Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, with over 30 years of global sports industry experience, this podcast isn’t about quick fixes or empty talk. It’s a platform for authentic, purpose-driven conversations that go beyond the game to explore how sports can drive positive, actionable change.
Born from a passion for impact, Pre-Zero Sports Talk dives into today’s most pressing themes: performance and well-being, leadership, innovation, coaching, community impact, sustainability, regenerative agriculture, governance, geopolitics, and more. Each episode cuts through the noise and greenwashing, 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 — stories that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark transformation. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, business leader, or someone who believes in the power of sport to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, inspires, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in shaping a cleaner, safer, and more connected world — one episode at a time.
Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Transforming Youth Sports with Anthony Mac Neil
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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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