PFP | Playbook Featured Podcast

Nelson Gord

The PFP Podcast (Playbook Featured Podcast) is where youth sports leaders, tournament directors, coaches, and industry innovators come together to share insights, strategies, and experiences that shape the future of baseball and softball. Hosted by Nelson Gord, this podcast dives deep into the evolving landscape of youth sports, tackling topics like tournament management, scouting, college recruiting, player development, and industry trends.

Episodes

  1. 05/06/2025

    E6: The AC Sports Playbook with Matt DeSantis

    In this episode of the Playbook Featured Podcast (PFP), host Nelson Gord sits down with Matt DeSantis, the founder and CEO of AC Sports — home to the legendary Cap Classic® tournament series and one of the fastest-growing multi-sport tournament operators on the East Coast. From humble beginnings as "just an ordinary baseball guy," Matt walks us through the evolution of AC Sports, sharing how a simple idea grew into a trusted brand across baseball, softball, and now basketball. The conversation dives into community engagement efforts like the Mother's Day event, marketing and growth strategies, and the critical role of communication with parents and coaches. You’ll hear about the importance of hotel partnerships, how tournament scheduling templates and facility relationships keep everything running smoothly, and why mentorship and loving the game matter just as much as logistics. Matt also discusses expanding into new markets, embracing technology like Playbook365, and how AC continues to streamline operations and prepare for the future. Whether you’re in youth sports management, coaching, parenting, or just a fan of well-run events — this episode offers a masterclass in event operations and leadership. 🔑 Key Topics: The growth of AC Sports and the Cap Classic® brand Importance of relationships with teams, hotels, and CVBs Communication strategies that build trust and retention Technology’s role in efficient tournament operations Multi-sport expansion and lessons from basketball Parenting, coaching, and leadership through mentorship 👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from leaders in the sports world! 📍 Learn more at: https://playacevents.com🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows. #ACSports #YouthSports #SportsEvents #TournamentManagement #Playbook365 #SportsMarketing #EventPlanning #Baseball #Basketball #Coaching #Mentorship #HotelPartnerships #Scheduling #SportsTech #PFPpodcast

  2. 04/07/2025

    E4: The Next Generation is Going Bananas with Aaron Pridmore

    In this episode of the PFP Podcast, Nelson Gord sits down with Aaron Pridmore — host of The S.L.I.D.E. Podcast and Tournament Coordinator for the Savannah Bananas — for a powerful and purpose-driven conversation about youth sports, fun-first environments, and building confidence in the next generation of athletes. Aaron shares his journey from 25+ years in retail leadership to finding his true calling: creating safe, inspiring spaces for kids to be kids. We dive deep into the wild world of Banana Ball, what makes it such a transformational experience for families, and how the S.L.I.D.E. acronym (Sportsmanship, Leadership, Inspire, Dedication, Excitement) drives everything Aaron does. We also talk about: The origin of The Slide and its national impact on youth sports culture Why Banana Ball might be the future of youth baseball How the Savannah Bananas are empowering kids and umpires alike Real stories of kids finding their voice through podcasting and play Why Aaron is a raving fan of Playbook365 and how it's simplified tournament operations His dream to have Coach Prime on the podcast and what it would mean for youth sports This one is packed with laughs, perspective, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you're a parent, coach, player, or fan of the game — this one will hit home. 📲 Follow Aaron and the movement at theslidepodcastshow.com 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  3. 03/18/2025

    E3: The Evolution of Youth Sports & Tournament Management with Bullpen Tournaments

    🎙️ In this episode of the PFP Podcast, host Nelson Gord sits down with Michael Tucker (VP, Bullpen Ventures) and Cam Eveland (Director of Operations, Bullpen Tournaments) to discuss the evolution of youth sports, tournament operations, and the future of event management at Grand Park Sports Campus. 🏟️ Topics Covered: ✅ The growth of Bullpen Tournaments from 1,400 teams to over 6,000 annually ✅ How Grand Park became a premier destination for youth baseball and softball ✅ The importance of team placement, fair competition, and scheduling ✅ Challenges in running massive tournaments (from crazy weather to missing umpires!) ✅ The future of youth sports, sports tourism, and innovation in event management ✅ The impact of Playbook365 and Staybook in simplifying registration, scheduling, and housing ⚾ Memorable Moments: 🔹 The first time they saw Max Clark play (and why he's a baseball icon today) 🔹 How relationships & customer service set Bullpen apart from other tournament providers 🔹 A hilarious "oh no" moment when umpires were nearly forgotten for an entire event! 🎧 Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights from two industry leaders shaping the future of youth sports tournaments. 👉 Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5A7aN7BEcjxMVYwNulUbtC?si=NnF5eCSiR1CB3Wk9yGTOMg #YouthSports #BaseballTournaments #BullpenTournaments #GrandPark #SportsManagement #TravelBaseball #Playbook365

  4. 03/15/2025

    E2: Empowering Young Athletes | Commonwealth Baseball/Softball & Softball Scouting Report

    ⚾🥎 The Future of Youth Baseball & Softball Starts Here! 🥎⚾ In Episode 2 of the PFP Podcast, we explore the evolution of youth baseball and softball, the importance of scouting and showcase events, and the changing dynamics of college sports. Featuring insights on Commonwealth Softball, Softball Scouting Report, and the impact of the transfer portal, this episode dives into what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive sports landscape. 🔑 Key Topics Discussed: ✅ The Birth of Commonwealth Softball – Addressing the need for better local resources ✅ Softball Scouting Report & Showcase Events – Helping athletes gain visibility & exposure ✅ College Sports & The Transfer Portal – How it's reshaping college selection & recruitment ✅ Gender Disparities in Sports – The lack of equal resources for girls' athletics ✅ The Role of Parents in Athletics – Supporting young athletes beyond the field ✅ Choosing the Right College – Balancing academics, athletics, and social fit ✅ Community Engagement & Coaching – The power of strong support systems 💬 Memorable Sound Bites: 🎙️ "There are fewer opportunities and resources for girls in sports—it's time to change that." 🎙️ "Showcase events give young athletes the platform they need to get noticed." 🎙️ "The transfer portal has completely changed how athletes and colleges connect." 🚀 Tune in to learn how to navigate today’s sports world and empower the next generation of athletes! 📲 Like, Subscribe & Comment if you're passionate about growing the game! #CommonwealthSoftball #SoftballScoutingReport #YouthBaseball #CollegeSports #ShowcaseEvents #TransferPortal #AthleticDevelopment #Coaching #CommunityEngagement #PFPpodcast #Playbook365

  • 4 Episodes

About

The PFP Podcast (Playbook Featured Podcast) is where youth sports leaders, tournament directors, coaches, and industry innovators come together to share insights, strategies, and experiences that shape the future of baseball and softball. Hosted by Nelson Gord, this podcast dives deep into the evolving landscape of youth sports, tackling topics like tournament management, scouting, college recruiting, player development, and industry trends.

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