In the heart of Norman, Oklahoma, a revolutionary initiative is changing the game for youth sports. Youth Scoreboards, spearheaded by visionaries Coach Barry Switzer and Mike Henry, is not just about keeping score; it’s about building community, supporting local businesses, and fostering a love for sports in young athletes. Born from a simple observation at his grandson’s baseball game, Henry saw an opportunity to enhance the sporting experience for kids, parents, and spectators alike.
Mike Henry
Mr. Henry founded Sports Magazine of America in 1978. This company published team-specific magazines for several universities, including Sooners Illustrated (Oklahoma), Huskers Illustrated (Nebraska), Longhorns Illustrated (Texas), and Trojans Illustrated (USC). In 1995, he co-founded StadiaNet Sports, a company that installed and owned large-scale video displays (Sony JumboTrons) at universities including Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and Alabama, just to name a few. StadiaNet produced each live game broadcast and sold all of the advertising, both static in venue, as well as video-based advertising – a proven success in college sports!
Barry Switzer
Coach Barry Switzer probably needs no introduction, but just in case, here’s more information about the famous coach: Coach Switzer served for 16 years as head football coach at the University of Oklahoma, where he brought the Sooners 3 national championships. He later became head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and led them to win Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Genesis of Youth Scoreboards
The story begins with a grandfather’s wish to see his grandson’s game scores displayed, just like in the major leagues. This wish sparked an idea that led to the creation of Youth Scoreboards. Collaborating with local legends like Barry Switzer and Jon Phillips and in partnership with ImageNet in Oklahoma City, Henry set out to develop digital scoreboards. These aren’t ordinary scoreboards; they’re high-quality, digital marvels designed to bring a professional feel to youth sports fields.
A Win-Win for the Community and Local Businesses
The digital scoreboards do more than just show scores; they serve as a dynamic platform for local businesses to advertise, creating a symbiotic relationship between youth sports and the local economy. As businesses gain visibility among the community, they also contribute to the support and growth of youth sports—a true win-win scenario.
Almost unbelievably, these scoreboards are FREE to the complex, supported by the revenue generated by the advertising businesses.
“Seeing the community come together, supporting our youth, and witnessing local businesses thrive has been incredibly rewarding. It’s all about giving back and creating a positive environment for our kids.” Mike Henry
“Seeing the community come together, supporting our youth, and witnessing local businesses thrive has been incredibly rewarding. It’s all about giving back and creating a positive environment for our kids.”
Mike Henry
Leveraging Technology for Deeper Engagement
What sets Youth Scoreboards apart is their innovative use of technology. With tools like Placer.ai, they offer local businesses data insights on audience engagement and behavior. This not only helps in tailoring marketing strategies but also in understanding how community engagement impacts business growth.
Expanding Beyond Norman
Youth Scoreboards’ influence stretches far beyond Norman, with installations in Moore, Tulsa, OKC, as well as Branson and St. Louis, MO, and even south into Texas. Plans for expansion continue, with the aim of supporting more communities and enhancing the youth sports experience nationwide.
Impact on Youth and Community
Co-Founder Coach Barry Switzer underscores the importance of Youth Scoreboards in promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and active lifestyles among children. “These scoreboards are more than just a way to keep score; they’re a beacon for community spirit and youth development.” Coach says.
Today’s student athletes are much the same as we were when we were young, running the bases, shooting free throws, or grinding it out on the gridiron. They’re dreaming of throwing a no-hitter in Game 7 of the series, shooting the game winning shot from half-court (Does anyone else remember Christian Laettner? No? Geez, I’m getting old.), or rushing through the middle of the D-Line for the winning touchdown in the Superbowl.
The quality of these scoreboards lends itself to that dream, spurring our kids further on in their respective sports, all the while supporting small businesses by offering affordable advertising options to the audience that matters the most, their local neighbors and customers.
“These scoreboards are more than just a way to keep score; they’re a beacon for community spirit and youth development.”
Coach barry switzer
The Future Is Bright
As Youth Scoreboards continue to grow, they promise not only to revolutionize the way scores are kept but also to strengthen community bonds, support local economies, and inspire the next generation of athletes. The initiative calls on communities to join in and be a part of this impactful journey.
This initiative’s story is not just about sports; it’s about harnessing the power of community and technology to create a brighter future for our youth. As Youth Scoreboards light up fields across Norman and beyond, they remind us of the profound impact local businesses and community members can have when they come together for a common purpose.
Interested in bringing Youth Scoreboards to your school or venue, or interested in advertising on the Youth Scoreboards network to expand the reach of your business? Check out their featured business profile below.
Amy Singleton is a contributing author and online editor for Whirlocal South OKC, Moore, and Norman. She’s the host of the Queen Lead Podcast, a motivational & marketing keynote speaker, and the CEO at HITE.
Featured Business
Youth Scoreboards
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913 N Broadway Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
405-326-5432
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