SportsEngine Announces Acquisition of Background Screening Service Providers

SportsEngine, a division of NBC Sports Group, today announced the acquisition of background screening service providers, National Center for Safety Initiatives, LLC. (NCSI) and Southeastern Security Consultants, Inc. (SSCI). Combined with the current SportsEngine Verify background screening solution, these acquisitions strengthen SportsEngine's position as the leading national provider of secure background screening for youth sports organizations, parks & recreation agencies, and national sports governing bodies.

With these acquisitions, SportsEngine will offer the only background screening program endorsed by the National Council of Youth Sports, and SportsEngine will be the sole company licensed to implement its guidelines for Background Screening in Nonprofit Youth-Serving Organizations© that now serve as a national standard of care.

"Providing a safe environment for athletes is a critical part of youth sports," said Justin Kaufenberg, co-founder and CEO at SportsEngine. "SportsEngine has actively worked to promote youth sports safety, and with over seven million athletes using our platform, this is the right time for us to reinforce our commitment to these athletes and help ensure the safety of every young player."

"The services and expertise offered by NCSI and SSCI strongly complement our own SportsEngine Verify secure background screening solutions," said Lee Zukor, VP of Product & UX at SportsEngine. "We're excited to integrate the strengths of NCSI and SSCI with Verify to deliver a singular, comprehensive screening solution for sports organizations."

NCSI, based in Cleveland, Ohio, provides risk management services to premier amateur sports organizations. Its mission is to eradicate harm to youth and vulnerable populations in organizations and communities. NCSI's client base spans thousands of organizations, from national governing bodies to local grassroots leagues and teams. Its clients oversee millions of amateur athletes in the United States.

SSCI, based in Marietta, Georgia, services national governing bodies as well as more than 1,500 parks & recreation organizations across the United States. SSCI's client base has grown based on the belief that youth sports background checks should be held to the same standards and expectations as a full employment screening. They provide training, education, and guidance in all matters relating to volunteer background checks.

"NCSI is thrilled to join the SportsEngine family," said Trish McGonnell-Sylvia, co-founder & CEO of NCSI. "We have always had one major goal -- to protect children and vulnerable populations. SportsEngine's leadership and reach in youth sports will significantly expand that mission and allow us, together, to make a significant and positive impact."

"Our values are very closely aligned with SportsEngine, and together, we'll be able to accelerate achievement of our goals," said Randy Rodebaugh, President of SSCI. "Our shared passion for keeping kids safe in sport allows us to reach more communities and maintain a superior standard in background screening."

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