Building a Sporting Renaissance: Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Scott Garber

ByJoey Grant

5 min read

Building a Sporting Renaissance: Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Scott Garber

Our latest GMTM Sports podcast was a blast! We had the pleasure of chatting with Scott Garber, co-founder of ProFluent Sports, and the conversation was buzzing with insights about the evolving landscape of youth sports. We were actually on-site at the Buccaneers' facility, surrounded by the energy and excitement of a girls' flag football tournament. Talk about an inspiring backdrop!

Scott and I, both being parents, were particularly struck by the incredible opportunities opening up for young athletes, especially in emerging sports like flag football. It's amazing to witness the growth of this sport, fueled by the passion of these young athletes and the support of major organizations like the NFL and the Bucks.

One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation was the importance of inclusivity. Flag football has a low barrier to entry, making it accessible to a wide range of athletes with diverse skill sets and backgrounds. This inclusivity is a game-changer, and it's something we're incredibly passionate about at GMTM. We believe everyone deserves the chance to discover their athletic potential, regardless of their background or experience.

As Scott eloquently put it, "It's a very athletic game, but the barrier to entry is very low. So now we are able to see a wide spectrum of athletes." This resonated with me deeply, as it aligns perfectly with our mission at GMTM to democratize access to sports and create opportunities for all athletes.

We also talked about the changing dynamics of the sports ecosystem. It's not just about the traditional path of playing in high school and college anymore. Academies, private facilities, and new opportunities like flag football are creating a more diverse and dynamic landscape. This is incredibly exciting, as it provides more avenues for athletes to pursue their passions and develop their skills.

Scott highlighted this shift, saying, "We're watching the landscape evolve and expand in a way that is providing different vehicles, both to go ahead and get an education as you alluded to in academies, but to also drive movement in a multitude of different ways." This resonated with me, as we at GMTM are constantly exploring new ways to connect athletes with opportunities and help them navigate this evolving landscape.

Another key takeaway was the importance of education and empowerment. Scott emphasized the need to provide athletes and their parents with the resources and knowledge to navigate this new ecosystem. This is something we're committed to at GMTM. We want to empower athletes and their families to make informed decisions about their sporting journeys and to take ownership of their futures.

Scott's advice to parents was spot on: "It's imperative for resources to be there for parents to understand how to navigate a new ecosystem.... So I think that a lot of this comes back down to having resources like Game Time, meet the end user where they're at, and assist them along the journey." This reinforced my belief in the importance of what we're doing at GMTM, providing a centralized platform for athletes and families to access information, connect with opportunities, and build their sporting futures.

We also discussed the growing role of NIL (name, image, and likeness) in youth sports. It's fascinating to see how athletes are building their brands and creating new opportunities for themselves. This is a game-changer, and it's something we're keeping a close eye on at GMTM. We want to help athletes understand and leverage their NIL potential to create even more opportunities for themselves.

Scott's insights on NIL were particularly insightful: "It's a real lane for athletes to be able to earn... It's really gonna give athletes a lane to build their brand." He also emphasized the importance of education in this area, stating that NIL "creates a great lane to teach some of the skill sets of life that school traditionally has failed us on, whether that is building a brand, understanding business, financial literacy." This aligns perfectly with our vision at GMTM to provide athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed both on and off the field.

Finally, we touched on the importance of community. Whether it's through playing, fandom, or simply being part of a team, sports have a unique ability to bring people together. This sense of community is essential, and it's something we strive to foster at GMTM. We believe that sports have the power to create positive change in the world, and we're committed to building a platform that connects and empowers athletes and their communities.

Scott summed it up perfectly: "We as humans crave community. And whether you're playing, whether it's through fandom, whatever that community is, you want to be a part of something that's bigger than you." This resonated with me deeply, as it's at the core of why we created GMTM. We want to build a community where athletes feel supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their dreams.

Overall, our conversation with Scott was incredibly insightful and inspiring. We're excited to be part of this evolving sports landscape, and we're committed to helping athletes discover their full potential and achieve their dreams. Be sure to check out the full episode for more insights and inspiration!


Five Key Takeaways

  1. Inclusive Access: Flag football demonstrates how sports with low barriers to entry can welcome diverse athletes, expanding participation across different skill levels and backgrounds.
  2. Evolving Pathways: The sports landscape is diversifying beyond traditional paths, with academies, private facilities, and emerging sports creating new opportunities for athlete development.
  3. Resource Empowerment: Athletes and parents need accessible resources and education to successfully navigate the changing sports ecosystem.
  4. NIL Opportunities: Name, image, and likeness rights are creating new avenues for athletes to build personal brands while learning valuable business and financial skills.
  5. Community Building: Sports continue to fulfill the human need for belonging, creating meaningful connections whether through participation, fandom, or team membership.


Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
From the Backyard to the Big Leagues: My Conversation with Matt Joyce

From the Backyard to the Big Leagues: My Conversation with Matt Joyce

I had an awesome time chatting with Matt Joyce, a 14-year MLB veteran, for our latest GMTM Sports...

ByJoey Grant | Fri Feb 28 2025
A Whirlwind of Inspiration: My Takeaways from the Shaquem Griffin Podcast

A Whirlwind of Inspiration: My Takeaways from the Shaquem Griffin Podcast

Alright, folks, buckle up. We just wrapped our first-ever GMTM Sports podcast, and let me tell...

ByJoey Grant | Tue Feb 18 2025
The NFL’s Most Impactful Script

The NFL’s Most Impactful Script

Rumors of an NFL script caught the internet on fire last year including a tongue-in-cheek teaser...

ByAaron Heisen | Mon Apr 15 2024
GMTM Athletes Earn Invites to USA Football’s 2024 National Team Trials

GMTM Athletes Earn Invites to USA Football’s 2024 National Team Trials

Athletes from all over the country descended on Charlotte, NC this past weekend to show off their...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Mar 07 2024
Spotlight on Aerials: From GMTM to World Cup

Spotlight on Aerials: From GMTM to World Cup

In 2023, U.S. Ski & Snowboard hosted their first-ever Virtual World Flip League on GMTM and...

ByLaura Luzzi | Mon Feb 26 2024
Bobsled Beginner to World Cup Brakeman: Emily Renna's Rise to the Top

Bobsled Beginner to World Cup Brakeman: Emily Renna's Rise to the Top

Emily Renna grew up in Fairport, New York, a suburb of Rochester, as a decorated athlete on her...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Jan 16 2024
From Jersey Shore to Team USA: Steve Cluley's Journey to Olympic Heights

From Jersey Shore to Team USA: Steve Cluley's Journey to Olympic Heights

Steve Cluley is from Manasquan, New Jersey, a well known town located on the infamous "Jersey...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Jan 09 2024
Athletes Shine in USA Football's 2023 Digital Combine

Athletes Shine in USA Football's 2023 Digital Combine

USA Football hosted their second Digital Combine this year on GMTM for Adult and Junior athletes....

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Dec 05 2023
Ole Miss Rebel to Olympic Hopeful: Elliot Markuson’s Remarkable Path to Team USA

Ole Miss Rebel to Olympic Hopeful: Elliot Markuson’s Remarkable Path to Team USA

Passion fuels action, which was apparent from the minute Elliot Markuson, Team USA Bobsled athlete,...

ByLaura Luzzi | Mon Nov 27 2023
Athletes Making a Splash in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Athletes Making a Splash in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Throughout the month of November, athletes are continuing to participate in USA Triathlon’s Virtual...

ByTiffany Allen | Wed Nov 22 2023
Conquering Waves: Danae de Haan’s Journey to Excellence in Water Sports

Conquering Waves: Danae de Haan’s Journey to Excellence in Water Sports

Meet Danae de Haan, a dynamic force in the world of competitive wake sports, hailing from the...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Nov 21 2023
USA Triathlon: Virtual Combine Prize Winner Selected

USA Triathlon: Virtual Combine Prize Winner Selected

Over the past few weeks, we have seen great participation from athletes across the country taking...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Nov 20 2023
GMTM Athletes Showcasing Heart and Hustle

GMTM Athletes Showcasing Heart and Hustle

Our mission at GMTM is to provide athletes with the ultimate social platform to connect with...

ByLaura Luzzi | Wed Nov 15 2023
Athletes Making Waves in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Athletes Making Waves in the USA Triathlon Virtual Combine

Throughout the month of November, athletes are encouraged to participate in USA Triathlon’s Virtual...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Nov 13 2023
Gia Griffith: Brave Enough to Make Change

Gia Griffith: Brave Enough to Make Change

Gia Griffith is a force to be reckoned with at the age of 12, which was apparent from the minute...

ByLaura Luzzi | Mon Oct 23 2023
The Firefighter Taking His Strength to the Ice

The Firefighter Taking His Strength to the Ice

Firefighter & Family Man Tyler Muniz, 33, is a professional firefighter and prominent member of the...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Oct 17 2023
Betting on Bobsled: The Pursuit of an Olympic Dream

Betting on Bobsled: The Pursuit of an Olympic Dream

A Family-Friendly Wager The Mangolds are a close knit family with a strong presence in the Eureka,...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Oct 17 2023
Empowering Athletic Women: Licia Mock's Journey from Gymnast to Entrepreneur

Empowering Athletic Women: Licia Mock's Journey from Gymnast to Entrepreneur

Alicia Mock, a proud California native and lifelong athlete, embarked on her incredible journey in...

ByLaura Luzzi | Wed Oct 11 2023
Rodeo Roots to Powerlifting Prominence

Rodeo Roots to Powerlifting Prominence

Athlete Spotlight: Kenedee Rowen GMTM gives athletes around the world an opportunity to highlight...

ByLaura Luzzi | Thu Oct 05 2023
CrossFit Warriors: Forging a Path to Olympic Glory

CrossFit Warriors: Forging a Path to Olympic Glory

In the competitive world of athletics, the year 2000 marked a significant disruption across the...

ByLaura Luzzi | Fri Sep 22 2023
Chasing Gold: From Football Field to Olympic Hopeful

Chasing Gold: From Football Field to Olympic Hopeful

Embarking on a journey toward Olympic glory is like stepping onto an uncharted path, where every...

ByLaura Luzzi | Tue Sep 19 2023
From High Jump to New Heights: The Fearless Journey of an Aspiring USA Football Athlete

From High Jump to New Heights: The Fearless Journey of an Aspiring USA Football Athlete

Isabella Geraci, of the Cleveland metro area, is a tenacious, tri-sport, D1 collegiate athlete. A...

ByLaura Luzzi | Wed Sep 06 2023
Athletes Making Waves at the 2023 USA Football Digital Combine

Athletes Making Waves at the 2023 USA Football Digital Combine

In a year that has seen sports take on new forms of innovation and adaptability, the 2023 USA...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 31 2023
Lillis First at U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave Summer Grand Prix

Lillis First at U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave Summer Grand Prix

Over the weekend, the best aerials athletes in the world spent the day stunning the crowd at the...

ByLeann Bentley | Tue Aug 29 2023
Virtual World Flip League: Elevating Aerial Athletics Through Innovation

Virtual World Flip League: Elevating Aerial Athletics Through Innovation

In a world characterized by continuous technological advancements, traditional sports organizations...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Aug 28 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 4

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 4

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the Week 4 Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard. We’ve...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 24 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 3

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 3

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the Week 3 Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard. We’ve...

ByTiffany Allen | Wed Aug 16 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 2

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 2

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the Week 2 Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard. We’ve...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 10 2023
Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant: Empowering Andrew Mackiewicz's Olympic Journey

Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant: Empowering Andrew Mackiewicz's Olympic Journey

How a GMTM Profile Helped Secure a Dream Sponsorship The journey of an athlete striving for Olympic...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 03 2023
Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 1

Virtual World Flip League Leaderboard: Week 1

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the top two Virtual World Flip League submissions for...

ByTiffany Allen | Tue Jul 25 2023
Breaking Barriers: A Female Athlete's Journey to Flag Football Stardom

Breaking Barriers: A Female Athlete's Journey to Flag Football Stardom

In the world of sports, there are athletes who shatter barriers, redefine norms, and inspire...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Jul 20 2023
From Collegiate Wrestling to Bobsled Aspirations

From Collegiate Wrestling to Bobsled Aspirations

The Competitive Spirit Logan Radik, a 24-year-old retired DII Collegiate Wrestler, is on a new...

ByAlli Marbach | Fri Jul 07 2023
A Wrestler's Journey of Passion and Perseverance

A Wrestler's Journey of Passion and Perseverance

The Power of Determination EJ Lauter's story is a testament to the power of determination and the...

ByAlli Marbach | Tue Jun 27 2023
Sam Shaud: Pursuing Team USA Dream After a Successful Athletic Journey

Sam Shaud: Pursuing Team USA Dream After a Successful Athletic Journey

Sam Shaud, a determined athlete, is taking on a new challenge: joining the USA Skeleton Team. From...

ByAlli Marbach | Wed Jun 21 2023
Still think flag football is just for kids? Catches like this one will make you change your mind

Still think flag football is just for kids? Catches like this one will make you change your mind

Flag football? Not enough like what they play on Sundays? Get that thought out of your head. Flag...

ByConnor Dietz | Mon Jun 12 2023
Girls Expert BMX Rider is on GMTM winning races against the boys

Girls Expert BMX Rider is on GMTM winning races against the boys

When you win, you scream it from the mountaintops. And when you lose, you get back to work. That...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jun 08 2023
18-Year-Old Aerials Ski Athlete Uses GMTM To Ramp Up His Olympic Journey

18-Year-Old Aerials Ski Athlete Uses GMTM To Ramp Up His Olympic Journey

Ashton Salwan has seen a lot in his 18 years. Ahead of his upcoming birthday at the end of June,...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jun 07 2023
A few of the best Canadian beach volleyball players who call Ontario home

A few of the best Canadian beach volleyball players who call Ontario home

Ontario has a rich collection of Volleyball players who had great international careers. From...

ByOklend Llakaj | Thu Apr 27 2023
‘West Virginia gets overlooked’: QB Noah Vellaithambi on his Elite 11 Regional Invite

‘West Virginia gets overlooked’: QB Noah Vellaithambi on his Elite 11 Regional Invite

Noah Vellaithambi, the starting quarterback at Hurricane High School in West Virginia, has been...

ByJoey Grant | Sun Apr 09 2023
Olympic Talent ID: Six Hopeful National Team Athletes Posting On GMTM

Olympic Talent ID: Six Hopeful National Team Athletes Posting On GMTM

If you are an athlete at a young age, it is very common to have the dream of representing your...

ByNisshanth Perumalsamy | Fri Feb 17 2023
WNBA Star Denied Appeal To 9-Year Prison Sentence In Russia

WNBA Star Denied Appeal To 9-Year Prison Sentence In Russia

Brittney Griner was dealt another blow in her hopes to return home to the U.S. Tuesday. The WNBA...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 26 2022
Three NFL Players Drafted From Division-II College Football Teams

Three NFL Players Drafted From Division-II College Football Teams

Every year the NFL draft is filled with a lot of hype and news coverage around a small class of...

ByJamison White | Sun Oct 16 2022
College Football: Three Power 5 Quarterback Competitions to Keep Watching This Fall

College Football: Three Power 5 Quarterback Competitions to Keep Watching This Fall

Spring practice is underway for the nation's top college football programs, and that can only mean...

ByBryan Armetta | Thu Sep 08 2022
An Olympic Athlete’s Road to Success: Andrew Mackiewicz

An Olympic Athlete’s Road to Success: Andrew Mackiewicz

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at the highest level of a sport and...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Aug 22 2022
Five Mediocre College Quarterbacks Who Had Great NFL Careers

Five Mediocre College Quarterbacks Who Had Great NFL Careers

We hear all the time about busts, especially at the quarterback position. These are the guys that...

ByBryan Armetta | Sun Aug 21 2022
Baseball Recruiting: Big Leaguers Who Played Multiple Sports In College

Baseball Recruiting: Big Leaguers Who Played Multiple Sports In College

Throughout the history of America’s Pastime, there have been several notable multisport baseball...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Aug 10 2022
A GMTM Athlete’s Path to Success: Jordan McCray

A GMTM Athlete’s Path to Success: Jordan McCray

It’s a little unusual for a successful football player to only start playing the sport once they...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Jul 28 2022
NFL Draft: Three Pro Prospects To Watch For From Small-Schools

NFL Draft: Three Pro Prospects To Watch For From Small-Schools

Defining the term "small-school sleeper" can be difficult. Is it a future Hall of Famer like Jerry...

ByBryan Armetta | Wed Apr 27 2022
Men's Basketball: How Bill Self and Kansas Stole Another National Championship

Men's Basketball: How Bill Self and Kansas Stole Another National Championship

There were plenty of flashy picks for college basketball fans to choose from when filling out their...

ByBryan Armetta | Thu Apr 07 2022
The Road To Gold: Three Talent-Transfer Athletes Who Impressed In The USOPC Winter Tryout

The Road To Gold: Three Talent-Transfer Athletes Who Impressed In The USOPC Winter Tryout

Even though many states are still seeing snow fall this late in the new year, the opportunity to...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Apr 06 2022