As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Youth Inc. is kicking off 26 × 26 in January a six-month content initiative designed to bring fresh, compelling soccer stories to fans, families, and young athletes every single week.
Across 26 weeks, Youth Inc. will deliver a steady drumbeat of short-form, vertical-first content led by two trusted voices in the game Aaron West and Darian Jenkins.
What 26 × 26 Is All About
Each week, Youth Inc. will release a new set of stories that explore:
- Comeback journeys and the people behind them
- Rising young stars around the world
- Reflections on first World Cup experiences
- Host city personalities and local soccer culture
- Iconic World Cup moments, reimagined for a new generation
The formats will be flexible from Aaron and Darian hosting explanatory pieces, to interview-driven highlights, to on-the-ground storytelling from select host cities. It’s all designed for fast consumption, broad distribution, and high shareability.
Why It Matters
26 × 26 will serve as one of the most consistent, youth-centered storytelling engines leading up to 2026 connecting fans to the sport’s history, future, and community through the voices of Aaron, Darian, and Erica.
Get Involved
Youth Inc. is actively exploring creator partnerships, collaborations with soccer organizations, and Brand sponsorship opportunities that align with this project’s themes and reach.
If you’re interested in partnering on 26 × 26 or want to explore how your brand, academy, or community can plug into the series reach out to Tim Murphy at tmurphy@youth.inc.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
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Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
