A NATIONAL GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT
HOBBY UNITED
THE HOBBY IS WORTH PROTECTING.
One hobby. Shared responsibility. A stronger future.
An initiative of the Certified Trading Card Association
A STRONGER HOBBY STARTS WITH ALL OF US.
The trading card hobby is more than cards. It's the collectors, friendships, businesses, communities, and experiences that bring us together.
But the future of the hobby cannot be left to chance.
We believe collectors deserve transparency. Businesses deserve a voice. Trust should matter in every transaction. And everyone who loves this hobby deserves the opportunity to help shape its future.
That's why the Certified Trading Card Association created Hobby United — a national grassroots movement bringing together collectors, breakers, hobby shops, creators, show promoters, and industry businesses around one shared mission:
Building a safer, smarter, stronger hobby. Together.
You don't have to agree on everything. You just have to believe the hobby is worth protecting.
ONE HOBBY
Across every collecting community
ONE PURPOSE
A safer, smarter, stronger future
ONE MOVEMENT
Powered by the people who love it
BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER.
Join collectors, creators, businesses, and hobby enthusiasts across the country who believe in building a better future for the trading card hobby.
Participation is completely free. No purchase, paid CTCA membership, or certification is required.
FIVE CAMPAIGNS. ONE STRONGER HOBBY.
Hobby United brings the community together through five national campaigns designed to educate, inspire, and encourage meaningful participation.
01
THE COLLECTOR COMES FIRST.
Collectors are the foundation of the hobby. Their experiences, concerns, and ideas should help shape its future.
02
BUILDING THE HOBBY TOGETHER.
Real progress happens when shops, shows, manufacturers, creators, and industry businesses work toward shared goals.
03
TRUST SHOULD TRAVEL.
Trust and transparency should follow every transaction. Learn about due diligence, GTCR Trust Checks, and safer buying practices.
Learn About Trust Checks →04
ARE YOU CERTIFIED?
Understand independent breaker certification, what it verifies, and what questions collectors should ask before entering a break.
Explore Certified Breakers →05
ONE HOBBY FOR ALL.
Sports cards, Pokémon, TCGs, entertainment cards, young collectors, and lifelong enthusiasts all belong.
THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU IN HOBBY UNITED.
Supporter
For collectors and hobby enthusiasts who want to learn, share, and participate.
Founding Ambassador
For trusted community voices and creators who want to educate, inspire, and amplify the movement.
Apply to Become an AmbassadorRegional Lead
For volunteer organizers who want to coordinate local community activities and outreach.
Express InterestIndustry Champion
For shops, card shows, and businesses committed to providing visibility and participation opportunities.
Become an Industry ChampionBECOME A FOUNDING HOBBY UNITED AMBASSADOR.
Some of the most important voices in the hobby aren't executives or industry leaders. They're collectors, creators, breakers, shop owners, and community members who have earned the trust of others.
We're inviting respected voices from across the hobby to help carry the Hobby United message into their communities.
As a Founding Ambassador, you'll receive access to official digital media resources, a public ambassador profile, a unique referral link, monthly talking points, and opportunities to participate in monthly conversations with CTCA's founder.
What we ask: One original post, one community conversation, and one invitation to a new participant each month.
Ambassadors remain independent voices. Participation does not require favorable reviews of CTCA or agreement with every CTCA position.
BRING HOBBY UNITED TO YOUR COMMUNITY.
Every hobby shop and card show has the opportunity to help build a stronger trading card community.
Hobby United is designed to live beyond social media.
We're inviting card shops, show promoters, and industry businesses to help introduce collectors to the movement through educational resources, community conversations, and opportunities to participate.
Participating businesses can receive access to an official Hobby United Shop Kit, including a counter sign, window decal, collector education materials, ready-to-share social graphics, and a unique trackable QR code.
HOBBY UNITED
WE BELIEVE IN A SAFER, SMARTER, STRONGER HOBBY.
Proud participant in Hobby United, a grassroots initiative of CTCA.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE HOBBY?
The future of the hobby should be shaped by the people who love it.
We want to hear your ideas, experiences, and concerns. What is working? What needs to improve? What would make collecting better for everyone?
A MOVEMENT BUILT BY THE HOBBY.
Every voice matters. Every conversation counts. Every community makes us stronger.
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Supporters
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Ambassadors
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Participating Shops & Shows
UNITED BY PURPOSE. INDEPENDENT BY PRINCIPLE.
Hobby United is built on the belief that meaningful progress requires openness, accountability, and independent thinking.
Participation is open to the entire hobby, and no individual or business is required to agree with every CTCA position.
OPEN TO ALL
Participation is open across all industry segments.
CRITICISM IS WELCOME
Constructive criticism of CTCA is permitted.
NO SPECIAL TREATMENT
Financial support does not influence standards or certification decisions.
NO IMPLIED CREDENTIALS
Participation does not constitute verification, certification, or accreditation.
THE HOBBY IS WORTH PROTECTING.
You don't have to be an industry leader. You don't have to own a million-dollar collection. You just have to believe we can build something better together.
ONE HOBBY. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. A STRONGER FUTURE.
Hobby United is a grassroots initiative of the Certified Trading Card Association.