We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Barry Ritson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Barry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
I am happier as a business owner, but there are moments when the demands of the role make me wonder what it would be like to have a simpler, more predictable life. One of those moments hit me on an 11-hour flight back to LAX from Barcelona. The trip had been chaotic yet rewarding, filled with the highs and lows of managing a major project with The DPL, involving over 100 players and 200 family members. It was a true testament to the impact of what we do, but it also came with its fair share of challenges.
As my wife and daughters settled into their seats, watching movies and dozing off, I was glued to my laptop, fighting with the in-flight Wi-Fi. My mind raced through the tasks I couldn’t let slip: coordinating follow-up emails from LA Surf’s critical tryouts, ensuring Winter Camps with Launch Sports were progressing as planned, and responding to inquiries from a new marketing campaign with our media partner. At the same time, I was reviewing feedback and approvals for a registration platform update, knowing my team back in California was waiting for my input to keep moving forward.
Every dropped connection added to my frustration, and I couldn’t help but glance over at my family, who were immersed in their own quiet moments of relaxation. I found myself wondering: *Wouldn’t it be easier to have a job with fewer responsibilities? To focus on one thing at a time, leave work at work, and truly enjoy moments like this with them?*
But as I sat there, juggling the chaos of it all, I was also reminded of the bigger picture. The trip to Barcelona wasn’t just work; it was a culmination of countless hours of effort, collaboration, and passion. It was about providing opportunities for players and their families, creating memories, and driving forward initiatives that mattered deeply. Every email, every decision, and every sleepless night was a reflection of the trust placed in me by my teams, my clients, and my family.
As we crossed the Atlantic, I realized that while the balancing act of being a business owner is exhausting, it’s also incredibly fulfilling. It’s not the easier path, and it certainly comes with sacrifices, but it’s the one I’ve chosen—a life filled with purpose, challenge, and the kind of impact that keeps me going. Even when the Wi-Fi cuts out.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Barry Ritson, and my journey has been shaped by a passion for sports and a drive to create opportunities that make a difference. I was born in South Shields, England, where my love for football (soccer) took root and eventually led me to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship. That experience not only opened doors for me but also inspired a lifelong commitment to helping others achieve their goals. Today, I’m the CEO of LA Surf Soccer Club, a leader in the youth soccer space, and I’m proud to have built a portfolio of businesses focused on developing players, teams, and communities.
Among these ventures is the **DPL (Development Player League)**, an all-female youth soccer league that provides pathways for players, teams, and clubs to thrive at every level. The DPL isn’t just about competition—it’s about creating opportunities for young women to grow on and off the field, empowering them to reach their full potential. From grassroots clubs to national-level showcases, the DPL is driven by a mission to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Another business I’m deeply passionate about is **1 Physical Therapy**, a state-of-the-art clinic providing comprehensive physical therapy, injury prevention, and recovery services. Our mission is to help athletes and non-athletes alike achieve peak performance and recover stronger than ever. By combining cutting-edge techniques with personalized care, we aim to eliminate barriers to success and ensure every client feels supported in their journey.
At **LA Surf Soccer Club**, we deliver programs that cater to every level of play, from beginners just discovering the joy of soccer to elite athletes preparing for college or professional careers. Across all my businesses, we solve challenges by focusing on people—whether it’s helping players stay healthy, providing pathways to grow, or delivering high-level competition in environments that foster personal development.
What sets us apart is a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and impact. We don’t just offer services; we create experiences that inspire and empower. The ripple effect of this work is what I’m most proud of—watching players gain confidence, seeing a family celebrate their child’s success, or hearing from a client who feels stronger because of 1 Physical Therapy. These moments remind me why we do what we do.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about my businesses, it’s that we’re driven by a passion for making a positive difference. Whether it’s through soccer, health and wellness, or empowering young women through the DPL, our goal is to help people and communities reach their full potential. That’s what drives us forward, every single day.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Launch Sports started in the simplest way possible: as a way to make ends meet. I was a young, aspiring soccer coach, passionate about the game but needing a way to cover the basics—like gas money for the week. I began offering private soccer training to a few clients, focusing on helping young players improve their skills while instilling a love for the game. It was humble beginnings, but it taught me the value of personalized attention, hard work, and building trust with families.
What began as a handful of sessions quickly grew into something more. Families saw the impact the training had on their kids, not just on the field but in their confidence and enjoyment of the sport. Word spread, and soon, the idea for Launch Sports was born. I realized there was a greater need—not just for skill-building but for structured, reliable opportunities for kids to stay active and engaged during school breaks.
Today, Launch Sports has evolved into one of the most stable and consistent camp opportunities for families in our community. We now offer soccer-specific camps for players looking to sharpen their abilities and multisport camps designed for fun, fitness, and introducing kids to a variety of activities. Our programs cater to children aged 4-12 and are intentionally designed to provide high-quality experiences that keep kids active, healthy, and happy while giving parents peace of mind during school holidays.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far Launch Sports has come. What started as a way to fill my gas tank has grown into a trusted name that supports families and creates lifelong memories for kids. At its core, the mission remains the same: to inspire a love for sports, build confidence, and provide opportunities for children to thrive. Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces and hearing from parents about how much their children look forward to our camps makes all the hard work worth it. Launch Sports isn’t just about camps—it’s about building a community where kids can grow, learn, and have fun.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most challenging moments for our business came just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At LA Surf, we had just opened an indoor sports facility, a space we envisioned as a hub for training, community gatherings, and player development. It was a major milestone for us—a testament to years of hard work and planning. But as lockdowns were announced, the reality of the situation quickly set in. The facility we had so proudly launched was suddenly empty, and our traditional ways of serving our players and families were no longer possible.
Faced with this uncertainty, we knew we had to pivot quickly. Our first step was adapting to the new reality by utilizing the facility to create online training and learning opportunities. We set up cameras, developed lesson plans, and shot content that allowed our players to stay active and engaged from home. It wasn’t just about maintaining physical fitness—it was about keeping our community connected during a time when isolation was at its peak.
At the same time, we looked at how the facility could serve a greater purpose during the lockdown. We decided to sublet part of the space to a doctor who provided essential services to the community. While sports had paused, healthcare was more critical than ever, and this partnership allowed us to contribute meaningfully during a time of need.
Through it all, what stood out to me was the resilience and adaptability of our team. By leaning into creativity and focusing on the needs of our players and the broader community, we turned a potentially devastating situation into an opportunity to support others.
That experience reinforced a lesson that’s stayed with me: challenges will come, but they’re also opportunities to innovate and serve in new ways. The pandemic tested us in ways we couldn’t have imagined, but it also brought us closer to the community and strengthened our purpose as an organization.
