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Partnering with Soccer Shots: A Guide

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US Youth Soccer has proudly established a relationship with Soccer Shots designed to provide

State Associations and their members with a high-quality program that targets children ages 2

through 5. This opportunity is designed to engage more children with the game of soccer while

increasing player registration counts and creating an additional revenue stream for US Youth

Soccer, the State Associations and their member clubs and associations. This guide is designed to

provide more details about this opportunity in addition to providing answers to some of the most

frequently asked questions.

This guide contains the following:

• Who is Soccer Shots?

• Partnership details

• How to partner with Soccer Shots

• Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Soccer Shots?

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development.

Its program aims to impact children’s lives on and off the field through best-in-class coaching,

communication and age-appropriate curriculum designed by childhood education experts. Since

1998, Soccer Shots has led its peers in focusing on developing children through their first

soccer experiences.

Soccer Shots is offered by a system of 190+ franchises operating across 36+ states and Canada (its

“system of operators”). In 2018, over 300,000 children age 2-5 will participate in Soccer Shots,

and Soccer Shots expects participation to grow by over 20% annually. Soccer Shots has a proven

track record of success. Their successful model is backed by national support that delivers a high

quality, consistent experience for children and their families.

Partnership details

In 2017, US Youth Soccer entered into a Joint Marketing Agreement with Soccer Shots Franchising

(SSF). The relationship represents US Youth Soccer’s solution to meeting an important need –

providing its members with a simple-to-implement, high quality 2-5 year-old program. This age

group is critical to the growth and success of US Youth Soccer and its members.

It should be noted that US Youth Soccer and SSF are not mandating participation. Partnering with

Soccer Shots is optional. Before entering into a partnership with Soccer Shots, it is important to

understand the partnership terms, which are found in the Strategic Alliance Agreement (attached).

The Strategic Alliance Agreement defines operating terms, roles, financial terms and offers

protection to both Soccer Shots and US Youth Soccer members. US Youth Soccer members and

Soccer Shots operators must understand and honor this agreement in order to form a partnership.

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Key terms of the Strategic Alliance Agreement include:

Soccer Shots will:

• Identify your club as a partner on their local Soccer Shots website

• Advertise and promote Soccer Shots in partnership with your club

• Build and execute (in every respect) Soccer Shots programs onsite in accordance with national

Soccer Shots standards (Soccer Shots does all the work)

• Compensate your club with 10% of program revenue every season (your club gets paid)

• Grow your membership by sharing participant data with your club and ensuring “credit” is earned

by all US Youth Soccer stakeholders. Soccer Shots does this by registering participants with US

Youth Soccer – sending participant data and $5/player per year to US Youth Soccer. US Youth

Soccer then divides the $5 among the U.S. Soccer Federation ($1), US Youth Soccer ($1), and your

State Association ($3). This is in addition to the 10% given to your club.

• Inform participants aging out of Soccer Shots at your club’s playing facility about the programs

being offered by your club (Soccer Shots feeds your club)

• Insure every enrolled participant, which means your club and your State Association do not

need to provide insurance for Soccer Shots participants

• Provide your club with an insurance certificate and copies of coach’s background clearances, as requested

• Not offer or promote a competing program onsite for players age 6-8 (without permission)

• Communicate with you, evaluate and share their experience, take interest in your club and

invest in their relationship with you. They will act and operate like a partner, with your

club’s interests in mind

Your club will:

• Provide Soccer Shots with space to run programs onsite at no cost

• Promote Soccer Shots programs to your current database

• Provide a link to Soccer Shots enrollment on your website

• Not offer or promote a competing program for children ages 2-5

• Communicate with your Soccer Shots operator. Observe some Soccer Shots sessions. Gather and

share feedback you collect from families. Invest in the relationship. Act and operate like a partner,

with Soccer Shots’ interests in mind

How to partner with Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots’ system of operators is available to serve US Youth Soccer member clubs and

associations across the U.S. Likely, there is a Soccer Shots operator already in your community

who is ready to partner. The best way to be introduced to your local Soccer Shots operator is to

email partnerships@soccershots.org and provide the name and

address of your club. You will be introduced to your local Soccer Shots operator within 24 hours. Your

next steps are to:

Step 1: Meet in person with your local Soccer Shots operator.

Step 2: Understand and agree to the terms of the partnership and sign the Strategic Alliance Agreement.

Step 3: Agree to field space, program dates and times with your Soccer Shots operator.

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Step 4: Post information about Soccer Shots on your website, directing visitors to register online at

www.soccershots.org. Click here for the approved Soccer Shots logo to use on your website. Below is suggested

website content that can be used:

Partnership with Soccer Shots!

[Club Name] is pleased to partner with Soccer Shots, “The Official Two to Five-Year-Old Soccer

Program of US Youth Soccer”!

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development.

Soccer Shots uses weekly 30-35 minute sessions, best-in-classes coaches, age-appropriate

curriculum and ongoing communication with families to deliver a premier soccer experience.

Soccer Shots offers two different programs to meet the developmental needs of children aged

2-5. The Mini program for children ages 2 to 3 offers an introduction to soccer and

movement, with an emphasis on balance, coordination and confidence. Repetition, high

energy and celebrating achievements are key components of this program. The focus of the

Classic program for children ages 3 to 5 is to individually become skilled at possessing the

soccer ball. Through creativity, positivity, and fun, challenges and increased confidence are

encouraged.

Learn more about Soccer Shots at www.soccershots.org or enroll now at [Local Soccer Shot

Enrollment Link].

For more information on US Youth Soccer, visit www.usyouthsoccer.org

Step 5: Email your membership and encourage families with children ages 2-5 to enroll in Soccer

Shots at [Local Soccer Shots Enrollment Link]. Here’s an example message you can send:

We’re excited to partner with Soccer Shots, “The Official Two to Five-Year-Old Soccer

Program of US Youth Soccer”!

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development.

Soccer Shots uses weekly 30-35 minute sessions, best-in-classes coaches, age-appropriate

curriculum and ongoing communication with families to deliver a premier soccer experience.

Visit www.soccershots.org or watch this short video to learn more about Soccer Shots.

Enrollment is open now at: [Local Soccer Shots Enrollment Link].

For more information on US Youth Soccer, visit www.usyouthsoccer.org.

Step 6: Your Soccer Shots operator will take it from there!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is US Youth Soccer becoming more involved with children ages 2-5?

There are nearly 20 million children in the United States ages 2-5. These children are the grass roots of

our clubs, State Associations and US Youth Soccer. These children are our future members, our future

national team players, our future coaches and our future fans. US Youth Soccer is excited to continue

actively participating in this space which is the fastest-growing segment of youth soccer

participation in the U.S. This is critical to our future.

What does a Soccer Shots session look like?

A trained member of Soccer Shots’ staff will come to your club’s facility once a week to lead a 30-

35 minute session that focuses on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. They will

bring all of the necessary equipment and do not need a full field to run the session. You can feel

confident that the Soccer Shots coach has met Soccer Shots’ strict coaching standards, including a

background check, and has been trained in the use of developmentally appropriate techniques.

Through fun games and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of

playing soccer and being active. A positive character trait such as respect, determination and

confidence is also highlighted each session. Parents will always know what their child is

learning at Soccer Shots and parents can expect a responsive and professional experience from

Soccer Shots’ staff. Children will learn from a curriculum that is appropriate for their age and aligns

with state early childhood education standards.

How do families learn about Soccer Shots?

Soccer Shots actively advertises and has proven experience reaching their target demographic.

Their active advertising includes both national and local paid digital advertising campaigns. Their

number one source for new enrollments, however, is word of mouth. If partnering with your club,

Soccer Shots will expect you to promote Soccer Shots on your website and by email and social

media to your existing membership. The combination of these efforts will drive participation and

membership.

How do families sign up for Soccer Shots?

All advertising will drive parents to enroll at www.soccershots.org. Here, parents can use Soccer

Shots’ filtering tool and find the sessions offered at your club’s facility. Soccer Shots’ online

enrollment and payment system is user friendly, safe and secure. Soon after enrolling online,

families will receive communication about the upcoming season, their child’s coach and other

welcome materials.

What is the cost to our club?

Each partnering club is required to provide access to the fields necessary to conduct the Soccer

Shots programming. However, each club will also generate income as Soccer Shots covers all costs

and will share 10% of the total revenue with your club. The costs Soccer Shots absorbs include

field equipment, soccer balls, jerseys, online enrollment, insurance, communication systems,

marketing and staffing. In addition to these benefits, your club will receive the data of Soccer Shots

participants at your facility. Soccer Shots will also share the data with US Youth Soccer and your

State Association.

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How does Soccer Shots pricing compare to similar/other programs?

Soccer Shots determines local market pricing after evaluating pricing for comparable programs such as

dance, music, karate, and other sports programs. Soccer Shots pricing may be different than existing

recreation soccer programs. The reasons for this could be that Soccer Shots programs include

professional management, trained and paid coaches, marketing budgets, branded jerseys, and

proactive and ongoing communication with parents.

Is not Soccer Shots our competitor?

Soccer Shots may already be in your community attracting first time soccer players. For this reason

alone, you may view Soccer Shots as a competitor. But Soccer Shots wants to partner with you and

wants to support your club. Rather than operate Soccer Shots programs at a facility near you, Soccer

Shots would rather grow an even stronger program on your field, with your club’s support. Soccer

Shots is interested in the success of your club and the success of soccer in our communities.

What about ages 6-8?

Nationwide, nearly 90% of all Soccer Shots participants are between the ages of 2-5. While Soccer

Shots does offer programs for children ages 6-8, its overall program model is different than a club’s

model. Soccer Shots is not a club and does not intend to become one. Children who “age out” of

Soccer Shots at your club will be made aware of your club’s programs. Additionally, children ages

6-8 involved in Soccer Shots programs offsite (a small segment of Soccer Shots participants) will

also be made aware of your club.

Will Soccer Shots partner with other clubs too?

Soccer Shots will partner with clubs that are mission-aligned, are partner-worthy and share their vision

to grow participation in soccer. This means that, yes, Soccer Shots may partner with more than one US

Youth Soccer member club in a city. However, to players/families participating in Soccer Shots at your

facility, Soccer Shots will only actively promote your club.

Are Soccer Shots coaches qualified?

Soccer Shots coaches are trained through Soccer Shots’ national e-learning academy and must

complete a minimum of 20 hours of Soccer Shots e-learning and on field training in order to be a

certified Soccer Shots coach. Soccer Shots coaches may only coach Soccer Shots’ proprietary

curriculum, which is designed under the guidance of childhood education specialists,

professional soccer players and experienced/licensed soccer coaches. It incorporates components

from U.S. Soccer methodology and is aligned with state standards for early childhood education.

Does Soccer Shots play games?

Soccer Shots emphasizes activities that allow each child to have a ball and get maximum

touches throughout the session. According to child development experts and evidenced by

Soccer Shots program experts, children ages 2-5 require ongoing repetition with the ball to

develop comfort with the ball and basic soccer skills. Scrimmaging (“games”) is introduced

with children as young as age 3 and a short game is played during the last 5 to 7 minutes of

every Soccer Shots session. In general, exposure to competition in the traditional sense is not

developmentally appropriate for children ages 2-5.

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What about risk and liability? Is my club responsible?

Soccer Shots provides general liability and accident medical insurance for all Soccer Shots players in

its program. Your club and your State Association need not incur an additional expense to insure

Soccer Shots players. Soccer Shots will provide your club with an insurance certificate and copies of

background clearances for their coaches, as requested.

Can my club purchase a Soccer Shots franchise?

Most likely, the Soccer Shots franchise is already owned in your territory. In addition to partnering

with your club, the local Soccer Shots operator (franchise owner) is growing programs at

childcare centers, preschools and other community partners throughout your entire city. His/her

team may consist of several full-time team members as well as a team of certified Soccer Shots

coaches.

What if Soccer Shots is not in my state or town?

Soccer Shots awards franchises to individuals, or in some cases ownership groups, who have a passion

for soccer and growing a business. They have not historically sold franchises to clubs, leagues or

Associations. If you are interested in learning more about Soccer Shots franchising opportunities,

please visit www.soccershotsfranchising.com.

How do I connect with Soccer Shots locally?

The best way to be introduced to your local Soccer Shots operator is to email

partnerships@soccershots.org and provide the name and address of your club. You will be introduced

to your local Soccer Shots operator within 24 hours.

How do I get started?

Meet, in person, with your local Soccer Shots operator. Understand and agree to the terms of the

partnership and sign the Strategic Alliance Agreement. Provide the Soccer Shots operator access to

field space, agree to dates and times and post the details on your website. Your Soccer Shots

operator will take it from there.

Contacting Soccer Shots

If you have additional questions about how and why to partner with Soccer Shots, please email

partnerships@soccershots.org.

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EXHIBIT A

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AGREEMENT

THIS STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into

effective as of , 2018 (the “Effective Date”), by and between [SOCCER SHOTS

FRANCHISEE] (hereinafter referred to as “Operator”) and [US YOUTH SOCCER MEMBER]

(hereinafter referred to as “US Youth Soccer Member”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Operator is the independent owner and operator of a Soccer Shots franchise; and

WHEREAS, Soccer Shots Franchising, LLC (“Soccer Shots”), through its national network of

franchisees, including Operator, is committed to offering best-in-class soccer programming to youth under

the age of 8; and

WHEREAS, US Youth Soccer Member is a member of US Youth Soccer (“US Youth Soccer”), a

non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional

growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition;

and

WHEREAS, Soccer Shots has developed programming specifically designed to serve the 2 to 5

year old demographic (the “Program); and

WHEREAS, Soccer Shots and US Youth Soccer have developed a joint marketing initiative

pursuant to which its local franchisees and US Youth Soccer Members can partner to provide high quality

soccer programming to 2 to 5 year olds, thereby supporting the local Soccer Shots franchisee, increasing

overall enrollment in US Youth Soccer, compensating the local US Youth Soccer Member for its support of

the Program, and increasing the likelihood that participating children will later enroll in the local US Youth

Soccer Member’s programs; and

WHEREAS, US Youth Soccer Member and Operator desire to partner to provide the Program in

the local community; and

WHEREAS, US Youth Soccer Member and Operator each desire to enter into this Agreement to

better define their association for the aforesaid purposes.

AGREEMENTS

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants

set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into this Agreement.

2. Program. During the Term:

a. US Youth Soccer Member shall: (i) include on its website the Soccer Shots logo and a

link to the Operator’s website; (ii) actively promote Soccer Shots programs to their

customer base through email marketing and other means (iii) make available to the

Operator access to fields (indoor or outdoor, as mutually agreed) on which the Program

will be conducted, without charge to the Operator, which fields shall meet the

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standards communicated to the US Youth Soccer Member by the Operator; and (iv)

refrain from providing or promoting competing programming for youth ages 2 to 5.

b. Operator shall: (i) identify the US Youth Soccer Member as a partner on its website,

with a link to the US Youth Soccer Member’s website; (ii) design, develop, market and

operate the Program, including, without limitation (A) determining its Program pricing

and managing season scheduling, promotion and registration; (B) hiring, training,

evaluating and managing coaches; and (C) communicating weekly session summaries

and weather-related cancellations to parents/guardians; (iii) register all registrants in

the Program with US Youth Soccer in accordance with instructions provided by Soccer

Shots; (iv) for each individual who pays the annual registration fee in connection with

enrolling in the Program during a calendar year, remit $5.00 to US Youth Soccer (Note:

US Youth Soccer will keep $1.00, will deliver $3.00 to the state association under

which the US Youth Soccer Member was formed and will deliver $1.00 to the U.S.

Soccer Federation (this is the maximum paid to each organization, per registrant, per

year); (v) remit to the US Youth Soccer Member 10% of the Program enrollment fees

(excluding annual registration fees) actually collected from each registrant in the

Program; and (vi) inform registrants aging out of the Program of the opportunities

afforded to them by continuing participation in the programs offered by the US Youth

Soccer Member. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no fee

shall be due pursuant to sub clause (iv) or (v) unless actually collected from the

registrant in the Program. Within thirty (30) days following the commencement of a

Program season, Operator shall provide to the US Youth Soccer Member a report of all

registrants for the current Program season and enrollment fees collected.

3. Risk Management. Operator, at their own expense, will maintain commercial general liability

insurance with a per occurrence limit of not less than $1,000,000, abuse and molestation coverage

with a per occurrence limit of not less than $1,000,000, and workers’ compensation insurance as

required by applicable law. US Youth Soccer Member will be named as an additional insured on

Operator’s commercial general liability insurance policy. Any insurance maintained by US Youth

Soccer Member will be excess and non-contributing. Operator will provide US Youth Soccer

Member with state specific background checks/clearances for all coaches, as requested.

4. Independent Contractor. The parties enter into this Agreement as independent contractors and

nothing contained in this Agreement and no act done under this Agreement shall be construed as

establishing a partnership, joint venture, or employer/employee relationship between the parties or

constitute either party as the agent of the other.

5. Use of Logos and Trademarks; Intellectual Property Ownership. Each party hereby grants

to the other, for the Term of this Agreement, a non-exclusive license to use such party’s name, logo and

trademarks (“Logos”) in connection with the promotion and marketing of the Program pursuant hereto (the

“Marketing Services”). Each party shall own and maintain all intellectual property rights in such party’s

Logos and other content provided to the other for use in the Marketing Services. Upon termination of this

Agreement, each party shall cease use of all Logos and other content owned or provided by the other party.

Each of the parties acknowledge and agree that the use of the name, logo and/or trademarks of Soccer Shots

and US Youth Soccer shall be permitted only upon the prior written consent or instruction of Soccer Shots

or US Youth Soccer, as applicable, which may be withheld, modified or revoked in such party’s discretion.

6. Representations and Warranties. Each party represents, warrants and covenants to the other

that: (a) it will not, in the course of performing its obligations or providing the services required hereunder,

infringe or misappropriate, any intellectual property right of any other person; (b) it has the full right, power

and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement without the consent of any third party; and (c) it will

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refrain from any unethical conduct, will maintain high standards of professionalism and will comply with

all laws, regulations and ordinances applicable to such party’s operations.

7. Mutual Indemnification. Each party, in recognition of the consideration each has received,

agrees to hold the other party and its franchisors, affiliates, officers, employees and agents harmless, and to

indemnify such other party, its franchisors, affiliates, officers, employees and agents, against all losses,

claims, reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, which result from breach of this Agreement by the

indemnifying party or from the negligent acts or omissions or willful misconduct of the indemnifying party,

its affiliates, officers, employees and agents in the performance of any services or duties hereunder, but not

to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the indemnified party, its affiliates,

officers, employees or agents. This section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

8. Term and Termination. This Agreement shall be for a two (2) year period (the “Term”)

beginning on the date first mentioned above and, if not previously terminated pursuant to the terms of this

Agreement, ending on , 20 . Unless written notice of nonrenewal is given by December 31, 20 and

by December 31 of each successive calendar year thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended an

additional twelve (12) months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate this Agreement

if the other party breaches a material term of this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30)

days of written notice of such breach. Except as otherwise noted, neither party shall be liable to the other

for damages or for reimbursement of costs incurred by the other party as a result of any termination hereunder.

9. Amendments. This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument, signed by

each of the parties hereto, which expresses by its terms an intention to modify this Agreement.

10. Other Activities. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the parties

are free to engage in any activities they deem appropriate, without consulting with or obtaining approval

from the other party. Following the termination of this Agreement, the parties are free to engage in any

activities as if this Agreement had never been in force.

11. Confidentiality. Each party hereto is specifically prohibited from disclosing any of the

terms of this Agreement or any other agreements between it and the other party to any other party. The

parties acknowledge that any breach of this Section 10 by either party would result in irreparable and

continuing injury to the other and, therefore, in addition to any other remedy which may be afforded it by

law, in the event of any breach or threatened breach of Section 10, the non-breaching party may obtain a

restraining order and/or injunction or any other equitable remedy of any court of competent jurisdiction,

without the posting of a bond. The rights, remedies and benefits herein expressly specified are cumulative

and not exclusive of any right, remedies or benefits which either party may otherwise have by contract or

by law. This section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

12. Notices. All notices, demands and other communications which may or are required to be

given hereunder or with respect hereto shall be in writing, and shall be given either by personal delivery,

United States Registered or Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, or recognized overnight courier and

shall be addressed to the respective parties as follows:

If to Operator:

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or to such other address as Operator may from time to time designate by prior written notice to US Youth Soccer Member.

If to US Youth Soccer Member:

or to such other address as US Youth Soccer Member may from time to time designate by

prior written notice to Operator.

13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the accompanying exhibits constitute the entire

agreement among the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and

discussions, both written and oral, between Operator and the US Youth Soccer Member relating to the

subject matter covered herein.

14. No Waiver or Consent. No waiver of or consent given under any of the provisions of this

Agreement shall be deemed, or shall constitute, a waiver of or consent given under any other provision or

with respect to any other matter, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver or consent constitute a

continuing waiver or consent. No waiver or consent shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party

giving such waiver or consent.

15. Assignment. Neither party may assign its rights or delegate its duties under this Agreement,

either in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other party.

16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with

the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law

thereof.

17. Arbitration. Any claim or controversy of whatever nature, including but not limited to tort

or contract claims, claims based upon any federal, state or local statute, law, order, ordinance or regulations,

and claims relating to or arising out of any relationship before, at the time of entering, during the term of,

or upon or after termination of this Agreement, shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration,

administered by the American Arbitration Association in [APPLICABLE STATE]. Judgment upon the

award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction in [APPLICABLE STATE]. The non-

prevailing party in any arbitration or litigation arising hereunder shall pay for the prevailing party’s costs

and expenses of such arbitration or litigation, including, without limitation, the prevailing party’s reasonable

attorneys’ fees.

18. Headings. The sections and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference

purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.

19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the

parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.

20. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the

Operator and US Youth Soccer Member and their respective representatives, successors and permitted

assignees.

21. Publicity. The timing and content of any and all public statements, announcements or other

publicity concerning the transactions contemplated herein shall be mutually agreed upon by Operator and

the US Youth Soccer Member, which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.

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22. No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

[signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, each acting under due and proper authority and intending to

be legally bound, have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

[SOCCER SHOTS FRANCHISEE]

By:

Name:

Title:

[US YOUTH SOCCER MEMBER]

By:

Name:

Title: