If you’ve ever attended a 1-TDC Flyball Tournament of Champions, you know the energy is electric — barking dogs, cheering teams, and that split second of silence before the lights go green. But behind all that excitement, something remarkable has been happening: a quiet tech revolution that’s reshaping the future of the sport.
Leading that charge is Alex Le, a passionate board member of U-FLI (United Flyball League International) who’s bringing Silicon Valley innovation to the Flyball lanes. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Alex to talk about how technology is helping U-FLI modernize the sport, build stronger community connections, and create an even better experience for competitors and fans alike.
Meet Alex Le — From Silicon Valley to the Flyball Lanes 
Alex calls Northern California home — fittingly, the birthplace of Flyball. Although he’s one of the younger members of U-FLI’s board, he’s already been competing for over a decade.
“I come in with a clean-slate perspective,” Alex explained. “I think like the kind of dog-sport person we want to attract — people who want to get addicted to Flyball!”
That perspective, paired with his background in Silicon Valley technology, makes him the perfect person to help U-FLI evolve the sport for a new generation of competitors. His goal? To make Flyball smoother, smarter, and more connected — without ever losing the camaraderie and fun that make it so special.
From Paper Chaos to Digital Ease
Anyone who’s been around Flyball for a while remembers the early tournament days — clipboards, handwritten scores, and mountains of paper.
“I remember going to my first tournament,” Alex recalled with a laugh. “It was 6 p.m., there was paper everywhere, and I thought, there has to be a better way.”
Fast-forward to today: U-FLI’s tournaments now feature electronic scoring, paperless systems, and a mobile app that lets competitors view their team’s results, points, and times instantly.
“You can see everything right on your phone,” Alex said. “It makes things easier for participants and faster for judges — no more waiting for sheets or clipboards.”
But this isn’t just about convenience — it’s about connection. “Our goal is to integrate everything in one place,” Alex added. “We want to connect participants, organizers, and fans so the entire Flyball experience feels unified.” 
The Future of Dog-Sport Technology 
When I asked Alex what’s next for U-FLI, he smiled. “We’re not just using technology to move the sport forward — we’re using it to bring everyone together.”
He envisions a single digital platform where Flyball and dog-sport enthusiasts can train, shop, connect, and share.
“Imagine one place where you can watch training videos, buy gear, ask for advice, or celebrate your dog’s achievements,” Alex said. “That’s where we’re heading.”
This vision is all about creating a digital community hub that makes Flyball more accessible for newcomers while deepening engagement for longtime players.
Innovation in Action: Smart Lights, Big Screens, and Real-Time Updates
These innovations are already transforming events like the 1-TDC Flyball Tournament of Champions 2025.
This year, new automated light systems will integrate directly with race timing — reducing the need for manual input by judges and speeding up the action. Each ring will feature large digital displays showing live results, team standings, and race progress in real time.
“When you walk into the ring at Champs,” Alex said, “you’ll know exactly what race is happening, what ring you’re in, and who’s on deck — all right there on the big screens.”
And for those who can’t attend in person, live streaming will deliver the excitement straight to their screens. “It’s the best way to bring that family feeling of Flyball to everyone, no matter where they are,” Alex added.
Bringing the Flyball Family Closer
One of the most delightful surprises from our conversation was learning about U-FLI’s creative new ways to build engagement — like their virtual trading-card feature inside the app.
“It started organically,” Alex explained. “People were posting pictures and trading designs of their dogs’ cards, and we realized — why not make it part of the experience?”
Now competitors can upload and share their dogs’ cards digitally, browse others’ designs, and even print physical stickers for the event.
“That’s what we want,” Alex said. “Fun, organic engagement that helps people celebrate their dogs and connect with each other.”
It’s a perfect example of how technology, when used thoughtfully, can enhance connection instead of replacing it. 
Keeping the Heart of Flyball Alive
Of course, Alex and the team are careful not to let technology overshadow what makes Flyball so special — the live excitement, the barking, and the community energy that fills the air at every 1-TDC Tournament of Champions.
“Last year some people stayed in their RVs watching the livestream instead of coming into the ring,” Alex said with a grin. “We don’t want that! We want people to come in, cheer, and feel the excitement.”
So while U-FLI will continue expanding its app and digital features, the focus remains on enhancing the in-person experience — from multimedia displays and social-media highlights to live shout-outs celebrating every team’s success. 
A Sport on the Move
What stands out most about Alex Le is his passion — not only for Flyball but for its future. His work and the work of the entire U-FLI team are turning the 1-TDC Flyball Tournament of Champions into one of the most modern, interactive dog-sport events in the world.
“2026 is going to be big,” Alex hinted. “But first, we’re focused on making this year’s Champs unforgettable.”
From automated lights and live scoring to digital trading cards and real-time results, every improvement serves one goal: to make Flyball even more thrilling and inclusive for everyone involved.
The Bottom Line
Flyball has always been about teamwork — between dogs, handlers, and the broader community that cheers them on. What Alex Le and U-FLI are doing is expanding that teamwork into the digital era, connecting everyone through innovation while keeping the sport’s heart intact.
If you want to see what the future of Flyball looks like, don’t miss the 1-TDC Flyball Tournament of Champions 2025.
🎥 Watch the full interview with Alex Le here
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