Beyond the Game: Alex Stone on Private Coaching and Sports Development

Elevating Youth Sports: The Journey and Vision of CoachUp with CEO Alex Stone In this episode, the guest is Alex Stone, CEO of CoachUp, a service that connects athletes with private coaches aimed at changing kids' lives through sports. Alex discusses the origins of CoachUp, its growth, and its mission in the youth sports space. He shares insights into the evolution of youth sports, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one and small-group training, and the challenges and opportunities of running a sports-focused two-sided marketplace. Alex also dives into the strategic decision to open physical training centers, blending digital and physical spaces to enhance the athlete and coach experience. Additionally, he recounts his personal journey from being a Marine to working with Under Armour and eventually leading CoachUp. Alex reflects on the current youth sports landscape through the lens of both a business leader and a parent, highlighting the impact of sports on children's development and the crucial role of quality coaching. 

00:00 Introduction to Alex Stone and CoachUp 

00:31 Jason's Quest for a New Athlete Development Company 

02:40 Alex Stone's Background and Journey 

04:36 CoachUp's Evolution and COVID Challenges 

13:29 Alex's Personal Connection to Youth Sports 

14:43 The Changing Landscape of Youth Sports 

17:43 Supporting Coaches and Athletes with Technology 

24:43 The Challenges of Building a Marketplace 

27:05 Flexible Business Structure for Long-Term Growth 

28:04 The Logic Behind Opening a Physical Facility 

30:22 Benefits of a Physical Location for Coaches and Clients 

32:01 Balancing Coverage and Quality in Coaching 

39:04 Remote Coaching vs. In-Person Training 

41:17 Measuring Progress and Success in Youth Sports 

45:19 Growth Strategies and Market Penetration 

49:13 Future Plans and Key Priorities 

50:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts