From Soccer Dad to Supportive Parent: How My Son’s Journey Inspired BallSlayer

When my son George first laced up his soccer cleats at five years old, I had no idea the impact it would have on both of us. What started as a fun, recreational activity soon became a journey that shaped not only his development as a player but my growth as a soccer parent. Watching George fall, get back up, and keep pushing himself inspired me in ways I didn’t expect, and it’s the foundation of why my wife and I created BallSlayer.

George’s Soccer Journey: A Story of Commitment

From the very first practice, George stood out—not just because of his natural abilities, but because of his focus and determination. Most five-year-olds are just figuring out how to run in a straight line, but George? He was committed, always getting back up no matter how many times he stumbled. By the following season, I was coaching his team, and it became clear that he had something special. He was the standout player and excelled beyond the basics.

As much as I loved coaching him, I knew there was a point where he needed more than just "dad-coaching." So, I took him to tryouts for a local academy team. When he got selected, I felt proud—but also a bit anxious. This was the beginning of a new phase in George’s soccer journey, and it was time for me to step back a little.

Letting Go and Becoming a Supportive Soccer Dad

Letting go of control wasn’t easy. I’ll be honest—there were plenty of times when my emotions got the better of me. I’d find myself yelling during games or getting frustrated if things weren’t going well. That protective instinct as a parent is hard to shut off, especially when you care so much about your child’s success. My wife, however, was incredible. She knew exactly when to give me that nudge, reminding me to keep calm and let George play his game. It was her support that helped me become the soccer dad George needed—one who’s there to guide but also gives space for growth.

This was a turning point for me. I realized that in order to truly support my son, I needed to step back and allow him to figure things out for himself, just like I do when mentoring young professionals at work. Creating a space for growth, without telling them what to do, allows them to develop confidence and creativity. The same applies to our kids. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

The Importance of the Mental Game

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned through George’s soccer journey is how vital the mental aspect of the game is. As much as we work on skills, drills, and strategy, it’s the mindset that can make or break a player’s growth. A bad first touch might seem like a simple mistake, but it can stem from various factors—whether it’s a lack of focus or needing more technical practice. What I’ve come to understand is that mistakes aren’t the problem. It’s how we frame them and what we do afterward that counts.

This is something I often discuss with George. Mistakes are part of the game, but they’re not failures. They’re opportunities to learn, grow, and refine both skills and mindset. Whether it’s staying focused or working on technique, every mistake is a stepping stone toward improvement. As parents, we need to help our kids recognize that.

Why We Started BallSlayer

This journey with George inspired my wife and me to create BallSlayer. We wanted to build something that not only supports young players like George but also helps parents like us navigate the ups and downs of the soccer journey. We realized that every parent on the sidelines is going through the same emotions—wanting to help, wanting to protect, and trying to balance those instincts with the need to let their kids grow independently.

BallSlayer is about more than just soccer gear—it’s about reinforcing positive behaviors, building confidence, and creating a supportive community for both kids and parents. Through our products, t-shirts, and social media content, we hope to bring parents together and foster an environment where young players can thrive, both mentally and physically.

Our Mission: Confidence, Resilience, and Joy

At BallSlayer, we focus on three core principles: confidence, resilience, and joy. Confidence to take risks and learn from mistakes, resilience to push through challenges, and joy in the game itself. Soccer is a journey, not a destination, and we want to create an environment where kids—and their parents—can enjoy every moment of it.

Watching George play now, I see a kid who loves the game, who’s not afraid to make mistakes, and who is constantly pushing himself to get better. It’s that growth mindset that we want to nurture, not just for him but for all the young players out there.

Building a Community of Like-Minded Parents

We started BallSlayer because we saw a gap—there wasn’t a space for parents to come together and share these experiences in a fun and positive way. That’s why we’re so committed to building a community of parents who are on the same journey as we are, supporting their kids not just in soccer but in life. We want every parent to experience the same level of joy and satisfaction that we get watching George play, and we believe that together, we can create a movement that helps kids thrive both on and off the field.