When you meet JoBen Barkey, the 2022 Franchise Business Review “Rockstar Award Winner for Giving Back”, you quickly understand why his company, Soccer Shots Orange County & Oahu, isn’t just about scoring goals—it’s about setting a standard for philanthropy and community engagement that enriches lives on and off the soccer field. This year, JoBen shares his insights into how strategic giving has not only fostered a transformative impact on underserved communities but also reinforced a nurturing, fulfilling and rewarding workplace culture.

Soccer Shots brings character development lessons to young children through the universal language of soccer, but for JoBen and his team, their passion transcends beyond their local soccer classes that positively influence 10,000 children each year. “Our organization’s legacy is not measured by our accomplishments or our awards,” JoBen asserts, “but by the lasting impact we create in underserved communities. We empower families, foster resilience and nurture hope. We believe that no matter where we are and what we are going through, hope is always available. It is a responsibility and privilege we do not take lightly to be a source of hope for so many people.”

The initiatives led by JoBen’s company are nothing short of powerful: opening free schools, investing in refugee education, and comprehensive humanitarian aid—all funded by their local preschool soccer programs. They champion the four T’s of giving—Time, Treasure, Talent, Talk—and JoBen stresses the importance of these elements as foundational to their philanthropic endeavors.

Before they had enough financial resources to make a tangible impact, JoBen’s organization began finding innovative ways to contribute, by volunteering and using their abilities and connections to initiate high-impact projects. This model has not only supported countless underserved families but also cultivated an organizational culture where success is purpose-driven—a key factor in boosting both employee retention and satisfaction. At the heart of their philosophy lies a core value that echoes throughout their actions: “Help First.”

The strategic element in their giving approach becomes apparent through robust, sustainable programs such as combating Cholera outbreaks by Well-digging projects, opening and launching an Organic Agriculture School during Covid-induced food shortages to address food insecurity, and tackling malaria outbreaks by including the organic medicinal farming of Artemisia in their curriculum, a skill set that JoBen learned while attending an organic farm school in Kenya called Thrive for Good. This dual focus on genuine care and strategic interventions illustrates how Soccer Shots strikes the delicate balance between heart-led and head-led philanthropy. “It’s ok to be genuine and strategic at the same time.” says JoBen “The impact of our genuine desire to help people is more effective when we are strategic about how we engage, finance and support every project.”

What’s unique about Soccer Shots’ approach is their understanding that sports can be a conduit for bigger change—a realization that soccer could be a path leading out of cyclical poverty and generational oppression. Their ‘Hope Dealing’ initiative exemplifies the bidirectional power of their work. “For many,” JoBen explains, “soccer is seen as the pathway out of cyclical poverty. What we have experienced is that this pathway leads two directions. Our ability to create remarkable experiences for children through soccer allows us to travel deep into communities that we would otherwise struggle to access.”

The ripple effects of their outreach resonate with the staff, creating an environment where employees feel aligned with a greater good. This sense of belonging and purpose has a tangible positive impact on team spirit and motivation, making JoBen’s company an extraordinary place to work and a leading organization in their high turnover industry when it comes to employee retention.

Moreover, their work is not siloed; it’s an echo that reverberates throughout their broader Soccer Shots franchise system, which touches nearly one million children annually with Remarkable children’s soccer experiences all across the US and Canada. The drive to help others is infectious, and JoBen’s relentless pursuit to serve is in part what propelled a family viral adoption video, which shone a light on older child adoption by telling the story of their son as he was told that he had found his forever family. His family’s inspiring story swept across social media and television stations around the world, capturing hearts worldwide with over 200 million views just on Facebook alone. *Special: Viral Family Adoption Video 

“Our on field success with Soccer Shots is because of a system called the Entrepreneurs Operating System, which my wife now teaches to other business owners who are looking to get everything they want from their business”. For JoBen that meant building a business with a strong team that is able to maintain momentum and grow even while he is on the other side of the world taking a farming course in rural Kenya.

For those inspired by JoBen and Soccer Shots’ dedication to community and philanthropy, you can connect with him and witness his vibrant, purpose-driven adventures on  Instagram @onekidneyadventures(documenting his life after a Kidney Donation to a stranger in his community) and on LinkedIn. Be prepared to be moved by not just the goals on the field, but the greater goals of making a lasting, positive imprint on the world—one soccer shot at a time.

Published by: Nelly Chavez