The UT Arlington Bachelor of Arts Kinesiology Sports Leadership and Management (SLAM) program prepares students for sport and physical activity program leadership in both the public and private settings. The curriculum examines sports in the context of historical and contemporary culture.

TSLF has worked with the SLAM faculty members since the program began in 2018. TSLF offers SLAM students the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in sports leadership and management on and off the field. Now in its sixth year, the SLAM program faculty has partnered with TSLF since the program began. Through TSLF partnerships and programs, several SLAM program students have been introduced to sports opportunities through the university's speakers’ series, internships and service-learning opportunities.  

In a recent video interview, Dr. Alison White, Clinical Assistant Professor, Kinesiology Department, commented on TSLF program benefits for SLAM program students. “TSLF has connected us to many industry stakeholders, and as a result, three of our students had the opportunity to intern with the Texas Rangers in the Human Resources and Partnerships Department and REV Entertainment,” she noted. Click here to watch Dr. White’s full video. 

Approximately 200 students are enrolled in UT Arlington’s Kinesiology SLAM and Physical Education programs and enrollment is expected to steadily increase this year.

TSLF has awarded $5000 in scholarship awards and $4,500 in mentoring program assistance to UT Arlington Kinesiology Program students since 2020. 

TSLF announces the Teach Tourism Grant Program for Hospitality Services and Culinary Arts Teachers

The Teach Tourism Grant Program will offer secondary school teachers the opportunity to apply for funds to support hospitality services and culinary arts projects and programs. Grant funding can be requested for Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and activities including field trip transportation, materials, equipment, and industry certifications.

By pursuing and effectively utilizing these grants, educators can enhance their teaching of tourism, contribute to better student learning experiences, and support the broader goals of tourism education. Teachers who focus on tourism education can help foster student engagement, support innovative projects, and improve educational outcomes. 

Grant funding will be available during the 2024-25 school year.  

For more information about the program, contact grants@travelandsportslegacyfoundation.org.  

The Travel and Sports Legacy Foundation Scholarship Program supports students pursuing studies in the field of Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management at Tarrant County College/Southeast Campus.The scholarship will provide a monetary award for students maintaining a GPA of 2.5 for fall and spring semesters to learn to integrate hands-on technical skills with supervisory and business management capabilities. Students enrolled will have the opportunity to earn a degree in Culinary Arts or certificates in Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, Catering/Private Chef, and Travel and Tourism.

For more information about the scholarship awards, contact Mike Cinatl, scholarships@travelandsportslegacyfoundation.org. 

TSLF will host a Virtual Meeting for Arlington ISD Hospitality Services & Culinary Arts teachers in October.

TSLF will host a virtual meeting for hospitality services and culinary arts teachers on October 3rd. The meeting will provide teachers with information about TSLF programs including available grants, a summer educational forum, student scholarships, and opportunities for teachers to connect with travel and tourism professionals. 

For more information about TSLF programs, contact Mary German, mary@travelandsportslegacyfoundation.org.

Support TSLF through the Kroger Community Rewards Program 

Support TSLF through the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Kroger shoppers can support TSLF with every purchase at Kroger. To sign up, visit kroger.com. Once you are logged into your Kroger account, search for the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation either by name or BV311 and then click enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

I have been fortunate to work directly or indirectly in travel and sports for the past 40 years. Today, though, I want to convey how I got involved in the sports industry. 

I started as a college student working part-time in Arizona State University’s athletic department, while working towards my bachelor’s degree. I leveraged that and other work experiences, such as serving as a minor league baseball intern and sports statistician, into my first full-time job as assistant director of public relations for the Fiesta Bowl.

In college I was like many students in that I didn’t know exactly what career path I wanted to follow. I knew I liked sports and was willing to work internships—some paid, some not—as a college student to acquire the work experience I needed to find a job after graduation.

I knew I needed to make industry contacts to find that first full-time job in sports. I also needed to do a good job for my current employers to ensure I would have a positive reference or two after graduation when seeking full-time work. Finally, I realized that demonstrating an outstanding work ethic and being open to coaching and direction were ways that I could set myself apart in the competitive field of sports.  

I met as many people in the industry as I could and worked as hard as possible to try to make a name for myself. I was fortunate to meet high-ranking people in the industry who gave me their time and advice, along with recommendations to employers, to help me find that first job. I have never forgotten that and always accept requests from those asking for informational interviews. It’s vital to help others in their quests to learn and grow.

Although I’ve now worked for convention and visitors bureaus for the past 27 years, I have stayed involved in sports.

I spent nine months as an executive on-loan from the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, to the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee in the mid-1990s to work with media.

I have been involved in creating several sports events and agreements in the communities in which I’ve worked during the past three decades, while serving on the boards of directors for the Arizona and Cotton bowls. I also coached club baseball for a number of years to try to give back, while fostering kids’ love for the game.

If you want to work in the sports industry as badly as I did when I was young, I strongly encourage you to pursue internships or other available opportunities in the industry. You won’t make much, if any, money in your early days, because so many pursue sports careers. Don’t get discouraged if you are turned down when initially applying for entry-level sports jobs. Be persistent in pursuing opportunities and do your best to make the most of them.

There are no shortcuts. You have to be willing to work your way up through entry-level jobs that feature long hours and low pay. If you are passionate about the industry, though, chances are excellent that you will create an enjoyable and profitable career path.