inspiresport, a global leader in youth development sports tours, has announced updates to its North American senior management team.
The business, which trades as inspiresport LLC and Next Generation International, was acquired by inspiresport Group in late 2021 having previously been incorporated as Definition XI LLC.
The changes are aimed at providing the necessary structure to support future expansion in what represents a key market for inspiresport and its parent company Destination Sport Group.
Billy Hartman will transition from his existing role as CEO of inspiresport LLC to the newly created position of Chairman.
Under Hartman’s leadership, inspiresport LLC and Next Generation International have grown to become a US market-leader in sports tours, known for providing exceptional soccer experiences for youth clubs, schools and universities. Hartman’s new role will focus on identification of strategic growth opportunities for the business, maximising existing and future relationships.
Phil Edwards becomes Senior Vice President of inspiresport LLC, assuming responsibility for maximising the operational performance of the business.
Edwards has over 20 years’ experience in the sports travel industry, having joined inspiresport as a Business Development Manager in 2012 and progressed through the ranks as Head of Sales – North and latterly, Head of International Strategy and Development.
inspiresport’s North American senior management team is completed by Darran Walter who is promoted from his existing role of Operations Director to Vice President. Walter counts 15+ years in operational and performance management roles including a spell with The Premier League.
Both Hartman and Edwards will report into inspiresport Group Managing Director Steve Butchart, who said,
“Billy is a legend and pioneer of the US soccer market when it comes to providing once in a lifetime international travel opportunities for youth players, parents and coaches. His knowledge and relationships go back over 30 years, and it was this that provided us with the confidence to invest into the North American market in 2021. Since then, he has played a vital role in creating the building blocks which now allow us to progress to our next phase of expansion and development.
“I am delighted to announce that Phil will be taking on the position of Senior Vice President who, along with Darran, will oversee the next phase of our US aspirations. Phil has been a valued colleague within the senior management team of inspiresport for many years and I am sure will embrace his new role with the required focus and vigour.”
Billy Hartman, Chairman of inspiresport LLC, said,
“I am honored to take on the role of Chairman which represents a new chapter in my 25-year journey with the company. I am eager to continue advising on our strategic direction and growth and look forward to supporting our very talented team to drive Inspiresport LLC to new heights.”
Phil Edwards, Senior Vice President of inspiresport LLC, added,
“It’s an absolute privilege to be taking on the role of Senior Vice President at inspiresport LLC. I’m lucky to have inherited a fantastic team and I’m very excited to see what great things we can achieve together as a business. We have big plans for future growth, so I’m delighted to be part of such an exciting chapter for us.”
inspiresport LLC is part of inspiresport Group, a market-leading youth development sports tour operator with offices in Manchester, United Kingdom and Atlanta, G.A., United States.
With unrivalled access to world-class clubs across multiple sports, inspiresport offers teams the opportunity to train and play at iconic destinations, creating life-long memories.
inspiresport is part of Destination Sport Group, a global sports travel business with expertise multiple sports travel verticals including travel management for elite sports organisations, fan travel experiences, VIP travel and hospitality programmes, and mass-participation event travel.
