building athlete-inspired apparel for players, creators, and competitors
First Play Athletics was founded with one goal in mind: helping athletes take advantage of opportunities through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). We believe every athlete has a story worth sharing and a brand worth building.
First Play Athletics was founded with one goal in mind: helping athletes take advantage of opportunities through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). We believe every athlete has a story worth sharing and a brand worth building.
At First Play Athletics, we partner with high school and college athletes to create custom merchandise stores that allow them to showcase their brand, engage with fans, and earn income through merchandise sales. Our platform provides athletes with a professional and accessible way to gain NIL experience while developing skills that can benefit them long after their playing careers. Our mission is to help athletes and families navigate the evolving NIL landscape by providing a platform to build a personal brand, grow a loyal following, connect with supporters, and gain real-world experience in the business side of athletics.
Whether an athlete is just beginning their journey, preparing for college athletics, or already competing at the collegiate level, we strive to create opportunities that help them maximize their potential both on and off the field. At First Play Athletics, we believe the best time to start building your brand is now.
Founders
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Brian Van Driel
A midwest born and raised native from Lesterville, SD. Brian built his athletic journey through hard work, perseverance, and the junior college route before earning a
collegiate baseball scholarship. He finished his college baseball career as a 2x All-Conference selection, 2x All-Region honoree, and Division II All-American. Brian is a graduate of Wayne State College and has been a small business owner since 2014. He also serves as President of Titan Nation, a nonprofit organization focused on
supporting youth athletes and their development.
Through First Play Athletics, Brian's vision is to help athletes and families navigate the evolving NIL landscape by building personal brands, growing engaged audiences, and creating opportunities through their name, image, and likeness. Drawing from his own experiences as an athlete and entrepreneur, Brian is passionate about helping athletes maximize opportunities both on and off the field while creating lasting connections with their communities.
Matthew Kafka
Matthew has built a career by transforming relentless discipline into entrepreneurial excellence. A former high school standout and NCAA Division III cross country athlete, he developed the resilience, grit, and competitive mindset that continue to define his leadership today. The lessons learned through years of endurance training—consistency, accountability, and performing under pressure—became the blueprint for building businesses that have earned national acclaim.
As the co-founder of Local Pig and Pigwich, Matthew has become one of the driving forces behind Kansas City's nationally recognized culinary scene. Founded on a commitment to whole-animal butchery, responsible sourcing, and supporting local farmers and ranchers, Local Pig quickly established itself as one of the Midwest's premier artisan butcher shops. Its innovative approach to sustainable meat production and craftsmanship has attracted national attention, earning features in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, while also being showcased on Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, introducing its mission and craftsmanship to audiences across the country.
Building on that success, Matthew helped launch Pigwich, a chef-driven sandwich shop that has become a destination for food lovers nationwide. Celebrated for its creative menu, house-made ingredients, and uncompromising quality, Pigwich has received widespread recognition and was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where Guy Fieri highlighted the restaurant's bold flavors and commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The exposure further cemented Pigwich's reputation as one of Kansas City's must-visit restaurants and expanded its national following.
Despite the national recognition, Matthew remains grounded in the values that have fueled his success from the beginning. He believes opportunity is created—not waited for—and approaches every challenge with an unwavering commitment to excellence. His entrepreneurial philosophy combines a relentless work ethic with the humility to surround himself with exceptional people, empowering talented teams while never compromising on quality or purpose.
Today, Matthew continues to build businesses that reflect his passion for craftsmanship, community, and innovation. Whether mentoring entrepreneurs, championing local agriculture, or creating memorable dining experiences, he remains committed to raising the standard of excellence. His journey is a testament to the belief that extraordinary businesses are built the same way championships are won—through vision, discipline, perseverance, and an uncompromising commitment to doing the little things exceptionally well.