Our Mission

First Time Sports introduces the foundational basics to your aspiring future athletes. We do this by exercising not just our bodies, but by flexing our mental muscles as well. We aim to inspire your children through our set of core values.

Core Values

  • Learning the basics of movement and form helps young athletes easily transition into their sport of choice, instead of starting from zero.

  • Keeping our athletes safe and teaching them how to keep others safe.

  • Helping young kids grow through sports makes us happy, and we want to instill that same feeling into others.

  • Treating others fairly and with respect is our goal because sports are no fun if everyone isn't demonstrating the best behavior, on and off the field.

  • Encouraging kids to work hard to improve their skills and motivate themselves to become better athletes.

Coaching Philosophy

Between the ages of 2 and 10, young children experience a big jump in their physical abilities. They are growing and developing new skills all the time. Our coaches at First Time Sports are equal parts animated, patient, and trained in the basics of our seven core sports. They are also just as good at soothing our young athletes when needed and building up their confidence and character.

The sessions are closed practices from parents/guardians because we want your athlete to focus without any distractions and build the self-confidence they need to succeed at their chosen sport. Our coaches also place great emphasis on teaching kids to follow directions, listen, and experiencing the joy of team play.

Owner - Hillary Allton

First Time Sports Owner, Hillary Allton

After watching many of my friends struggle with questions about how and when to introduce their children to sports, I was inspired to create First Time Sports. Now parents of young children around the Phoenix area have benefited from our team’s collective knowledge and expertise.

A native of Illinois I was a young, active athlete throughout childhood with soccer, cross country, and competitive cheer. After being recruited for soccer and cheer at the college level, I experienced an ACL injury that ended my sports journey. My injury directly led to my commitment to create a youth sports program rooted in safety. I want to help kids from the youngest age learn how to enjoy sports safely while discovering and building on their natural talents.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a Master’s degree in sports management. My career has included working in municipal recreation, ticket sales for the Chicago Bulls, fitness training, managing a youth sports franchise and coaching varsity cheer at the high school level.

I am passionate about introducing children to the benefits of youth sports programs. I never want a parent to wait too long or wonder if their child is too young to be introduced to the benefits of sports. At First Time Sports, our coaches keep it safe and fun, and will help your kids grow into our future athletes.

Meet our Coaches!

  • Photo of youth sports coach, Leland Devlin.

    Cheyenne Sawyer

    Bachelors Degree

    Favorite Sport - Basketball 🏀

    Hometown - Colorado Springs, Colorado📍

    Favorite Team - Phoenix Suns

  • Chris Meshes

    Chris Meshes

    Masters Degree

    Favorite Sport - Hockey 🏑

    Hometown - Rockford, Illinois📍

    Favorite Team - Chicago Blackhawks

  • Daniela Ruiz

    Daniela Ruiz

    Bachelors Degree

    Favorite Sport- Soccer ⚽

    Hometown- Maracay, Venezuela 📍

    Favorite Team- Miami Heat

  • Photo of youth sports coach, Leland Devlin.

    Javier Hernandez

    Bachelors Degree

    Favorite Sport- Rugby 🏉

    Hometown- Tolleson, Arizona 📍

    Favorite Team- GCU Rugby

  • Jeremy Mendez

    Catherina Garibay

    Associates Degree

    Favorite Sport- Volleyball 🏐

    Hometown- Laveen Arizona 📍

    Favorite Team- Phoenix SUNS

We do our best to serve the entire Valley area!

  • Peoria

  • Phoenix

  • Mesa

  • Glendale

  • Chandler

  • Scottsdale

  • Laveen

  • Goodyear

  • Avondale

  • Gilbert