I9 Sports pitches youth flag-football, soccer and T-ball partnership with Lawrence City parks

I9 Sports franchise owners told Lawrence City officials they want to run weekend youth leagues in the city, offering flag football, soccer and T-ball and planning indoor basketball and volleyball as they expand.

The proposal matters because organizers say the program would provide paid coach support, background-checked staff, subsidized slots for low-income families and a franchise-level insurance policy that would list host facilities as additional insureds — items city staff said they will need to examine before any use agreement is signed.

Anna Finley, co-owner and presenter, said the franchise’s goal is “we want every kid to be able to play in whatever capacity that is,” and described program features intended to reduce cost and access barriers. She and Connor Purius, co-owner and Lawrence native, said the franchise runs short seasons (six-to-seven week sessions), uses paid staff to back up volunteer coaches, provides equipment and reversible jerseys, and requires background checks and abuse-prevention training for all coaches. Finley said the organization carries a…