This fall Katy area families have the opportunity to experience a new youth sports organization – One Sports Nation. After years of working in corporate human resources and recruitment, Robert Rice decided he was ready for a career change and it led to bringing One Sports Nation to Katy.
“I wanted to do something fun, I could make a living on and do something for the community,” Rice said. “I have a sports background with running track in college and playing basketball, football and track at the high school level. I’ve also coached all three of my boys in their various sports throughout the years. So I wanted to do something along those lines.”
After researching several different options, Rice thought One Sports Nation would not only be a great fit for his new career, but for the Katy community as well. In March of 2017, Rice officially became the One Sports Nation – Katy franchise owner.
“The organization is about developing kids for the next level of competition whether it be within the [One Sports Nation] sports programs or getting them prepared for high school sports, all while keeping them excited about sports,” Rice said. “That really spoke to me about the organization.”
Youth will have the option to play in either the Grid Iron Flag Football league or the Full Court Legends Basketball league for the inaugural fall season. Starting in January, the organization plans to offer the One Cup Soccer league along with the football and basketball leagues.
All youth ages five to 15 are welcome to join the league. Teams will be coed and the games will take place at Dean Leaman Junior High School. This year’s season kicks off on Saturday, September 16 and goes through November 4.
The mission of One Sports Nation is to deliver a positive youth sports experience through better coaching, better player development, and keeping families excited about youth sports. From the equipment to training materials and the added atmosphere activities, One Sports Nation will be a unique experience for the youth and their families to participate in.
“We are competitive but it is really about developing and teaching kids the game,” Rice said. “If parents want to get their kids involved in learning how to play the game, stay active from a physical standpoint and have a great time while doing it – One Sports Nation is the program for you.”
Youth will have fully NFL and NBA branded uniforms and equipment to enhance their playing experience. Additionally, the game day atmosphere includes energetic music and more than your average concession stand food.
“When we actually start the football games there will be NFL themed music at kickoff,” Rice said. “Kids will be able to get that neat experience as the music is played throughout the games.”
Each week, youth will be spotlighted as a player of the week with their photo and name being shown in an ESPN-style cartoon video shown before the games.
“It will be pretty cool for the kids to see,” Rice said. “We want to make sure they are happy and excited about coming to play.”
One Sports Nation doesn’t stop there to create a one of a kind game day experience. Parents also have the opportunity to get involved through halftime showdowns like a free throw contests, and punt, pass and kick contests.
“The type of atmosphere we hope to create is not just for the kids but also for the parents,” Rice said. “We want to engage parents at their children’s events with activities they can participate. We want them to have a fun too.”
One Sports Nation not only wants to be a way for the youth of Katy to get involved in the community, but they want to be active in the various organizations and events in the Katy area as well. They are members of the Fulshear Chamber of Commerce and are currently active sponsors in the PTOs for Randolph Elementary, Huggins Elementary, and Leaman Jr. High
“I have spent a lot of time on developing relationships in the community,” Rice said. “We want to be known in the Katy are for being active in the community and contributing to make it a better place.”
One Sports Nation is also a contributor to several local charities, including Caring for Katy which supports cancer survivors. They have also been sponsors for Cross Creek Ranch’s Fourth of July event and the Fulshear Freedom Fest.
Thanks to the generous sponsors of One Sports Nation they have been able to give a few scholarships for youth to participate in the One Sports Nation leagues. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Urgent Care, Fulshear Modern Dentists and C2 Education are a few of the 2017 sponsors.
“We want to bring on sponsors who share the same values as us,” Rice said. “They will be at our events to help promote education, good dental hygiene, safety and an active lifestyle.”
One Sports Nation also has opportunities for youth older than 15 years old to get involved. Rice plans to employ high school students from the local high schools to serve as officials for the league. Interested students should contact Rice at 832-974-0068.
Registration for the 2017 fall season leagues is already closed. However, registration will open later this year for the 2018 winter season with football, basketball and soccer league options available.
“We are excited about kicking off the first year,” Rice said. “We hope all of the kids and their parents have a great time and develop their skills along the way.”
For more information about One Sports Nation, visit onesportsnation.com/katy or contact Franchise Owner Robert Rice at 832-974-0068.