In this episode of Palm Harbor Local, we sit down with Brian Hirsch, co-owner of Players Sports Academy, to discuss how he’s creating incredible multi-sport opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Brian shares how his passion for coaching and his deep roots in the Palm Harbor community have shaped his journey. We dive into the unique ways Players Sports Academy partners with local schools, offering sports enrichment programs that simplify life for busy families. Brian also reflects on growing up in Palm Harbor and the positive changes he’s seen over the years. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sports, community, and staying true to what works.
Listen to the episode here:
At Palm Harbor Local, we are passionate about sharing the stories of those in our community who are making an impact. In today’s episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Brian Hirsch, co-owner of Players Sports Academy, an organization that’s changing the game—literally—when it comes to youth sports. Players Sports Academy isn’t just about providing sports opportunities; it’s about creating a positive and structured environment where kids of all levels, from weekend warriors to future pros, can develop their athletic skills.
Whether it’s offering after-school programs, rec leagues, or summer camps, Players Sports Academy is doing it all while making a lasting difference for families and schools in the Palm Harbor area. And what’s even more inspiring is the journey that brought Brian to this point—rooted in a deep passion for coaching, a strong love for his hometown, and a commitment to making sports accessible for all.
Taking the Leap from Educator to Entrepreneur
Brian didn’t initially set out to be a business owner, but his path led him there. Before Players Sports Academy, Brian worked as a school administrator, overseeing education programs. However, his passion for sports—specifically coaching—never faded. As he balanced his professional career with his love for coaching, Brian was presented with an unexpected opportunity: the chance to co-create something bigger that would serve kids and families in his community.
“It started primarily with just me still coaching in the area… but I was a school administrator prior to that. My partner up in Virginia wanted to generate the company back down to this area, and we had similar wants for the children in the area,” Brian explains. This partnership would lead to the creation of Players Sports Academy, a venture that has since grown well beyond what he initially imagined.
But starting the academy wasn’t without its challenges. Brian had to take a leap of faith to leave the security of his full-time job in education and focus on building the academy. “I figured this would be the next thing to do, and it was still something I was passionate about,” he says. That passion became the foundation for everything the academy stands for today.
Making Sports Accessible for Busy Families
If you’re a parent, you know how difficult it can be to balance work, school, and extracurricular activities. Between pickups, drop-offs, and shuttling kids from one activity to another, the logistics of getting children involved in sports can be overwhelming. This is where Players Sports Academy truly shines.
One of the key innovations Brian brought to the academy is the focus on accessibility. He recognized that many parents simply don’t have the time to get their kids to and from sports practices, so he partnered with local schools to bring the programs directly to the kids. By integrating the academy’s sports programs into schools, Brian created an easy, safe, and effective way for students to participate in athletics without parents needing to juggle complicated schedules.
“I wanted to create an avenue for parents… partnering with Pinellas County schools to do it at the schools—so a safe environment, coaches taken care of by me, program costs and all that stuff,” Brian explains. This model provides enrichment programs directly after school, making it convenient for parents while giving children access to quality coaching right on school grounds.
This approach isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about giving kids more opportunities to engage in sports they might not otherwise have access to. The academy offers programs in soccer, basketball, and flag football—sports that are designed to be inclusive of children at all skill levels. The result? More kids are getting involved, staying active, and learning the valuable life lessons that sports teach, all within a familiar and safe environment.
Focused on Quality Over Quantity
While many entrepreneurs chase rapid growth, Brian’s approach is refreshingly different. He’s not focused on expanding the academy as quickly as possible. Instead, he emphasizes quality—both in the programs he offers and in the relationships he builds with local schools and families.
“I don’t want to be big… I feel like then I’m working again,” Brian says, explaining his philosophy of maintaining a personal connection to the work he does. “I still coach every day… I feel like less is more for me.”
This mindset allows Players Sports Academy to deliver a more personalized experience for every child. By keeping class sizes small and coach-to-student ratios low, the academy can focus on each child’s development, whether they’re brand new to a sport or already excelling. “We limit our class groups to the size of 24 to 30 kids with a team of coaches of four… It’s all about quality enrichment,” Brian says.
This focus on quality has been one of the key reasons for the academy’s success. By ensuring that each program is structured and well-organized, Players Sports Academy can provide a higher level of instruction and engagement for all participants. And because Brian is still out on the field coaching every day, he’s able to maintain the personal touch that makes the academy feel like a close-knit community.
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Another major component of Players Sports Academy’s success is its deep ties to the local community. Brian’s commitment to giving back is evident in the strong partnerships he’s built with local schools and organizations. Beyond just running after-school programs, the academy also plays an active role in community events, fundraisers, and other local initiatives.
“The schools that I partner with, I try to have a really strong partnership with—not just with my program, but I try to help out with their fundraisers or just being present at events,” Brian explains. This approach has helped him build lasting relationships with schools, administrators, and families throughout Palm Harbor and beyond.
Brian’s community involvement doesn’t stop there. The academy has also transformed a previously unused field space at Carlisle Middle School into a full sports complex, complete with soccer fields and flag football fields. This has allowed the academy to expand its offerings, creating recreational leagues and summer camps that serve even more local kids. It’s clear that Brian’s passion for Palm Harbor runs deep, and he’s committed to continuing to invest in the community that has supported him along the way.
Growing Up in Palm Harbor—And Keeping the Academy Rooted Here
Part of what makes Brian’s story so compelling is his deep connection to Palm Harbor. Brian didn’t just grow up here—he’s spent his entire life in the area, attending local schools and raising his own family here. “I moved here in ‘83, so I’ve lived here about 40 years,” he says. His roots in the community run deep, and that connection is reflected in the academy’s focus on serving the local area.
Even as Players Sports Academy expands with locations up and down the east coast, Brian remains committed to keeping Palm Harbor at the heart of everything he does. “I put Palm Harbor and left Palm Harbor on the map,” he proudly states, highlighting his desire to showcase the town that shaped him.
For Brian, it’s not just about building a business; it’s about giving back to the community that has given so much to him. “This is a great place to raise a family, period… The school systems are phenomenal,” he says, reflecting on how Palm Harbor continues to offer everything he could want for his own family and for the families he serves through the academy.
Looking Ahead—What’s Next for Players Sports Academy?
As for the future, Players Sports Academy shows no signs of slowing down. While Brian remains focused on keeping the academy grounded in Palm Harbor, the organization is also expanding into new markets. With new programs opening in Jacksonville and other parts of Florida, the academy is continuing to grow organically, maintaining its focus on quality and community.
One thing is certain: Brian’s passion for sports, coaching, and his community will continue to drive the academy forward. Whether it’s through after-school programs, rec leagues, or summer camps, Players Sports Academy is committed to making a positive impact on kids and families in Palm Harbor and beyond.
CONNECT WITH BRIAN:
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- Website: www.thepsasports.com
- Email: B.hirsch@thepsasports.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/The Players Sports Academy – Tampa by Coach Brian
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