Premier Children’s Soccer Franchise Coming to Southwest Florida; Local Entrepreneurs Commit to Making a Positive Impact on the Children of the Community
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Soccer Shots, the engaging children’s soccer program best known for its focus on character development, announced today it is joining the Fort Myers community.
“Walt and I met through soccer and have spent the last 6 years coaching our kids’ soccer teams in the greater Fort Myers area,” said Mike Gannon, co-owner of Soccer Shots in Southwest Florida alongside Walt Ballard. “We had always dreamed about being able to coach full time, so when we came across Soccer Shots, it felt like the perfect opportunity.”
Aimed at positively impacting children’s lives, Soccer Shots strives to be the best part of a child’s week through best-in-class coaching, communication and curriculum. Serving children ages two through eight, the program features professional coaches in the community, an exceptional customer experience including ongoing communication and an expert-approved curriculum that aligns with early childhood education standards. The weekly programs, customized for three different age groups, teach children soccer fundamentals and character-building skills. Soccer Shots hosts private sessions through local schools and childcare centers as well as public programs, which are typically hosted through park districts.
“There are several reasons why we wanted to bring Soccer Shots to Southwest Florida, including the hundreds of stories we’ve heard about how the program has impacted children’s lives,” added Ballard. “Mike and I were looking for a business that would allow us to give back to the local community, and with Soccer Shots, we can play a part in raising the next generation of leaders.”
Looking to fill an opening in the marketplace for quality soccer programs, professional soccer teammates Jeremy Sorzano and Jason Webb launched Soccer Shots in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1999 under the name Soccer Pals. Jeremy and Jason strived to close the gap in the existing programs that did not have the resources or skills to effectively teach children soccer fundamentals. In 2009, Justin Bredeman, another former college soccer teammate of Jeremy and Jason, became the third Soccer Shots partner. Soccer Shots now serves over 440,000 children annually and continues to grow its programming throughout North America.
“Mike and Walt share our passion for creating positive experiences through sports with the goal to make a lasting impact on children’s lives,” said Justin Bredeman, CEO of Soccer Shots. “They are committed to helping the next generation of children gain the skills they need to be successful in soccer and in forming positive relationships on any field or arena. We’re excited Mike and Walt can provide a fun, growth experience for the boys and girls in Southwest Florida.”
For more information about Soccer Shots of Southwest Florida, please visit https://www.soccershots.org/swfl/programs/ or email Mike at [email protected] or Walt at [email protected].
For more information about the Soccer Shots franchise opportunity, please visit https://www.soccershotsfranchising.com, email [email protected] or call (717-616-8587).
July 2, 2019
About Soccer Shots
Based outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Soccer Shots is an international franchise program that provides children ages two through eight with a developmentally appropriate soccer and character development experience under the guidance of childhood education specialists, professional soccer players and experienced and licensed soccer coaches. The brand’s curriculum-based program is offered in more than 200 territories across nearly 40 states and Canada, serving over 440,000 children each year. Soccer Shots was founded by two professional soccer players who identified a need for quality and engaging soccer programs for children under age eight. To find a Soccer Shots program near you, visit www.soccershots.org.
CONTACT:
Alex Hopkins
All Points Public Relations
(847) 897-7469
[email protected]