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’s entrepreneurial journey is built on a powerhouse foundation of relentless drive, forged during his years as a highly competitive cross country high school and NCAA Division III collegiate athlete. The intense commitment, daily grind, and sheer stamina required to excel at the collegiate level instilled in him a profound understanding of how to perform under pressure. For Matthew, transitioning into small business ownership was a natural evolution; the same grit and determination that defined his athletic career now serve as the backbone of his entrepreneurial ventures. He knows firsthand that success in business isn't handed down—it is earned through the daily discipline of showing up, pushing through setbacks, and turning the "grind" into a distinct competitive advantage.
Central to Matthew’s business philosophy is an unshakeable sense of self-perseverance and proactive ownership. He doesn't wait around for opportunities to land on his desk or for others to clear his path; he actively goes out and builds his own momentum, operating on the firm belief that true leaders generate their own luck. While this fierce independence allows him to confidently navigate the unique challenges of building a business from the ground up, his true strength lies in strategic self-awareness. Matthew seamlessly balances his do-it-yourself work ethic with the maturity to know exactly when to bring in specialized professionals, ensuring that while he aggressively architects his own opportunities, he leverages elite expertise to scale them flawlessly.