Excellence in Youth Sports Awards
Shining a spotlight on outstanding programs
History
For almost two decades, the Excellence in Youth Sports Award has recognized programs that are doing superior jobs of conducting diverse activities with a focus on providing safe and positive experiences for all participants - including children, parents and coaches. Each year hundreds of youth sports programs across the country and military bases worldwide vie to be an award winner. Developed by the National Alliance for Youth Sports and Athletic Business Magazine, the first Excellence in Youth Sports Awards were presented in 2000.
New for 2018 and beyond!
Historically, organizations that were interested in applying for the Excellence in Youth Sports Award would complete a preliminary application and based on that information select organizations would be invited to participate in a final, more thorough review to determine each year’s winners. Starting in 2018, the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation took the place of the former preliminary application process.
Organizations that earned the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation have met benchmark standards when it comes to administering youth sports programs. Therefore, only organizations that have earned the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation were invited to apply for the Excellence in Youth Sports Awards. Selection Criteria
Since the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation indicates that a program has taken the necessary steps to ensure quality, the Excellence in Youth Sports Award does not recognize the program as a whole. Instead, the Excellence in Youth Sports Award is given for a specific initiative, process, project, campaign, element or component of a program that goes above and beyond. This invitation-only award will recognize the innovative ways organizations that have earned the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation are making their programs stand out and truly become excellent.
Step #1: Earn the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider Designation
To be invited to apply for the 2023 Excellence in Youth Sports Award, an organization must first earn the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation.
Apply for the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation now!
Excellence Award FAQs
How are the winners chosen?
First, every organization that has earned the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation will be invited to apply for the Excellence in Youth Sports Awards. The online application will allow invited applicants to share their specific initiative that makes their program excellent and worthy of being recognized as an Excellence in Youth Sports Award winner. The Excellence Award Committee will review applications and select the winners.
What do Excellence in Youth Sports Award winners receive?
In addition to receiving recognition for their work in bettering youth sports for their community, NAYS works with partners to offer added value to winning an Excellence in Youth Sports Award. Rewards include: 2 complimentary Congress registrations, an official Excellence in Youth Sports Awards plaque, and exclusive press releases.
When is the deadline to submit an application?
The 2022 Excellence in Youth Sports Award invitation period has closed. The application period for the 2023 Excellence Award will be announced in the Summer of 2023. Organizations that have a current Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation will be sent an invitation to apply.
Who qualifies for judging?
Any youth sports organization that has earned and maintained the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation.
How many annual awards are presented?
Up to five organizations are annually recognized as Excellence in Youth Sports Award winners.
For more information or questions about the Excellence in Youth Sports Award please contact us at excellenceaward@nays.org.