High school students, college students and young professionals excited to learn more about careers in sports received a behind-the-scenes look at the industry at the Atlantic City Convention Center for the Dare to Dream Experience on Tuesday, Sept. 28.
In conjunction with the TEAMS ’21 conference – the world’s leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry – the Dare to Dream Experience will introduce students ages 18–25 to careers in the sports-related travel, tourism, events, and entertainment industries.
“We want to show students how to pursue and succeed in these careers,” founder of The Dare to Dream Experience Diane McGraw said in a press release.” “Meeting some of the leading industry executives who were once in their shoes, letting them know everything you need to know in order to prepare for your future. We want to help young people get on the way to the career of their dreams.”
Among those industry executives was Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO, Chris Branscome.
Having spent more than 25 years working across youth, college and professional soccer, Branscome has held various positions, including Director of Operations for the American Professional Soccer League, General Manager of the Chicago Power and VP of Marketing & Sales for the Philadelphia Kixx.
Branscome also serves on the advisory boards of PHL Sports and the Valley Forge Sports Commission. He is also a member of the Philadelphia Task Force on Sports-Based Youth Development, the US Youth Soccer Strategic Planning Committee and the US Youth Soccer Brand Development Task Force.
“There is a tremendous current need for The Dare to Dream Experience, especially with the difficulties facing at-risk youth and the problems the hospitality and events industries are having with staffing,” McGraw said. “Our goal is to help students visualize their future, motivate them to finish high school, and strive for advanced education and careers. There are opportunities in sports and sports-related travel, but students need to understand that those opportunities are only available for them if they apply themselves and stay motivated.”
