Darrell Taylor Is Bringing Pro-Level Experiences to Central Florida Kids

With NBA tip-off just around the corner, the excitement is building for basketball fans everywhere. But in Orlando, kids don’t have to wait for the pros to take the court. They’re already getting their own NBA experience thanks to BNA Sports, one of the largest multi-sport youth organizations in Central Florida.

At the center of it all is Darrell “D.K.” Taylor, founder of BNA Sports and operator of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Leagues and NFL FLAG. His mission is simple: to give kids the kind of experiences usually reserved for the pros.

Media Day: Where Every Kid Feels Like a Pro

For Taylor, every season starts with something special: Media Day.

“Instead of passing out uniforms on the first day, we do Media Day,” he explains. “Kids sign in, pick up their jerseys at a contract signing station, then go through three photo stations: headshots, action shots with props, and family pictures. Parents get to take their own photos too. We give them everything complimentary.”

These photos also fuel the Player of the Week features, rosters, and hype videos throughout the season. “It’s about elevating the experience,” Taylor says. “And giving them that NBA feel.”

From Playing Fields to Building Futures

Taylor’s journey to building one of Orlando’s most successful multi-sport programs started with his own time on the football field. But it was his first experience volunteering that truly shifted his focus.

“When I started volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club, it changed my path,” he says.

That decision led to six years with the Boys & Girls Club, followed by work with Special Olympics, and eventually serving as Director of Youth Football at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns. “I ran programming, coaches clinics, youth camps, leagues, volunteerism—all of it,” he says.

Those experiences shaped the philosophy that drives BNA today. “You always hear that 99% of kids don’t make it pro, but I want 99% of kids to have a pro-level experience.”

NBA Legends on the Sidelines

That philosophy has attracted some of the biggest names in basketball. This season, NBA Hall of Famer Vince Carter is coaching his son’s team in BNA’s Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA League. In past seasons, former Orlando Magic stars Nick Anderson and Quentin Richardson have also coached in the league. 

“It’s amazing to have these athletes who have been in the kids’ shoes, made it professional, and now give back,” Taylor says. “Their knowledge and humility are incredible. Every kid benefits from it.”

Anderson has even led development sessions for players, passing on his expertise and perspective. 

“It gives every kid in our league a chance to learn from someone they look up to, and that’s powerful,” Taylor says.

Why Experience Comes Before Wins

Taylor often shares the story of his first year coaching youth flag football. “We lost every game,” he says. “But the next year, my entire team came back. Parents weren’t asking about wins; they were asking if I was coaching again, all because of the experience we provided.”

That same philosophy runs through every detail at BNA: tunnels and starting lineups, names on every jersey, Player of the Week honors, All-Star weekends, and end-of-season awards.

“People see where their money is going,” Taylor says.

Putting Rec Athletes First

For Taylor, the true heart of BNA Sports is the rec athlete.

“There are more rec kids than elite kids,” he says. “Everything in youth sports is tailored to the elite, but I want to do more for the rec athlete. That’s where kids build confidence and self-esteem, and where they learn life skills you don’t always get at the elite level.”

He also emphasizes supporting the coaches who make it all possible. “We do a mandated coach’s clinic at the local high school,” he explains. “That’s to help the parent coaches as well, so they feel prepared to teach and train.”

Passion That Fuels It All

With more than 300 to 400 kids playing NFL FLAG each season and 150 to 200 in Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Leagues, the logistics can be overwhelming. 

“Every week I ask myself why I’m doing so much,” Taylor admits. “But then you see those kids run out of that tunnel, and you’re ten times more excited than they are. That’s what makes you want to do it even more.”

Taylor, whose own children play in BNA leagues, says it always comes back to passion. “Allow your passion to drive you,” he says. “That’s what opens the best opportunities. Wins and losses fade, but the experience? That’s what lasts.”

Want to create the same impact in your city? 

[Learn How to Become a League Operator]