Jason D'Rocha has worked in the field of Childhood development
and education for over 10 years, possessing a degree in Psychology
and experience in the field of cognitive and behavioral therapy.
He is the Director of Training at Sportball, one of Canada's
leading providers of non-competitive sports instruction for
children. He is responsible for training and supporting
coaches and franchisees across Canada, the United States and
Singapore. He is also a devoted husband and a father to a
happy and energetic 2 year old girl.
Please answer the following questions:
1.What is the Sportball franchise opportunity all about?
With a growing awareness of the need to get children active
and engaged, Sportball is a leader in providing non-competitive
sports instruction to children ranging in age from 16 months to 12
years. Sportball programs encourage healthy, active living starting
with our Junior and Parent and Child Classes - By applying our
educationally based methodology, we help the youngest children to
develop socially and physically, through a curriculum designed to
reinforce self-confidence free from the pressure of competition.
Our programs focus on the development of gross motor skills, along
with balance, stamina, strength, co-ordination, and timing. This
opportunity is focussed on both primary urban centers and secondary
markets with a population of 100,000 +
2.Who is your ideal candidate for a Sportball franchise?
Young professionals who are passionate about working with
children and recognize the benefits of activity based programming
in childhood development.
3.What type of training and support do you offer Sportball
franchisees?
Our Franchisees are provided with up to 2 weeks initial
training in curriculum, methodology, scheduling, program delivery
and all administrative and business functions. In addition, ongoing
training and support is provided through market visits, online and
video training and ready access to the Franchisor.
4.What are some of the advantages in being a Sportball
franchisee?
Sportball provides a supportive culture and an extensive
digital library of training videos and marketing support material.
In addition our brand positioning, area specific websites, online
registration capability and the growing awareness and demand for
professional children’s sports and activity based
programming.
5.Are you a member of any Associations?
Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), International Franchise
Association (IFA), VetFran.
6.Tell us a little about the Children’s Recreation and Fitness
Market?
There is a growing awareness globally as to the need to get
kids active and engaged. Growing awareness creates the potential
for growing demand and Sportball is well positioned to take
advantage of that growth. At Sportball we all share one common
interest and commitment; to try to make a difference in children's
lives. We do that one child at a time and one class at a time. It
is not a convenient turn of phrase – It is a guiding principle in
our business. While working to make a difference in the lives of
children, becoming part of the Sportball Team can change your life
as well. Ours is a home based opportunity thereby limiting ongoing
external office operating expenses. We run programs right in the
Communities in Community Centers, Child Care Spaces, Schools,
Places of Worship and Green paces thereby limiting your investment
in bricks and mortar fixed locations. You can run in areas where
your target customer lives and when the demographic shifts you can
relocate to new neighborhood.
7.How successful is your company today and what are your
future growth plans?
Sportball started in 1995 in Toronto, Canada and today has
operations across Canada, in select U.S States and offshore in
Singapore. As a leading provider in this space, we recognize that
awareness is growing for high quality programming and it is our
intention to continue to grow in North America and offshore the
meet that demand.
8.What are your franchisees saying about the business?
In joining the team, it became apparent very quickly of the
positive impact that the Sportball program had on children. We also
developed an appreciation for the successful business model.
Even more importantly, we felt rewarded in doing good work
for the children and families in our community.
We could not help but be impressed by not only the
professionalism, but also the feeling of family and support within
the organization.
There is a permeating sense within the company that everyone
would do just about anything to help you succeed. We were
provided with an abundance of resources and tools to run a
successful business, with seemingly every aspect well thought out
and planned for. .
The ongoing support from the corporate office is outstanding
and the resources the Company provides Franchisees make it easy to
ensure that the business stays efficient and organized.
9.What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a
Franchise?
Do your homework and make sure the Industry and Company are a
good fit.
Ensure that the Franchisor is available to provide support and
the resources you will need to be successful.
Make sure that your philosophy is aligned with the culture of
the organization.
10.In your opinion, why do you think that Sportball would be a
great opportunity for someone?
Sportball provides the opportunity to set your own schedule
and chart your own course. Our business allows for its Franchise
Partners to work in an industry that combines an active, outdoor
and sports oriented lifestyle with a business that offers a range
of rewards not the least of which is the opportunity to make a
difference in children’s lives.
