Ignite Now Has Athletics: Firebirds Sports for Grades 6–8 in Lehi

Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy (IEA) now offers competitive middle school athletics. Through our Firebirds Athletics program, students in grades 6–8 can compete in soccer, volleyball, cross country, and basketball against other schools in the Utah Charter and Small School Athletic League (UCSSAL).

For Lehi families who have wondered whether a small K–8 charter school can offer team sports, the answer is now yes. Here is what the program includes for the 2026–2027 school year, what it costs, and the registration deadlines to know.

What Is Firebirds Athletics?

Firebirds Athletics is IEA's competitive sports program for middle school students. Teams compete in the Utah Charter and Small School Athletic League, a league built for charter and smaller schools in Utah. Sports run across three seasons (fall, winter, and spring), so students can play one sport or several over the course of the year.

The program's focus is simple: building teamwork, character, and Firebird pride.

Who Can Participate?

Firebirds Athletics is open to IEA students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Sports Offered in 2026–2027

Season	Sport	Participation Fee
Fall	Boys Soccer	$95
Fall	Girls Volleyball	$95
Fall	Coed Cross Country	$60
Winter	Girls Basketball	$100
Winter	Boys Basketball	$100
Spring	Girls Soccer	$95
Spring	Boys Volleyball	$95

Each sport is offered as long as enough students sign up to meet the league's participation threshold, so early registration helps make sure a team forms.

Registration Deadlines

Winter sports (girls and boys basketball): October 16, 2026
Spring sports (girls soccer and boys volleyball): March 13, 2027

Winter registration is the next deadline. If your middle schooler wants to play basketball this season, register before October 16, 2026.

What Do the Fees Cover?

Participation fees cover three things:

Team uniforms
UCSSAL league registration
Game officials

Sport-specific footwear (such as cleats or court shoes) is not included. A few other policies to know:

Payment: Fees must be paid in full before a student can participate.
Hardship waiver: Available upon request, so cost does not have to keep a student off the team.
Uniforms: A $50 fee applies if a uniform is not returned or is damaged.
Refunds: Fees are non-refundable after the first contest, except for documented medical reasons.

Why Athletics Fit the Ignite Approach

At Ignite, students learn by doing. They run projects, take on classroom responsibilities, and practice the entrepreneurial skills of teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Team sports put those same skills to work in a different setting: showing up for teammates, learning from a loss, and working toward a shared goal.

For 7th and 8th graders especially, athletics adds another way to belong at school and build confidence outside the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy have sports?

Yes. IEA offers competitive athletics for grades 6–8 through the Firebirds Athletics program, competing in the Utah Charter and Small School Athletic League (UCSSAL).

What sports does IEA offer?

For 2026–2027: boys soccer, girls volleyball, and coed cross country in the fall; girls and boys basketball in the winter; and girls soccer and boys volleyball in the spring.

How much does it cost to play?

Fees range from $60 (cross country) to $100 (basketball). Soccer and volleyball are $95. A hardship waiver is available upon request.

Can elementary students join?

Firebirds Athletics is currently for middle school students in grades 6–8.

Learn More and Register

Schedules, team details, and tryout information are on the Firebirds Athletics page. Questions? Call the front office at (801) 901-8520.

Not an Ignite family yet? IEA is a tuition-free public charter school in Lehi, Utah. Apply for the Ignite lottery to join a school where students learn by doing, in the classroom and on the court.

Source: IEA Firebirds Athletics (2026–2027 program details).