Thank you for your interest in Soccer Shots. As you explore the Soccer Shots franchise opportunity, I want to share the steps our Franchise Support Team has taken to protect and support families and franchisees in the wake of COVID-19. While this current period is far from normal, it may be helpful to learn how our team and our franchise community has responded in these challenging times.
For the Children and Families We Serve
As with most of the world, our typical operations came to a halt and our traditional Soccer Shots programming has been postponed. However, our team promptly jumped into action to respond. We have taken significant measures to provide a high quality, fun Soccer Shots experience to children while at home. Our team diligently worked to create a 10-week, video-centric soccer experience called Soccer Shots On The Go. This pivot has allowed children across North America to enjoy and learn from a curriculum-based program delivered by an engaging, well-trained coach. While this experience may be in a living room or backyard, we’ve stayed true to our brand pillars of excellent coaching, curriculum and communication. We’re grateful for the positive responses to Soccer Shots On The Go.
Here is what one mother wrote about her family’s experience:
We completed the (On The Go) session this afternoon and the kids had a blast! Coach Steve was very engaging and kept their attention throughout the session. I really liked how the kids interacted with the video by answering Coach Steve’s questions, repeating things, clapping, giving thumbs up, etc. They wanted to turn on the video again and show it to Daddy once he got home. Parents could literally just turn on the video again and the kids almost have their own “personal coach” in their living room.
For Our Franchise Community
In response to the swift Covid-related restrictions that swept across North America, we as a franchisor quickly provided our franchise owners alternative programming. Soccer Shots On The Go allowed our franchisees to address a real challenge with a viable opportunity that is valued by our Soccer Shots families.
Accurate, relevant and timely communication has been critical during this period. To that end, we established systems to facilitate the exchange of crucial information within the Soccer Shots system. Our internal COVID-19 website provides franchisees with the latest information and resources they need to manage their businesses during the pandemic, including customer service scripts, social media content, business planning tools and more. Specific to the CARES Act, we hosted a webinar about the Paycheck Protection Program and counseled dozens of our franchisees through the application process.
Our COVID Taskforce, comprised of 10 franchisees, has been invaluable in providing “boots on the ground” insight and feedback on communication and initiatives. For system-wide communication, the Soccer Shots Leadership Team hosts frequent “Town Hall” conference calls with the franchise community to communicate COVID-19 updates and to field questions. At the individual level, our Operations Specialists connect with franchisees via video conference meetings, phone, email and text to ensure their needs are being met.
Recently, I was encouraged by this this note we received from one of our franchisees:
Your commitment to helping us succeed as owners has been evidenced by the long days and nights, time away from your families, zillions of video conferences, and tremendous effort we know you have put forth. From Soccer Shots On The Go to the CARES Act to everything in between – SSF has collectively responded thoughtfully, graciously and shown how much you care.
– Shannon Perry, Soccer Shots Connecticut Franchisee
For Franchise Candidates
Although COVID-19 presents a temporary headwind for businesses across North America, the Soccer Shots franchise opportunity remains strong. I’m confident that families will continue to enroll their children in sports-related enrichment programs. Soccer will remain the fastest growing sport. As for business opportunities, low-cost franchises with minimal overhead will have an advantage over franchise concepts that require expensive real estate. Low interest rates will present reasonable business loan terms. Business owners will capitalize on the financial opportunities beyond that of the typical W-2 employee. The list of franchise ownership benefits goes on!
While many franchisors have needed to scale back their recruitment efforts in recent weeks, Soccer Shots maintains its commitment and desire to grow into dozens of new markets in 2020 and beyond. Our Franchise Development Team continues to walk individuals through the recruitment process to determine if owning a Soccer Shots franchise would be a good fit now or in the near future. Prospective candidates that are approved in the coming weeks will be in a strong position to launch a Soccer Shots franchise later this year.
COVID-19 will leave many individuals reassessing careers and seeking new opportunities in the coming weeks. As a top low-cost franchise, Soccer Shots is well-positioned to provide entrepreneurial-minded individuals with the support and resources they need to build a successful business and regain control.
I appreciate your continued interest in the Soccer Shots franchise opportunity. I hope you and your loved ones remain safe as we look ahead to a bright future.
Sincerely,
Justin Bredeman
CEO of Soccer Shots Franchising
To learn more about our franchisee resources and support or joining the Soccer Shots franchise family, feel free to explore our available franchise territories or download our franchisee guide.