UA Little Rock Student Evaluates, Enhances Local Youth Sports Programs

Having always been involved in sports, Avery Thomas-Wells wanted to help other kids have the experience he had growing up. A fall 2023 Sport Management graduate and expected May 2026 Recreation and Sport Management master’s graduate, he is continuing to lead and make a difference in both youth lives and the broader community.

Thomas-Wells completed internships with the Arkansas Travelers, the Arkansas Activities Association and the Air Force Recreation League — experiences that built his confidence, confirmed his passion for the industry, and solidified his decision to pursue a career in sports. 

At UA Little Rock, Thomas-Wells has built a strong foundation in leadership, program planning, and facility management. Throughout his coursework he has learned about policy development, risk management, and event operations — all of which help him in his day-to-day responsibilities. 

Now, he’s working on a capstone project focusing on evaluating the youth programs at Little Rock Parks and Recreation against National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards.The project is designed to strengthen local programs, with an emphasis on the importance of stronger coaching education, and training. Through his research, Thomas-Wells is helping provide a structured, sustainable model that can help Little Rock Parks and Recreation align more closely with NRPA standards and enhance the overall quality of its youth sports programs. 

Working with 85 children ages 4-12 requires organization, teamwork, and preparation behind the scenes. Thomas-Wells’ typical day starts with reflecting on the previous day’s programs and identifying ways to improve. From there, he prepares for the day ahead — coordinating practices, organizing equipment, and getting facilities ready for use. Most evenings include youth sports practices — usually consisting of flag football, basketball, and soccer — to ensure programs run smoothly and every participant has a positive experience.

“Coaching plays a major role in shaping young athletes,” Thomas-Wells said. “If we can provide better guidance and resources for coaches, we can create a more positive environment where kids feel supported, encouraged and motivated to keep playing.”

For Thomas-Wells, his work is about more than sports — it’s about making sure the next generation of kids has the same positive experience that first inspired him.