We believe that sports are a vital component of a strong community. Our mission is to make youth and amateur sports more accessible and affordable. By doing so, we can grow sports participation, build teams and clubs that reflect their communities, and create life changing opportunities for members and their families.
Services
We work with national, non-profit sports organizations and grassroots clubs to help them expand their programs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their member experience.
Strategy
- Strategic planning, including workshop facilitation with with boards and executive teams.
- Operating model review and development.
- Financial modelling and forecasting.
Marketing & Member Engagement
- Member communication programs to improve engagement and volunteerism.
- Multi-channel promotional campaigns to drive program growth.
- Member satisfaction survey development.
Program Management
- New program implementation.
- IT vendor management, including registration platforms and web development.
- Change initiatives (i.e. re-branding, operating model changes, etc.).
Sponsorship
- Sponsorship strategy and value creation.
- Sponsor recruiting.
- Partnership activation and ongoing relationship management.
About
Wade Smith, Founder
After serving as a “serial volunteer” to community sports leagues, I realized that amateur sports organizations lacked access to professional marketing and operational consulting. I started my sports consulting business four years ago in Australia and it has since evolved to Go Play! Consulting in the U.S.
I advise non-profit, volunteer-driven organizations that are focused on making community sports more accessible. I have been privileged to work with national governing bodies and grassroots organizations to help them expand their programs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their member experience. I have a track record of connecting sports associations with like-minded businesses to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
Prior to my work in sports, I spent 20 years in global executive roles and have deep experience in strategy development, marketing, and general management. I held senior marketing and strategy roles with some of the world’s largest financial services companies, including Citibank, MetLife, and IFM Investors. As a management consultant at EY, I advised global financial services organizations in the areas of market entry, strategic planning, and operating model design.
Many of my roles focused on global expansion and transformational change. I have built successful go-to-market strategies, distribution networks, and brand profiles in diverse markets. These roles demanded strong executive and board stakeholder management, team leadership, and an ability to turn organizational challenges into winning strategies.
Clients
- National Collegiate Rugby
- United States Youth Volleyball League
- Balmain & District Football Club
- Northern Suburbs Basketball Association
- Granville & District Football Association
- Northern Suburbs Football Association
Contact
Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles CA
+1 310 614 2293 | wade@goplayconsulting.com