Next Game
The NOVA Foundation's Next Game program helps former college athletes stay connected to their sport through volunteering, playing, and community belonging. The organization maintains regional rosters of former athletes and partners with youth leagues and parks departments to fill coaching and officiating gaps across five U.S. markets. Its paid fellowship program also develops leadership skills for current college athletes through community projects.
Funding
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Former college athletes often struggle to stay connected to the sport that defined their identity after their competitive careers end. Youth leagues in multiple markets are turning kids away for lack of coaches, while former athletes lack a clear, low-commitment pathway back into the game.
Solution
The NOVA Foundation's Next Game program gives former athletes a structured way to re-enter sport through volunteering, playing, and belonging to a community of peers who understand the transition. Athletes can coach youth teams, officiate, run clinics, or take board seats, or re-engage through adult rec leagues, masters competitions, and pickup games. The organization maintains a regional roster of former athletes in each market, fostering mentorship and social connection through group chats and events. It also partners with youth leagues, parks departments, and community sport organizations to connect them with trained former college athletes ready to coach and officiate.
Target Audience
Primary audience is former college athletes of any age and sport who want to stay involved in athletics, along with youth leagues, parks departments, and community sport organizations seeking qualified volunteer coaches and officials.
Features
- Volunteer pathways including coaching, officiating, clinic leadership, and board service
- Adult recreational leagues, masters competition, pickup games, and training groups for low-commitment re-entry
- Regional athlete rosters and community-building events including group chats and mentorship opportunities
- Paid fellowship program for current college athletes to develop leadership and professional skills through community projects
- Partnership model with youth leagues and parks departments to match former athletes with coaching and officiating openings
- Operates across multiple markets including Las Vegas, Chicago, South Florida, Los Angeles, and New England