PCA October Partner of the Month – TeamSnap
10.23.24
A conversation with CEO Peter Frinzilas & Director of Community Impact Lance Lee
Many of PCA’s grassroots partners rave about TeamSnap. Can you talk about TeamSnap’s mission and what value you strive to bring to your customers?
Peter: Our mission at TeamSnap is simple: to create connections that unlock the power of play. We’re dedicated to making youth sports accessible, enjoyable, and organized for everyone involved—from players and parents to coaches and administrators. We know that when youth sports run smoothly, kids are more engaged, and communities thrive.
For parents, coaches, and fans, our app is designed to take the stress out of youth sports, with easy-to-use tools for communication, scheduling, and managing all the logistics that keep teams running. In addition, TeamSnap provides expert-backed coaching and training resources that prepare coaches and players to succeed both on and off the court. For clubs, leagues, and sports organizations, we provide powerful software that streamlines registration, payments, and operations, making it easier to deliver great programming. With over 25 million coaches, players, parents, and fans, and 19,000 organizations across 100+ sports, TeamSnap is where youth sports happens.
Lance: As a leader in the space, we feel a responsibility to provide support and direct funding for underserved communities and ensure we are leveling the playing field, which is why we launched TeamSnap Impact two years ago and created our sponsorship program. We are focused on enhancing the lives of kids by creating a world where youth sports programs are accessible and equitable for all.
When we think about the future of the PCA & TeamSnap partnership, we know that digital content is an area of focus. Can you talk about why, and what has been successful to date?
Peter: As a company built to be digital-first, we understand that people want to access information anytime, anywhere, and on any device. That is why we’ve developed products and services that cater to those needs. This includes our new world-class coaching content, featuring in-app how-to videos and skill explainers, premium practice plans, 1-on-1 team drills, and more.
According to the National Alliance for Youth Sports, only 5-10% of youth sports coaches have received any relevant training. Research from the University of Maine shows that athletes coached by untrained individuals drop out at five times the rate of those with qualified coaches. The influence of a good coach extends far beyond athletic performance, which is why we have partnered with PCA along with professional leagues such as MLB, MLS, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, and PLL, to provide valuable content and resources to this underserved community of coaches.
As we look to the future with PCA, we are excited to explore adding additional PCA training resources and their coach certification badges.
Check out some of the top visited resources from PCA on the TeamSnap side:
11 Tips for the First-Time Coach
10 Tips for the First-Time Sports Parent
12 Tips for Talking to Your Athlete About Mental Health
Can you talk about TeamSnap’s involvement in 63×30* and what role does PCA’s partnership play?
*Through the Healthy People 2030 program, the federal government has set for the first time a national target for youth sports participation: 63% by the year 2030. To help reach the target, Project Play convenes leading organizations that have made multi-year commitments to measurably grow sport participation rates among youth: 63X30.”
Peter: Empowering play is at the heart of everything we do at TeamSnap, and our involvement with 63×30 aligns perfectly with our mission to make youth sports accessible and inclusive. We’re dedicated to creating environments where all kids have the opportunity to participate, and our efforts focus on supporting coaches, revitalizing local leagues, and educating parents on the benefits of sports sampling. Through our resources and coaching content, we’re committed to equipping coaches with the tools they need to create positive experiences for young athletes. We’re also proud to support the PCA Coach of the Year Award, celebrating coaches who are role models in their communities.
Lance: Building on that, our TeamSnap Impact initiatives are closely aligned with 63×30’s mission to ensure affordable, quality sports programs are accessible to all youth athletes. Through policy advocacy, direct funding, and technology grants, we are committed to addressing the growing challenges youth face in sports and breaking down the barriers to participation.
Our partnership with PCA is a prime example of how we can identify and address the needs of underserved communities. Through PCA’s Sports Equity Work, we gain firsthand insight into these communities, listening to their challenges and actively working to support and facilitate meaningful solutions.
A cornerstone of TeamSnap’s support of PCA has been our Coach Award Program, honoring coaches from around the U.S. who strive to win, but also teach life lessons through sports, and provide a welcoming environment. Can you talk about why this piece of our partnership has been a cornerstone for TeamSnap?
Lance: It’s such a natural fit. Coaches are the backbone to every team, and through our products – whether it is our software, app, or educational resources – we aim to support them throughout the entire season. We are proud to show our support of the coaching community through our involvement in the PCA Coach of the Year.
And then after we merged with Coaching Corps in 2022, TeamSnap has supported our Community Impact work and select TeamSnap staff have been able to actually attend some of the Coalition meetings and get a firsthand look into that work. Could you just talk a little bit about the importance of that work, and then any Aha! Moments that come to mind, or things that you’ve learned as being a part of those conversations?
Lance: PCA’s Sports Equity work aligns perfectly with the mission of TeamSnap Impact—to uplift underserved communities by making youth sports accessible for all. We’re dedicated to breaking down barriers to entry, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to participate in sports.
This work is especially important because it’s not just about funding; it’s about creating a level playing field for communities that have historically lacked access to the resources needed for sports participation, similar to the incredible efforts led by PCA’s Rob Marcus and his team.
One moment that really stood out to me was during a trip to Oakland, where I attended a coalition meeting. It was powerful to witness community leaders coming together—not just to share their challenges but to genuinely support each other. They left the table with tangible, actionable ideas and solutions, which was inspiring. What struck me was seeing the same types of challenges echoed across different cities, like Philadelphia, New York, and Buffalo, but also recognizing the unique hurdles each community faces.
An “aha” moment for me was realizing the deep sense of community and collaboration in these groups. Too often, nonprofits and city services are seen as competitors, fighting for the same funding within the same geographic areas. There’s a reluctance to share resources, donors, or best practices. However, in these coalition meetings, built by Rob and his team, I saw a true spirit of collaboration—a shared mission to lift each other up. It was a reminder of what can be achieved when we work together, not as competitors, but as partners in creating lasting change.
What has been a highlight in your work with PCA?
Lance: I have really enjoyed reviewing the coach award nominations. Every time I read a submission I gain a better understanding, respect and appreciation for the work that each of those candidates do. It was awesome to be a part of the process, not just sponsoring, but actually having a say in who would be named COY. It has also been fantastic to attend the annual gala where the COY is honored. It’s so inspirational to hear their stories firsthand.
Peter: A deeply meaningful highlight for us has been our work with the Uvalde Little League Baseball organization following the tragic events in Uvalde, Texas. We’ve worked closely with this community, providing financial support and access to our technology at no cost to help bring a sense of normalcy through sports. In partnership with PCA, we also facilitated a Trauma-Informed Coaching workshop for the Uvalde coaches, equipping them with tools to support their young athletes.
Attending their opening day this year was a powerful experience—it was a reminder of how critical sports can be in the healing process of a community. Witnessing the resilience and unity of the Uvalde community has been one of the most impactful parts of our work, and our ongoing commitment to supporting them remains a priority for TeamSnap and we will continue to be there next year to show our support.
On a more personal note, who was your favorite coach growing up and why?
Lance: Coach Dave Bandelin. I was lucky enough to play a lot of sports growing up, but my main sport was tennis. When I was a teenager, I would go and actually spend weekends with a group of kids at Dave’s house. He would feed us, train us, creating a sense of home away from home. Dave encapsulated what a successful coach should be, he was tough, disciplined, held his athletes accountable, but was also caring and would laugh with us. Some of my best memories from those times are being on a bus or plane on the way to a tournament and while I can’t remember if I won or lost, I remember the ride.
Peter: My favorite and most impactful coach growing up was Joe Cipp III, the Longwood Varsity Football Coach where I grew up on Long Island, NY. Coach Cipp built a program grounded in pride, spirit, and heart, pushing us to commit to something greater than ourselves. Under his leadership, we became undefeated Long Island Division I champions my senior year, ranked third in New York State. Beyond the accolades, the life lessons he imparted left a lasting impact on me. Coach Cipp taught us teamwork, discipline, and dedication to a collective goal. His emphasis on personal growth within a team’s success became foundational for the leader I am today. He didn’t just coach football; he mentored young men to become accountable, resilient, and community-minded individuals. His influence extended far beyond the field, shaping not only my athletic journey but also my approach to leadership and life.
We can’t end this interview without asking each of you: What does a positive coach mean to you?
Lance: Not to be too cliche, but I think a positive coach is a role model. A positive coach leads by example. A positive coach sets an environment of discipline and accountability, but also fun. It’s just like in life. You can’t be all work in life. You’ve got to balance it with fun. So, in order to strike that appropriate balance, I think that that’s incumbent upon the coach. The coach is the leader. They are the captain, the one who’s setting the tone of handling your business but doing it in a fun way.
Peter: As someone who grew up playing multiple sports and now has the privilege to lead TeamSnap as its CEO, I believe a positive coach is one who not only strives for success on the field but also focuses on instilling lifelong values in their athletes. A positive coach harnesses the power of positivity to build confidence, encourage hard work, and foster teamwork. They fill players’ emotional tanks with encouragement, teaching discipline and accountability through constructive feedback. By emphasizing both personal growth and team success, positive coaches help young athletes develop the skills and character traits that shape them into responsible, committed, and resilient individuals—lessons that extend far beyond sports into all aspects of life.
To learn more about partnering with PCA, click here.