Girls With Game: Sport and Community Development Strategies

Abstract

This case focuses on the Little League Softball World Series and the potential interest and growth of youth softball. The case outlines current trends and highlights potential opportunities to grow the game after a 2020 decision to move the Little League Softball World Series from Portland, Oregon, where it had been hosted for over 25 years, to Greenville, North Carolina. This case challenges students to (a) examine how sports organizations must be intentional about growing a sport, (b) develop new solutions to involve the local community, and (c) find new and effective ways to promote a girls’ sport (and an international event at the local level) in a manner that advances women in sport. It is intended for use in strategic management, event management, and/or contemporary sport issue courses. The case provides instructors with the opportunity to highlight the importance of advancing diversity in youth sport, with an emphasis on community impact, and effective strategies to promote women in sport.