If you weren’t able to make it to this year’s National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Convention in San Antonio this year, don’t worry. Seven members of the LeagueApps team went to all four days and we took home as much youth softball knowledge as possible so we can give you a recap. 

Attending youth sports conventions gives leaders in the industry a unique opportunity to learn from one another, hear from influential speakers, demo leading technology, and spend time in a room with people with a shared mission. 

Here’s what you missed at the NFCA Convention this year:

Professional Development

Over 2,000 people—including 1,628 attendees and 114 companies—attended the 2022 NFCA Convention. (The highest number they’ve ever had!) Throughout the four days of the convention, there were a ton of courses, keynote presentations, seminars, and workshops to teach coaches and other leaders in the industry about topics like:

• Thriving in Softball
• Creating a High-Powered Offense
• Drills, Drills, Drills
• Pitching
• Pinch Hitting
• Mental Health

“It’s very important for all divisions and all associations to get together in one place to discuss all the hot topics in our sport,” says Carol Bruggeman Executive Director of NFCA. 

Product and Technology Exhibit Show

114 companies displayed booths at the sold out exhibit show on day 2 of the convention—demoing the best technology and products youth softball has to offer. HitTrax even hosted a home run derby with pros and coaches at their batting cage! Here’s what one of the NFCA attendees—Donny Dreher, Director of Operations at Finesse Fastpitch—has to say about how LeagueApps has helped his organization:

Mentorship 

There were so many opportunities for rookie-veteran mentorship at NFCA—especially the mentorship workshop, where the most experienced coaches sat with rookies to share ideas and best practices to help the sport continue to thrive. There was also a resume building workshop, where peer coaches would help one another review resumes. 

Networking and Socializing

After long days of learning, networking, and mentoring, the youth softball community had opportunities to unwind over a happy hour hosted by LeagueApps, fitness classes, and even an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest. 

Leader Recognition 

The sport would be nothing without the influential leaders giving their life to it—and NFCA made sure to properly recognize those people with award ceremonies and inductions into the NFCA Hall of Fame.

Attend an Upcoming Convention

NFCA provided leaders in youth softball with the opportunity to get together and discuss moving the sport forward. There are a number of youth sports conventions coming up in 2023 that you won’t want to miss:

• The 2023 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention—January 5-8 in Nashville
• The 2023 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention—January 8-10 in Charlotte 
• The 2023 United Soccer Coaches Convention (USCC)—January 11-15 in Philadelphia
• USA Lacrosse LaxCon 2023—January 20-23 in Baltimore