, and monetize content like never before.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.
EPISODE 1: The Evolution of Grassroots Youth Sports with Mark Robinson, RCX Sports VP of League Growth
Garrett sits down with Mark Robinson, VP of Lead Growth at RCX Sports, to explore how pro leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS are partnering with youth sports to create unforgettable experiences for young athletes. Mark shares how RCX is helping kids “play like the pros” with pro-style jerseys, elite programs, and a mission to make sports more accessible. They dive into the evolution of youth sports, the role of corporate sponsorships and private equity, and the challenges of scaling nationwide programs. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or brand leader, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Also available on Spotify.