We recently sat down with our presenting sponsor of the Urban Soccer Symposium, Soccer Shots, to talk all things Symposium, including why they believe the Symposium is so important and what they are looking forward to most at this year’s event. Check out their answers below!
1. When did Soccer Shots first start supporting the Symposium and why?
Soccer Shots has been a partner of the U.S. Soccer Foundation since 2011. In 2013, we began supporting the Urban Soccer Symposium. As a franchising company, we are made up of a national network of franchise owners that are passionate about positively impacting children.
We understand the value of gathering and learning together at our National Convention and know that the Urban Soccer Symposium has that same impact and value for the community leaders that attend. We believe that supporting the Urban Soccer Symposium not only influences leaders in the sports-based youth development community, but also helps us further our goal of impacting children in all communities throughout the United States.
2. How have you seen the Symposium evolve since the you first got involved?
Each year, the Symposium has improved. Overall attendance has increased and the quality of keynote speakers and workshops continues to impress Soccer Shots year after year. Over the past few years, it has become one of the leading conferences in sports-based youth development with over 190 organizations attending in 2016.
3. What are you most looking forward to at the Symposium this year?
Everything. The keynote speakers are an impressive and exciting group and we can’t wait to hear from them. Soccer Shots will be presenting in one of the workshops, so we are looking forward to participating in discussions with community leaders on best practices as it relates to training coaches. Overall, we are excited to connect and network with community leaders who are using soccer to drive social change across the country.
4. Any advice for first-time attendees or presenters that will be attending this year?
For first-time attendees, don’t be shy. Make sure to speak up in workshops and introduce yourself. For presenters, this will be Soccer Shots’ first time presenting as well, so good luck! We’re in this together.
