Stories of Impact

Every day, we hear stories from parents and coaches telling us how Soccer Shots has impacted children’s lives. Please read some of our Stories of Impact, and use the form below to tell us your Soccer Shots story.

CONFIDENCE BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD

“Our family has greatly enjoyed watching Diego participate in Soccer Shots since he was 3 years old.  This program has given him the confidence to express himself appropriately both on and off the field, and we appreciate the excellent quality of the program.  We aren’t the first ones to comment on how Soccer Shots provides visible results in every child on the field and we expect it to continue that way for a long time.  We greatly appreciate Coach Alex and Coach Leo’s guidance during Diego’s Soccer Shots experience.”

– Pedro R.,Parent, Houston, TX

learning soccer and life skills

Web-179“Jude is in his 3rd season with Soccer Shots and he loves it! Jude was born 16 weeks premature and we were advised to keep him out of “daycare settings” until he was at least two. So, Soccer Shots was his first time being involved with a group of kids his age. The program and coaches are incredible! They treat Jude like he is the most important child in the world and Jude just adores being loved! Jude asks to go to soccer and see his coaches all the time. The program teaches him character traits, how to take turns and interact with peers, and soccer skills! I played soccer my whole life so I was beyond excited to start Jude at two years old. The coaches are so patient and they really get how kids at ages two and three can be so unpredictable, and they just roll with it! Jude has days where he really follows and listens, and days where he runs the field doing his own thing and everyone is ok with that! When he’s ready to be a part they’re right there welcoming him back to the group. This program has been just what Jude needed to give him time with other kids his age all while learning soccer and life skills! We are Soccer Shots’ biggest fan!” 

– Traci A., Parent, Pinellas County, FL

A Piece of “Home”

“Our family recently moved from Texas to the California East Bay Area. Moves like this can be really hard on kids, but we were surprised to find a piece of “home” when we got here.

My daughter attended Soccer Shots at her school in Texas and she absolutely loved it. Imagine our surprise when we found Soccer Shots at the school in our new home town!

We got in touch with the local owners and they were able to get my daughter into a class right away. She got to go to soccer on her first day of school! I know the familiarity with the program helped her to adjust and make new friends. She even wore her Soccer Shots jersey that she got in Texas!

Thank you so much for welcoming us to California. Your program means the world to me!”

– Parent, Contra Costa County, CA

pathway into sports

As you know, this spring my son participated in Soccer Shots at Shadyside Academy. When we signed him up for your program, he had almost no experience (or interest) in the sport. However, he willingly started your program and over the last few months has grown to enjoy the sport.

Since starting, he has become an avid player of soccer. He comes home after school and kicks the ball in the backyard with his brother and me. Also, he describes his time in the program affectionately. Clearly, his interest and his skills have blossomed.

As a former collegiate (and now “adult”) athlete, thank you for providing a pathway into sports for my son. I feel he is a kinesthetic learner and one who has a great deal of energy. Soccer appears to be one way to express his physical abilities.

– Brian H., Parent, Pittsburgh, PA

“The kids and parents smile the whole time”

“This is the first year my son Logan has played any team sports. He’s always had an issue with not winning or being first so I was nervous to put him in a situation where that could occur. I am so thankful I chose Soccer Shots. Logan has done incredible and has shown tons of team spirit always cheering “go friends go.” Logan is super excited every weekend to get to the field. His coach is such a natural with the kids, constantly joking and being light-hearted. The coach makes the kids and parents smile the whole time and is so good with them when they get upset or hurt! We will continue with Soccer Shots and would recommend them to anyone thinking of putting their kids in soccer!”

-Chelsea N., Parent, Fraser Valley, Canada

Care, Respect and Honor Children

story-photo“Not a day goes by that I’m not proud of this kid. He just finished another season of Soccer Shots, which is a soccer program designed for a range of ages. But what strikes me about the program is how much love is translated into helping each child grow, explore and enjoy each and every activity. Our coaches, Matthew and Justin, not only take care to be supportive of the needs of each child but also adjust the activities based on their interests- captivating them and helping them flourish so beautifully. My son looks forward to every Monday and practices his skills during the week. He has been able to learn within a social environment, but still keep a sense of himself. We have been so blessed to have him in their care these past few seasons with gentlemen who have a true understanding of what it means to care, respect and honor children. See you guys next session.”

– Leilani H., Parent, Los Angeles, CA

Improved Gross Motor Skills

“Just wanted to drop a note and thank you for having Soccer Shots at Lakeside this spring. My daughter has well developed fine motor skills. However, her gross motor skills are not where they should be. She is very timid about her body and doesn’t even like to jump with both feet off the floor. While we (my husband and myself) are pretty sure why her gross motor skills are so lacking, we are having her tested to confirm.

Meanwhile, we have seen a great advancement in her running, balance and overall physical confidence (she now will join in roughhousing with her cousins), since participating in Soccer Shots! It gives us some measure of hope that she will be able to overcome her issues. So again, thank you!”

– Beverly W., Parent, Lancaster, PA

“Soccer Shots is our favorite by a mile”

photo-1-5“We’ve tried out a few different leagues, from the local recreation center to national groups, and Soccer Shots is our favorite by a mile. It is such a sweet and fun group that focuses on teamwork, confidence, and respect as well as real soccer skills. Picture lots of high fives and kiddos cheering for each other. The spirit is not overly rigorous or competitive, but they are truly playing: they are running, dribbling, shooting, and getting good exercise.

They start each day in a team huddle where the coach introduces a different word of the day such as Respect or Confidence, and a few new skills like dribbling or changing direction. Then they break out into teams and play little games, like “airplane arms” or “kick over the volcanos (cones)” to drive the concepts home. Next each kiddo gets to take a turn to run across the field and shoot the ball into an open goal, all while the other kids excitedly chant their name. Ben-nett Ben-nett. Ben-nett.

But the best part, and the real reason why we believe in team sports in our family, is how happy Bennett is after playing the game. He protects his stamped-hand during bath time and can’t wait to tell his Daddy all about “Coach G” and the “word of the day.” He is so proud of his achievement certificate and loves to demonstrate the new moves he learned. Sweet Graham is just in awe of his big bro out on the field, and he even gets to play a little before practice starts. And my reward? Bennett has sacked out each night this week and slept a solid twelve hours. Exercise does a body good!”

– Candace, Parent, Houston, TX

Coach Geoff is fantastic with the kids. High energy and enthusiasm, seems genuinely interested, and our daughter responds accordingly. The best thing about Soccer Shots as compared to the other soccer organization we tried before this, is the use of scaffolding to teach; adding one small concept at a time using the concepts the child has already mastered. I am so astonished that my two-year-old has the basics of kicking, dribbling, controlling the ball, pull back, and scoring a goal. As a parent, I love that she is learning that respect means being nice and that this is part of playing.

— Parent

My daughter has major social anxiety and is selectively mute, but she LOVES it. I can’t believe it. She is terrified of group activities, but somehow your instructors made her comfortable and she can’t wait to go to class.

— Niki B., Parent

Send us your Story of Impact

Has Soccer Shots positively impacted your family? Tell us your story!

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