As a youth, you may have dreamed of competing against other children in sports. It was exciting to play against friends, neighbors or school rivals. Playing a sport as a child was fun. Practicing in your driveway or at the gym with friends led to spending hours "perfecting your craft."

Between angry coaches and parents and other industry pressures, sports officials have had a rough go of it over the past several years. Attracting young, new professionals—and keeping their interest—is crucial to carry sport forward.