Daily Inspiration: Meet Jonathan Owens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Owens

Hi Jonathan , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started in 2019, with a simple game of backyard basketball. A few years ago, I was hosting a neighborhood barbecue, and all the kids were running around with nothing much to do. So, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, I grabbed an old basketball and set up a quick game in my driveway.

Things got interesting when our dog, Donut, decided to join in. He wasn’t just any dog—he was a 70-pound Golden Retriever with the energy of a hundred kids. Donut became the star player, bouncing around and trying to ‘dribble’ the ball with his nose! The kids were laughing, and even the adults got involved, trying to keep up with Donut.

Seeing everyone so engaged and happy, it struck me—why not create more structured opportunities for kids to have fun and learn through sports? That driveway game, with Donut leading the charge, was the spark that led to the creation of OMG Youth Sports. We wanted to capture that same joy and community spirit on a larger scale.

So, you could say it all began thanks to a barbecue, an old basketball, and a very enthusiastic dog named Donut. And to this day, Donut is our honorary mascot, reminding us that sports should always be about having fun and bringing people together.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We love what we do, so it never feels like work, but more like friends trying to accomplish a goal. Maybe the roughest time was during Covid. we had to figure out how to still come together but remain separate. Like many camps we offered whatever we could on Zoom or in a 1 on 1 setting. Those times were really tougher on the children then on us.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As the Director of OMG Youth Sports, my job involves overseeing all aspects of our programs, from planning and organizing events to coordinating with coaches, volunteers, and parents. I ensure that our activities run smoothly and that we provide a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for all our participants.

We specialize in a variety of sports and development programs aimed at children of all ages and skill levels. Our offerings range from traditional sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball to specialized activities such as fitness training and team-building exercises. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to inclusivity and our specialized programs for children with special needs. We believe that every child deserves the chance to participate in sports and benefit from the physical, social, and emotional growth that comes with it.

What we are most proud of is our ability to provide tailored programs for children with special needs. We’ve designed activities and training sessions that cater to their unique requirements, ensuring they can participate and thrive just like any other child. This commitment to inclusivity and personalized care has made a significant impact on the lives of many children and their families.

Another aspect that distinguishes us from other camps is our strong sense of community and the personal touch we bring to everything we do. We don’t just focus on developing athletic skills; we also emphasize character building, teamwork, and having fun. Our approach is holistic, aiming to nurture well-rounded individuals who gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

In essence, my role is to lead and inspire our team to deliver exceptional programs that make a real difference in the lives of children. Seeing the joy and growth in our participants, especially those with special needs, is incredibly rewarding and the driving force behind everything we do at OMG Youth Sports.

Any big plans?
We have several exciting plans for the future at OMG Youth Sports. Firstly, we are looking to expand our program offerings to include more diverse sports and activities. This includes introducing new sports like volleyball and swimming, as well as non-traditional activities such as martial arts and dance, to cater to a wider range of interests and abilities.

We are also planning to enhance our facilities. This includes upgrading our existing fields and courts, adding new equipment, and developing specialized areas for children with special needs. These improvements will help us provide an even better experience for all our participants.

In addition, we are focusing on increasing our outreach and community involvement. We aim to partner with local schools, community centers, and other organizations to create more opportunities for children to participate in our programs. We also plan to launch scholarship programs to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any child from joining our activities.

Another key area of focus is staff development. We are committed to providing ongoing training and professional development for our coaches and volunteers to ensure they are equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge to support our participants effectively.

Finally, we are looking to incorporate more technology into our programs. This includes developing an app for easier registration and communication, as well as using technology to track and enhance the progress and performance of our participants.

Overall, our future plans are centered around growth, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. We are dedicated to making OMG Youth Sports a place where every child can thrive, have fun, and develop important life skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.omgsportsla.com
• Instagram: www.omgadventures.com