Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Scruggs.
Hi Jay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Houston in the Summer of 2015 with just my dog and about $300 in my pocket. I graduated college 2 years prior so was interested in something new and different. I had the degree so I figured why not move to a new city and start new. Well didn’t start off as fast as I expected had to find employment at a retail store until about the beginning of 2016. I got my first engineering job in Houston…. and I hated it. Just like my job back in my hometown of Arizona it was unfulfilling. When I was living in Arizona, I used to play in an adult 6v6 soccer league, when I moved to Houston I didn’t have a soccer league that offered the social side to the game I missed when playing in Arizona. Since I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I created it myself. It started with my first league in North Houston, fast forward I now have four leagues between Katy and Houston that focus on the social side of the game where the community is first over the competition. I had my share of challenges, losing locations due to field quality or the field being permanently closed. But what I can say is that a bad day in my line of work now will beat a good day in my past engineering life. I get to work in the game I love and meet new people who love the game as well.
I also am a soccer coach. Over these 7 years, I have started as a recreational coach and am now the Director of Paris Saint Germain Academy Houston. I also started my own separate venture by creating my Soccer IQ LLC which is focused on educating coaches and referees for local leagues and teams that just need quality fun coaches that can help teach the next generation. My dream is to get to the professional level, I find my organization and attention to detail give me my edge in the soccer world. I can’t wait to see where the next three years takes me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggles:
Jumping places to live when I first moved to Houston
Losing league locations due to closures or field quality
Opening a new market and not knowing anyone
Daylight savings time
Losing my car to an uninsured driver
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in growing the community of soccer and growing soccer in the community! I am involved in every part of the sport pretty much. I work with the PSG Academy Houston to develop the next generation of players. I run an adult league that is focused on the community to help players meet other players that all have the love of the game in common. I am also the Head coach of a semipro team where we help players who didn’t get that opportunity to get to college or pro by developing a program that works to teach players the missing qualities that can help them get recruited or signed. I love the game and want to give the next generation the best opportunity to achieve their dreams and create a great social atmosphere for adult players who still love the game but are here to play for fun now since we are old. What sets me apart is I am involved with multiple avenues, not just one.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Adam Thelwell, founder of Small Goal Soccer, he helped me understand the social side of the game and how to organize events and leagues.
Blaine McElroy, my mentor, he guided me towards becoming the coach I am today. He gave me the understanding early in my career to understand what are the important qualities of being a top-quality coach.
Pricing:
- 6v6 Team Registration $550
- 6v6 Free Agent Registration $60
- Player Training $45
Contact Info:
- Website: smallgoalsoccer.com
- Instagram: @sgstexas
- Facebook:facebook.com/sgstexas
Image Credits
Drone Shot smshots_ Other Professional Shots @aldoc_photography *Both IG
