THE 2026 PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT WILL BE MAY 29-30.
We are excited to announce that the 2026 Player Development Summit will be in Detroit, Michigan, the Motor City. This next chapter will bring together player development professionals, coaches, administrators, and leaders from around the world to collaborate, learn, and grow.
The theme for the 2026 Summit is “Developing People and Elevating Programs.” This focus represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing the athlete experience through intentional and holistic development across all levels of sport.
We cannot wait to see you in Detroit for the 2026 Player Development Summit. Stay tuned for more information on tickets, speakers, and sponsorship opportunities.
Developing People. Elevating Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Beyond The Field is an athlete development organization built to help programs intentionally develop people, not just performers. We focus on creating structured, sustainable player development systems that enhance the athlete experience and strengthen programs from the inside out.
This work goes beyond motivation, one-time speakers, or check-the-box programming. Beyond The Field exists to help organizations think clearly, build intentionally, and operate with purpose when it comes to developing the whole person.
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Beyond The Field is for organizations and leaders who care deeply about the people inside their program.
That includes athletic departments, coaches, player development professionals, administrators, and organizations that want to create clarity, consistency, and impact beyond wins and losses.
If you are serious about athlete experience, leadership, life preparation, and long-term program health, this work is for you.
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Beyond The Field is built from lived experience, not theory. Everything we do is informed by years spent inside athletic programs, on the field, in meetings, on the road, and in real moments with athletes and coaches.
We focus on systems, not slogans. Programs, not performances. Sustainability, not short-term motivation. We build customized player development systems based on the specific needs, goals, and realities of the programs, teams, and organizations we work with.
Our goal is not to impress for a day. It is to build something that lasts.
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Wins matter. Performance matters. But the reality is that programs are made up of people, and people determine outcomes.
Player development helps create alignment, trust, accountability, and clarity. It impacts how athletes show up daily, how they handle adversity, how they lead, and how they transition beyond sport.
When done well, player development strengthens culture, communication, and connection throughout the entire program.
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Many programs want to do right by their athletes but struggle with consistency and clarity.
Beyond The Field helps organizations address issues like unclear development plans, disconnected programming, staff burnout, athlete disengagement, and reactive problem-solving.
We help turn good intentions into intentional systems that actually work.
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Player development is the enhancement of the athlete experience through holistic and intentional development.
It is not random programming or motivational talks. It is strategic, aligned, and purposeful.
True player development considers the athlete as a whole person and creates experiences, education, and support systems that help them grow on and off the field.
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Beyond The Field provides consulting, program design, training, education, and strategic support for organizations at different stages.
This includes helping build or refine player development departments, supporting staff development, creating intentional programming, and educating leaders on best practices.
We also provide content, resources, events, and experiences that support continued growth and learning.
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Yes. Beyond The Field works across multiple levels, including high school, collegiate, and professional environments.
While the structure may change, the principles remain the same. People still need clarity, support, accountability, and intentional development.
We tailor our approach to meet the realities, resources, and goals of each organization.
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Every engagement starts with listening. Understanding your people, your goals, and your challenges comes first.
From there, we help create clarity around what development should look like in your environment and how to implement it in a realistic, sustainable way.
Whether the engagement is short-term or long-term, the focus is always on building something that fits your program, not forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.
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Absolutely. This is a core part of our work.
We help organizations think through structure, priorities, staffing, programming, and communication so player development is aligned with the overall direction of the program.
The goal is not just to have a position, but to have a department or function that truly adds value.
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Beyond The Field is led by Edward Jones II, a former player development professional who has spent years working inside athletic programs at the highest levels. (University of Houston Athletics, University of Kansas Athletics, and Baylor University Athletics)
This work is informed by real relationships with athletes, coaches, administrators, and support staff.
Beyond The Field is built on experience, trust, and a deep understanding of what it takes to operate effectively on the field and behind the scenes.
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Organizations can expect greater clarity, alignment, and intentionality around how they develop people.
This often leads to improved communication, stronger relationships, more engaged athletes, and staff who feel supported and aligned.
The impact is not about quick fixes. It is about building a foundation that supports long-term success.
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Beyond The Field also produces educational resources, books, podcasts, and events designed to support continued learning and growth in the player development space.
This includes The Player Development Guide, The Player Development Pod, and the annual Player Development Summit.
These platforms allow us to share insight, elevate the profession, and create spaces for connection and learning.
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Email us at info@btfprogram.com
The Player Development Guide
This Isn’t Just a Book—It’s Your Competitive Edge in Player Development.
If you're serious about impacting athletes beyond the game, The Player Development Guide is your new blueprint. Written by Edward Jones II—who’s led programs at Houston, Kansas, and Baylor—this book doesn’t give you fluff. It hands you the exact tools, strategies, and behind-the-scenes systems used to transform athletes' lives and elevate entire programs.
Inside, you'll gain unmatched clarity on your role, learn how to build intentional support from day one, and develop the confidence to lead like a seasoned pro—even if you’re just starting out. Don’t guess your way through player development. Get the guide that’s already changed how the industry thinks. Your athletes are counting on you.
Grab your copy now and lead with purpose.
Our Services
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Player development consulting for individual professionals or athletic programs.
In this consulting we provide role evaluation, program evaluation, role creation and player development department creation.
Click the box to the left to receive more information.
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Group player development learning and creation experiences.
We have three cohorts:
Beginners - 4 weeks with 6 player development objectives
Advanced - 8 weeks with 15 player development objectives
Ultimate - 12 weeks with 25 player development objectives
Click the box to the left to receive more information.
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One on one player development coaching.
Coaching programs:
3 months
6 months
12 months
Click the box to the left to receive more information.
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Intensives based on a particular player development topic. These are very interactive and will allow the attendee to walk away with the knowledge necessary for player development mastery.
Click the box to the left to receive more information.
The Player Development Podcast provides player development education to professionals, students, and those interested in this great career.
The Player Development Pod.
