Founder’s Story

In 2007, a serious heart condition halted my life as I knew it. I was forced to stop practicing Dentistry, the profession that I dedicated myself to wholeheartedly for 15 years.  During those years I had spent most waking moments practicing, researching, studying and teaching my chosen craft.  Suddenly, I had lost my identity.

The condition crippled me:  I could not drive, I could not be alone, I could not work, I could not play soccer.

I firmly believe that the things that happen to us are here to serve us. I had time to realize that I was not living in harmony. My family had suffered because of my professional drive. I started to spend more time with my family and realized that they are more important than any career.

My boys’ love for soccer was evident and we started to spend more time at tournaments and practices. “Soccer is life” as they say:  life lessons abound in the sport!  It teaches you how to get along with a team, how to work as an individual within a team, how to perform your best at all times, how to fall down and get right back up again, how to deal with an opponent, how to win and how to be gracious when you lose.

We were attending a soccer tournament here in San Diego and I got a chance to meet a number of coaches from underserved neighborhoods. They shared the importance of soccer in their community. “Soccer is the only way we can keep these kids off the streets and away from crime” was a consistent message.  There are many ways to give kids hope, and soccer is one of them.

Our goal is to offer hope to young people though what many consider “the beautiful game”.  It is a common ground that we can share, with the aim of changing communities through their young people.  I have found thought partners who share my same vision, and I hope some of my story resonates with you and that you would consider joining us on this journey.

Shervin