Community. Connection. Culture. Three things within the game of soccer that inspire David Ricca daily across his ventures in the industry; and ones that often remind him about the true impact the sport has had on his own life. It all started when David began playing soccer at just four years old. A decision that, in the years to come, would prove to unleash incredible opportunities, provide him with unforgettable experiences, allow him achieve various milestones, introduce him to people from all around the globe, and even guide him during times of adversity. The rest is history. From earning an athletic scholarship to the College of Saint Joseph to fulfilling his childhood dreams of playing professionally to founding his own soccer company to helping grow different sports organizations, David has fostered an amazing personal legacy throughout his journey in the space. Currently working as the Lead Growth Advisor for Street Soccer USA and Managing Director of the Sports Division for Athlon Family Office, David is more focused than ever on giving back through his endeavors and helping others; and hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes and sports business professionals to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Truly inspiring!
Take us all the way back! How did you get started in the industry?
Both of my parents are from Argentina, so pretty much the game of soccer was embedded into me since I was four years old. I have been playing since then. My dad played professionally, my uncles, my cousins. It was just part of our life, you know? My dad also had a social club that I grew up in that was all soccer, etcetera. I grew up in Paterson at first, then we went to Clifton, New Jersey after New York City. From there, soccer was everything. Of course, school as well—I learned that now (*laughs*). It did come full circle in the business side of it now, but (when I was young) I thought I was gonna be playing my whole life. I did play a little bit of professional and a lot of semi-professional soccer.
Diving into your time playing soccer, you played throughout high school, earned a scholarship to play at the collegiate level, and played at the semi-professional and professional levels. Tell us a little bit more about those experiences! What were some key takeaways that you learned from those chapters in your life?
