NHL STREET’s 100th League Operator: Q&A with Billy Kelly of Sportify Inc.
We’re excited to spotlight NHL STREET’s 100th league operator, Billy Kelly. Billy, part-owner of Sportify Inc., has been instrumental in bringing diverse youth sports programs to North Shore Long Island, now featuring street hockey. We sat down with Billy to discuss his journey, his vision for NHL STREET, and the impact he hopes to make in the community.
Q: What inspired you to join NHL STREET?
NHL STREET gives kids the chance to play street hockey, a sport I loved growing up. The idea of playing hockey on your feet with friends really resonated with me. When I saw an NHL STREET game during the Rangers vs. Islanders intermission, I knew we had to bring this to our community. And the NHL-branded jerseys and equipment just added to the whole experience.
Q: Do you have any street hockey experience yourself?
I grew up in a family where my uncles and cousins were always playing sports. I’ve been playing since I was three years old, and street hockey was a big part of my childhood. We always played in the neighborhood, but nowadays, you just don’t see kids playing street hockey like they used to. This definitely influenced my decision to create this opportunity.
Q: How do you believe participating in street hockey impacts the youth in your community?
Street hockey makes the sport accessible to everyone, especially those who can’t afford the high costs associated with traditional hockey. It keeps kids active and off their devices, provides a fun way to exercise, and helps them learn teamwork.
Q: What advice would you give to other organizations or individuals considering starting an NHL STREET League?
My advice is simple: just do it. And make sure the kids have a great experience. Focus on their happiness and development, and everything else will fall into place. Sometimes, as adults, we forget what it’s like to be kids playing a game. It’s about growing their confidence and helping them get along with each other.
Q: What future goals or initiatives do you have for your league?
Our goal is to create a competitive league with 6-8 teams per age group. We want to connect children throughout Long Island to street hockey, especially those who have never had the chance to play. We’re also planning to launch in Spring 2025 and hope to have multiple seasons, including summer and winter, depending on interest.
Q: Does your organization operate any other youth sports?
Yes, we offer a variety of sports, including flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and tennis. Each week, we focus on a different sport to give children a well-rounded experience. Our goal is to help them improve their motor skills and find a love for sports and fitness.
Q: Which NHL STREET team jerseys are you looking forward to using in your league?
There are so many great teams to choose from. We’re looking forward to using jerseys from the Islanders, Rangers, Devils, Bruins, Oilers, Panthers, and many more. The kids are really excited about representing their favorite teams.
About Sportify Inc.
Sportify is co-founded by Billy Kelly and Christos Triposteris, with a mission to offer unmatched sport development and activities for individuals and groups of all ages through positive reinforcement and encouragement. At Sportify, we believe that learning multiple sports helps children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Our goal is to provide engaging and new opportunities for children to find a love for sports and fitness while improving their overall well-being.
NHL STREET now has over 120 league operators, and we’re just getting started! Stay tuned for more updates and exciting initiatives from league operators like Billy Kelly, who are making a real impact in their communities.
Ready to inspire the next generation of street hockey players?
Start your own NHL STREET league today and bring this fun, accessible sport to kids in your area. Let’s keep growing the game together.
