Senda’s founder Santiago Halty had a chance to ask US Mens National Team Coach Jurgen Klinsmann how he would define success in his role as a coach.

Klinsmann on Success in Soccer

Right before leaving, Sam told us: “Love what you guys are doing, let me know if I can help in any way.” We asked him if he would be able to help us test our soccer balls, to make sure we are always making the best quality balls for each playing category.

Just last month, we met with Sam in beautiful San Francisco, and spent the afternoon testing the Valor, Apex and Rapido ball models.

Having played soccer at a very competitive level in college, and currently as a pro in MLS, Sam is used the best quality balls in the market! It was a perfect opportunity for us to get feedback from someone who knows what he is talking about.

We started playing with the Apex model, which is NFHS certified, and the  match ball we designed  for competitive  players who want a ball with great touch. Sam liked how the ball responded to quick touches, and also the soft feel .

Secondly, we took out the Rapido ball model, which is currently the best ball we make. Sam recognized the feel of a high quality ball, and was pleasantly surprised with how the ball traveled during long crosses and passes, and the reaction off a players feet.

Finally, we have him the Valor model, which is our ballfor players of all ages and levels, and ideal for practices and pickups. He said : ” it’s a great ball for anyone looking for a ball to play with friends or to practice, and the type of ball I used when playing casually with friends!”

I would love to share some parts of this adventure with you.

I have played team sports almost as far back as I can remember, and had many experiences that taught me much more than the importance of exercising and team work. For me, they were a way to spend time with friends, a path to self-confidence and the means to learn discipline. It is from that foundation that Senda –which means “path” in Spanish – grew.

During middle school in Argentina, where I grew up, I became aware that there were many young people in my city who didn’t have the same opportunities I did to play sports, and make friends by spending hours on a soccer field. I also realized they did not have an opportunity to get an education. I quickly felt that I wanted to be able to change that.

While traveling in Latin America, Europe and North Africa during my college years (at UC San Diego), I saw first hand the universality of soccer and its power to bring people together. Soccer was king not only in Argentina, but around the World. Fair Trade also became a passion, and I realized that the way we buy every day products can transform the lives of workers around the World.

After I graduated in May 2009, I decided I was passionate (and crazy) enough to start a fair trade athletic company that would support grassroots projects using soccer as a tool to change their communities.

I went back to Argentina and discovered some really good organizations that were using soccer to improve the lives of young people, and to promote education. One of those organizations was Defensores del Chaco, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. After visiting  Defensores’ club, and meeting with the staff, coaches and players,  it was evident that I had found Senda’s first partner organization.

In October of 2009 I moved to Berkeley California, where I found out about Soccer without Borders. After meeting with SWB’s founder Ben Gucciardi, and hearing about the vision for his program in Oakland,  I realized I had found Senda’s second partner.

Following  a business plan competition at UC Berkeley in 2010, reaching the semi-finals along with an impressive team, it was time to actually build a company. I have to say it has been a lot harder than I ever believed it would be…

What makes it all worth it are all the passionate and selfless people I have met along the way. Getting to know the coaches and young players from SWB and Defensores, playing soccer with them, and trying to become a part of their community has been incredible.

I owe a lot to Defensores and SWB, who have worked with me tirelessly to help build Senda’s vision, and most importantly a path to reach that vision.

At Senda, we promise that we will work to make the best soccer balls and equipment for players of all levels, and to ensure that everyone that makes a Senda product is treated fairly. We believe that people who  make the soccer equipment that allows us to enjoy the “Beautiful Game” should be happy too.

I know that with the soccer community, we will be able to fulfill that vision.

Please join us,

santiago

Who knows, maybe soon enough Senda will be the official provider of another international soccer tournament? Send us your suggestions!

During the entire World Cup, US players inspired a country to believe and fight until the very last minute, no matter the circumstances. Japan shared the same spirit in the final, and was a just winner.

Before the game, and during half-time, our friends at America Scores, organized soccer games for the children who went to see the game. Everyone who stopped by their tent had the chance to enter a raffle to win a Senda ball.

For the mini soccer games everyone used our soccer balls, and the kids loved them! Its always nice to see young people using Senda equipment. They are some of the first people to understand and embrace the importance of Fair Trade, and to get excited about our mission.

We had an excellent time at the Civic Center, and really enjoyed all the soccer energy present that day. Senda really believes in the power of soccer to change the lives of girls, so it  fantastic to see all the support for women’s soccer. We are convinced that players can be very good role models for girls around the country, and even around the World, showing how determination, and team work can help achieve good results on and off the field.

US fans are  proud of this team, and the Olympics are only 12 months away. In London 2012, once again, the USWNT will have an an entire country supporting them! We hope they will continue playing with the same team spirit and determination, and win the gold medal this time.

SoccerFours, which organizes community pick-up soccer games in San Francisco, put together a fundraiser for Japan on April 2n, and Senda provided the soccer balls for the game. Our founder Santiago had a chance hang out with SoccerFourss Chris Hutchison,  play in the tournament, and even acted as the official photographer for the event!

Japan Video

Almost 50 participated, and SoccerFours was able to raise $800 which will be donated to the American Red Cross and their efforts to help Japan.

Thanks to everyone that showed up and played!

On March 3rd the team practiced at USF, and received the new Senda balls. Practice included former Women Professional Soccer as well as Major league Soccer players.The Rapido ball is our model for the highest level of competition, and it fit perfectly the level of the Olympic Club.We received rave reviews  from the players, who loved the touch, weigh and and feel of the Rapido.

Established in 1860, the Olympic Club is America’s oldest athletic club. The soccer teams plays in the San Francisco Football Soccer league, which was established in 1902, and is one of the most competitive leagues in the US.

Driving rain, a biting wind and near-freezing temperatures didn’t dampen spirits at Soccer Without Borders’ first annual Small Goals Big Change Tournament in Berkeley March 19. Senda, which provided the tournament balls and lent a hand with organization, and was a proud participant in the fundraising event.

Ten coed teams played in the all-day event at Gilman Field in Berkeley, with ELCerrito Futbol Club the winner.

It was fun to be an active player in the soccer community, meeting other players who love the game and sharing an entire day with them. The dedication of the players (who huddled in heated cars between games) and tournament organizers was inspiring. It was especially heartwarming to see the leadership roles assumed by Soccer Without Borders participants.

The tournament provided a great opportunity for Senda to interact with passionate players. We received very positive feedback on our balls from both players and coaches!

Berkeley-based Soccer Without Borders uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth. It is one of Senda’s partner organizations, which benefits from the sale of Senda equipment.