We were lucky to catch up with Fernando Cardoso recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Fernando, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
As a lifelong soccer enthusiast, I never imagined that my love for the sport would eventually lead me to become a business owner. Growing up playing soccer, I developed a deep appreciation for the game and its ability to shape young minds. When my son showed interest in soccer, I eagerly signed him up for local leagues. However, I was disappointed with the quality of programs available.
Determined to provide my son with a better soccer experience, I searched for alternative programs. That’s when I discovered Soccer Pups, a unique program that emphasized not only soccer skills but also character development and fun. My son thrived in the program, transforming from a hesitant player to a passionate enthusiast.
Impressed by Soccer Pups’ coaching style and philosophy, I learned that the owners were launching a franchise opportunity. I seized the chance to invest in a business that aligned with my values and passion for soccer. My family and I partnered with close friends to open our own Soccer Pups facility in Leander, Texas.
The experience has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our second location in Liberty Hill, Texas. Our friends, who partnered with us in Leander, have joined us again in this new venture. Our journey with Soccer Pups has not only allowed us to share our love for soccer with the community but also to build a successful business that makes a positive impact on young lives.
Fernando, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Our mission is to provide a fun, safe, and supportive environment where young soccer enthusiasts can develop their skills, build confidence, and foster a lifelong passion for the beautiful game.
At Soccer Pups, we offer a unique and comprehesive training program designed specifically for kids aged 3 and up. Our expert coaches, trained in the latest methodologies and techniques, provide personalized attention and guidance to help each child reach their full potential.
We understand that traditional soccer training programs can be intimidating, especially for younger children. That’s why we’ve created a nurturing environment that encourages kids to learn, experiment, and make mistakes without fear of criticism or failure. Our facility is designed to be a fun and engaging space where kids can develop their soccer skills while making new friends and creating unforgettable memories.
So, what sets us apart from other soccer training facilities? Here are just a few things that make us unique:
– *Expert Coaching*: Our coaches are highly experienced, certified, and passionate about helping kids develop their soccer skills.
– *Small Class Sizes*: We keep our class sizes small to ensure each child receives personalized attention and guidance.
– *State-of-the-Art Facilities*: Our indoor facility is equipped with top-notch futsal court, lighting, and sound systems, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to train and play.
– *Holistic Approach*: We focus on developing the whole child, not just their soccer skills. Our program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and character development.
We’re most proud of the positive impact our program has on the lives of our young athletes. We’ve seen kids who were hesitant to play soccer become confident and passionate players. We’ve witnessed friendships formed and memories created that will last a lifetime.
If you’re a parent looking for a fun, supportive, and expert soccer training program for your child, we invite you to learn more about Soccer Pups. Here are the top things we want you to know about us:
– *We’re passionate about soccer*: We love the game, and we’re dedicated to sharing that passion with the next generation of players.
– *We’re committed to safety*: We prioritize the safety and well-being of each child in our program, providing a secure and supportive environment for them to learn and grow.
– *We’re focused on fun*: We believe that soccer should be enjoyable for kids, and we design our program to ensure they have a blast while learning and improving their skills.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
1. Leverage platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share updates, promotions, and engaging content.
2. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and other relevant platforms.
3. Collaborate with nearby schools to offer exclusive discounts, promotions, or programs.
4. Host or participate in local events, such as soccer tournaments, festivals, or charity functions.
5. Utilize targeted online ads, such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads, to reach parents and caregivers in your area.
6. Offer free trials or sessions to prospective customers, allowing them to experience your facility and programs firsthand.
7. Collaborate with youth sports organizations to promote your facility and programs to their members.
8. Offer a range of programs and scheduling options to cater to different ages, skill levels, and preferences.
How’d you meet your business partner?
As I reflect on the journey that led to the launch of our Soccer Pups franchise, I am reminded of the power of serendipity and the importance of building meaningful relationships. It all began with a chance encounter with my neighbor, who would eventually become my business partner.
It was a beautiful day, and my wife and I were out for a walk with our kids. As we strolled by our neighbor’s house, we noticed their kids playing in the front yard. We exchanged pleasantries, and before long, we were introducing ourselves and starting a conversation.
Over time, our families grew closer, bonding over dinner parties, backyard barbecues, and our shared love of soccer. Our sons became fast friends, and we eventually enrolled them in the same soccer league. As we cheered on our kids from the sidelines, our conversations turned from small talk to discussions about our careers and entrepreneurial aspirations.
One evening, as we were enjoying a backyard barbecue together, our conversation turned to the topic of business opportunities. We discovered a shared passion for creating a unique and engaging soccer experience for kids. We mentioned a franchise opportunity with Soccer Pups, a program we had already fallen in love with through our sons’ participation. We were impressed by the program’s focus on character development, teamwork, and fun. We decided then and there to explore the opportunity further.
As we began discussing the possibility of opening a Soccer Pups franchise, our neighbor introduced us to one of his close friends, who shared our vision and enthusiasm for the project. The three of us quickly formed a strong bond, and our partnership flourished. Today, we consider each other family, and our partnership is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment for kids to develop their soccer skills.
Our journey is a testament to the power of building meaningful relationships and pursuing shared passions. We’re grateful for that chance encounter that brought us together and excited to see the impact that Soccer Pups will have on our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soccerpups.com/soccer-pups-leander/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soccerpups_leander/profilecard
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561568875426&mibextid=LQQJ4d&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@soccerpupsleander-g1v?si=Z0y9GRHFsfG_druz
Image Credits
Shots with Richie