Sponsored by Monumental Sports Network, the 2025–26 session kicks off on December 4th at Capital One Arena
Washington, D.C. (September 29, 2025) – Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Flagstar Football are proud to kick off the second year of their comprehensive Youth Leadership and Business Internship Program, part of MSE’s “District of Play” youth sports initiative. The three-month program begins Thursday, December 4, at Capital One Arena and will provide up to 140 young leaders in Washington, D.C., aged 15 to 24 with paid internships, offering training and hands-on experience in the multifaceted world of sports business.
Building on the success of the inaugural season in 2024-25, this year’s program will continue to expand access and impact, equipping young adults with valuable professional skills while deepening their exposure to the sports and entertainment industry. Following a newly enhanced curriculum, participants will work alongside MSE and Flagstar staff on real-world projects in the D.C. community while gaining unique access to MSE and other sports business executives, engaging in small interest groups, and collaborating on interactive projects. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend a Washington Capitals or Wizards game after each in-person session.
This effort is made possible by Monumental Sports Network’s annual $350,000 pledge to Flagstar Football, reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in the D.C. community.
“Launching the second year of this program is about giving young people in D.C. the tools, access, and confidence to chase big goals,” said Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises for Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “Sports light a spark, and through this internship, that spark becomes real skills, real connections, and real opportunities to lead.”
The ’25/’26 Youth Leadership and Business Internship is open to business-minded young adults, both boys and girls, aged 15-24. The paid internship provides:
Real-world experience in sports-related and general business components, including startup strategy, communication, marketing, finance, operations, growth, and foundation/non-profit work.
Exposure to a multifaceted organization with opportunities to work on real-life projects between meetings.
Access to high-level guest speakers and networking opportunities through partnership with MSE staff.
“At Flagstar Football, we believe employment is a two-way street,” said Carl Ehrlich, Founder and CEO of Flagstar Football. “We interview, train, and manage our employees to provide the best possible youth sports experience. Yet, when the season is over and the payroll has run, there’s something our staff gives us that’s impossible to quantify. Our internship program is a way to give something back and reach out into our community.”
Since its inception in 2016, the internship program has graduated hundreds of young leaders who have gone on to achieve success in a variety of fields. The MSE partnership, launched in 2024, has helped scale the program significantly, boasting 145 interns representing 52 high schools and 7 universities in its inaugural year. The partnership also provided nearly 2,000 scholarships over the ‘24/’25 season.
Application Information
All sessions will be held at Capital One Arena from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with most sessions followed by a complimentary Washington Wizards or Capitals game at 7:00 PM.
Those interested in applying for the internship can do so here through Thursday, Oct 23, 2025.
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About District of Play
Launched in 2024 as part of the Capital One Arena reimagination, “District of Play” is Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s commitment to expanding access to youth sports and wellness across D.C. In its first year, the initiative reached more than 200,000 residents, earning recognition from Fight for Children and DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and a nomination for the 2025 ESPY Sports Humanitarian Award. “District of Play” invests in youth sports infrastructure, creates new opportunities for underserved youth, and drives community impact through the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics, Capital City Go-Go, Monumental Sports Network, and the MSE Foundation.
About Flagstar Football
Get Better. Have Fun. Flagstar Football is a community-focused youth sports organization dedicated to providing a positive sports experience, shaping the youth of tomorrow, providing opportunities for young professionals and bridging a racial/socioeconomic gap. By creating meaningful connections among players, families, and staff, Flag Star Football goes beyond the game to build a stronger, more connected community. For more, visit: www.flagstarfootball.com.
