Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, community, and progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the sports industry, this podcast isn’t about preaching or claiming to have all the answers. Instead, it’s a platform for honest, thought-provoking conversations exploring how to create positive, actionable change in and through sports.
Born from a passion for progress, Pre-Zero Sports Talk explores the pressing topics shaping our world today—leadership, innovation, community impact, performance and well-being, regenerative agriculture, governance, and more. Each episode goes beyond the surface, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives.
This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues—conversations that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark action. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, industry leader, or someone seeking to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, entertains, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in building a cleaner, safer, and more connected world—one episode at a time.
Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Transforming Youth Sports with Anthony Mac Neil
In this episode, host Sid Bensalah converses with Anthony Mac Neil, president and co-founder of Premier Sports Leagues. Anthony shares his compelling journey from growing up in a small mining town in Labrador to revolutionizing youth sports in Canada. His focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and community is highlighted through the story of a young boy discovering floorball, transforming friendships, and reshaping youth athletics. Anthony delves into his innovative franchising model, the importance of effort over winning, and the long-term life lessons sports can offer. Listeners will gain insights into Anthony’s approach to mentoring business leaders, managing parent expectations, fostering cultural shifts in sports, and the enduring impact of community engagement. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how youth sports can be crucial in developing well-rounded individuals.
Timestamps
(00:00) Transforming Youth Sports with Anthony Mac Neil
(00:05) Introduction to Anthony Mac Neil
(00:57) Anthony's Early Life in Labrador
(02:40) Impact of Small Town on Sports Values
(06:06) The Accidental Introduction to Floorball
(06:39) A Transformative Moment in Floorball
(12:43) The Birth of Premier Sports Leagues
(14:38) Franchising Youth Sports
(19:25) Finding the Right Franchise Partners
(22:15) Creating a Culture Beyond Winning
(26:40) Managing Parents in Youth Sports
(29:54) Planting Seeds for Future Generations
(31:48) Introducing Floorball and Futsal to Communities
(33:48) Hockey and Floorball: A Comparison
(34:21) Introducing Floorball in Schools
(34:50) Challenges and Breakthroughs
(36:56) Franchising and Community Support
(37:37) Cost and Accessibility of Floorball
(41:41) Growth and Future of Emerging Sports
(45:27) Sports and Business Parallels
(47:45) Lightning Round: Personal Insights
(58:50) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Final Thought: "Plant a tree whose shade you may never sit under." – Anthony Mac Neil on building a lasting impact through youth sports.
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