Welcome to the Soccer Shots Austin Blog!

Welcome to Soccer Shots Austin’s revised blog! We are very excited to share interesting stories about youth soccer, child development, parenting and our non-profit partner Global Goals. Enjoy!

Want to know how Soccer Shots was born?

Hear it straight from the Partners in “Soccer Shots: The Story.” Visit www.soccershotsfranchising.com for more info on starting your own Soccer Shots business.

We’ve come so far — and this is just the beginning!

Global Goals

Global Goals was born out of a vision that the Soccer Shots franchise community could join together and provide opportunities for growth to disadvantaged children, through soccer, across the U.S. and around the world. In 2009, Global Goals, a non-profit organization, was formed to increase capacity for established and reputable non-profit organizations using soccer to positively impact underserved children. The Soccer Shots franchise community has embraced this cause and the vast majority of Soccer Shots business owners actively participate in raising funds and awareness, through Global Goals, for our non-profit partners.

Global Goals and the U.S. Soccer Foundation
We at Soccer Shots believe that soccer is a powerful vehicle for impacting youth. That is why, in 2011, we became a proud partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation. We aim to raise funds and awareness for children who live in underserved communities throughout the U.S. so that they have convenient and affordable access to quality soccer programs that support their physical and personal development. The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are designed to keep kids active and healthy. They guide children away from negative influences by providing them with safe and healthy places to play after school – the most dangerous hours of the day. Players receive attention and support from caring mentors and coaches who work to ensure that they develop into healthy and successful young adults. The Foundation is working to build safe playing fields and bring the Soccer For Success model to economically disadvantaged communities nationwide.

The Contribution
Last year, your local Soccer Shots operator committed to donate a portion of your child’s registration fee to the Global Goals/U.S. Soccer Foundation in an effort to build a SportCourt playing surface at the B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy in Newark, NJ. Children from the school will now be able to participate in the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success program. This program will not only teach children soccer skills, it will also provide a positive mentoring experience with their coaches. On April 13, 2012, members of the Soccer Shots community had the opportunity to attend the field opening and first kick on the new playing surface. With your help and support, children are now able to learn the game of soccer, an opportunity that was not previously offered.

In 2012, Soccer Shots will again raise funds to provide a SportCourt playing surface in an economically disadvantaged community. This year, the funds raised will provide a place to play in Los Angeles, CA! Not only will a portion of your child’s registration be donated to Global Goals, Soccer Shots is also hosting a National Global Goals Clinic. Soccer clinics will be held across the nation on the weekends of May 19, 2012 and June 2, 2012 to raise funds to support the construction of the SportCourt in Los Angeles, CA.

Beyond the U.S.
In addition to our partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Soccer Shots Global Goals continues to support AMANDLA EduFootball, a non-profit organization working with youth in South Africa. The mission of AMANDLA is the advancement of education by the provision of sports structures, training and facilities for children and young people in disadvantaged communities in Africa, targeting specifically youth who are no longer in the care of their family.

We at Soccer Shots consider it a privilege to have partnered with AMANDLA since 2009. Through Global Goals our franchise community has raised funds throughout our system. During the 2010 World Cup, several Soccer Shots representatives visited South Africa as ambassadors to AMANDLA. Check out this short video to learn more about our partnership with AMANDLA and our wonderful time in South Africa.