Business Spotlight: Legend Soccer Co.

Our Business Spotlight series continues as we reach out to the businesses which not only work with lower league soccer in the United States, but also continue to think outside of the box and develop undeniably unique products. We first came across Legend Soccer Co. when they were posting videos of seemingly indestructible bamboo shin guards back in 2017 (link to video at the bottom). We wanted to let them tell us more about the product so we reached out to co-founder and former soccer player himself, Sean Person.

Who started Legend Soccer Co and why? What's the mission of the business?  

Roland Benedict and I started Legend, with a goal to bring new ideas and innovation to the game, while injecting principles of sustainability and social responsibility. We both played our entire lives and eventually into higher levels of the game. We noticed that the products surrounding the game hadn’t changed that much and didn’t represent the game that well. A majority of the largest brands outsource all production overseas to capture cheap labor and increased margins. I could go on-and-on downside of production of products in the 3rd world, but simply put, we take pride in supporting the manufacturing industry in the USA.   Mission: Legend Soccer Co. is a soccer specific company, whose goal is to progress the game through high-quality, innovative, & eco-friendly products.

The shin guards in different phases of production, from parts to assembled and packaged

Your product is simply stunning and has been seen all over the place, including the pages of Howler Magazine; what are the shin guards made out of and how long do they last?
Our shin guards are made from bamboo and are guaranteed for a lifetime. We pride ourselves on making a quality, eco-friendly product, which are manufactured in the USA.

A player could go to Amazon and pick up a pair of shin guards for under $10 - tell us why somebody should spend a little more and get your product?
There’s a lot of shin guard choices out there, but ours are one-of-a-kind. In addition to all of the sustainability characteristics, bamboo is simply a better material to make a shin guard. They’re lightweight, ridiculously strong, odorless, and has a patented tear-drop design, which helps keep the shin guards in place during the game. On top of that, we can customize a player’s guards with any design. Player’s enjoy a lifetime product, which represents their time with the game. It acts as a functional memento, which they’ll have forever. It’s a real pleasure hearing stories of players putting them on and the whole team being jealous. They’re so unique, you can’t help but to check them out.

Lastly, there’s been an estimated 200 million pounds of plastic shin guards produced in the last 40 years. With so many negative effects of plastic production, we hope soccer players will see the benefit in supporting our product.

Various clubs from around the world have had their badges carved into these wooden gems, which are nearly indestructible and ecologically responsible

Legend Soccer Co has worked with a ton of teams and players at this point; are you able to name some of your favorite designs and maybe most famous clubs or players you've made custom gear for? 
We have pro players around the world wearing them, but our recent partnership with the Forest Green Rovers, in the UK, was a special one for us. We recently teamed up with FGR to help them continue the reign as being the world’s most sustainable football club. Every new player gets welcomed to the club with a fresh set of customized shin pads. We’re excited to see football start-up again and follow the excitement around the innovative club.

Not that we don't adore the shin guards, but are there any other products in Legend Soccer Co.'s future? Has any thought been given to making bamboo screw in studs or teaming up with a glove company and creating bamboo inserts to protect goalies’ fingers? 
Those are good ideas and yes, we have more products to come! They don’t necessarily involve more uses of bamboo, but all are specifically designed for the needs of a soccer player and always have sustainability and socially responsible foundation to them. The innovations in the next products are really exciting and we can’t wait to share them. More to come!!

For the most part, you’ll have to order your pair online, but Legend’s shin guards can be found in select soccer boutiques (Photo: Possession FC in Portland, OR)

Check out Legend Soccer Co. and order a pair, here: http://www.legendsoccer.com/

Legend’s strength test video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6os7DOZ85s

The State of Soccer: Oregon Part 3

This is the third article in a series on Oregon soccer. For the other two articles, check out part 1, which focuses on Timbers U23, and part 2, which focuses on Lane United.

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Soccer is the most-participated youth sport in Oregon; in addition to the normal parks and rec leagues, there are, of course the pay-to-play youth soccer clubs—but born from those youth organizations are players and coaches who want to provide an opportunity to play soccer at a competitive level for those who are no longer in a position to participate in youth leagues. These squads are popping up all over Oregon, some join national leagues like NPSL or UPSL, while others stay in regional leagues like the GPSD (Greater Portland Soccer District). Recently, FCM Portland, of the NPSL, qualified for the first round of the US Open Cup while IPS FC, previously of the OPSL (Oregon Premier Soccer League) and now in the GPSD, nearly earned their way into the USOC’s first round, by winning multiple times in the qualifying rounds.

There are very strong squads in Oregon’s grassroots ranks, largely consisting of players from the Pacific Northwest; whether born here or transplanted as college students. Nearly all of the players on PDX FC’s side are made up from student-athletes from Universities all over Oregon and Washington. The coaches and owners of all of these sides have, for the most part, gone through the same experiences and are now dedicating their time to helping along soccer players from all walks of life pursue their passion of playing the sport a high caliber. An Oregonian sports institution, Oregon SportsBeat wants to provide opportunity as well and have created the Oregon Open Cup. In its inaugural year, the Cup has drawn together four teams who represent Oregonian grassroots soccer and pitted them against one another in a single-elimination tournament. To get the whole picture, we reached out to Ryan Johnson, the organizer of the Cup and voice of Oregon SportsBeat.

IPS FC, led by long-time coach Harvey Hurst, recently faced NPSL side Academica SC from Turlock, CA in the US Open Cup qualifiers.

How long has Oregon Sports Beat been covering local soccer? What else do you cover and what is your organization's mission?

SportsBeat started in 2012 as cable TV show in Portland. I hosted, and my guests were coaches from local sports programs. Harvey Hurst, who was the coach for my IPS over-30 team, was the first guest on the TV show. We started streaming all sports, including soccer, in 2014. We now cover select high school soccer programs and men's amateur teams. SportsBeat's mission is to promote local teams and players.

This is the inaugural Cup; when did you first think about putting together an Oregon Open Cup? What was the motivation?

The inspiration for this tournament format came from the 2012 US Open Cup, when a semi-pro side Cal FC went through a number of professional teams as they advanced in that year's tournament. I saw their game against the Portland Timbers, and remember being very impressed with how passionately they played. I decided to start the tournament this year because I blew out my knee the first game of the spring season, which abruptly ended my playing career. Since then I've had extra time on my hands, and when I put out the idea in front of a few knowledgeable people, they got behind it right away. I knew with the right team in place we could make it happen.

The Johnston Cup, a precursor to the Oregon Open Cup; maintained by Oregon SportsBeat.

How did you decide on the number of teams involved and what's in it for them to participate? Are there any additional sponsors contributing? Is there a physical cup or trophy?

It started out as an idea to play just 1 game this year- featuring 2 top finishers in local leagues- and grow the tournament in year 2. But as the idea spread it was clear we could make a high-quality field of four teams. The focus this year has been getting high quality teams into the tournament who would be available on relatively short notice, as planning for this year's tournament didn't start until mid-June when the rest of my spring sports were finished. The last tournament of this kind was called the Johnston Cup, which ended in 1989.

PDX FC, FCM Portland, IPS FC, and TFA Willamette U23s... what would it take to add Starphire from Southern Oregon, Lane United from Eugene, Farewell FC from Bend, etc... next year? It makes the tournament longer, but does that come with more organizational issues?

There are plans to expand the tournament next year. There will likely be qualifying to get into the final eight, and yes of course Starphire, Lane, Farewell and whoever else is welcome to try and qualify, if they are not already an automatic qualifier. It costs $500 to get in the tournament, and there is a cash prize for the winner. The prize amount is modest this year but will grow as the tournament develops.

Lane United of USL League 2 vs Southern Oregon Starphire of UPSL; both welcome to apply for the Oregon Open Cup in 2020.

Where are the matches? What does it cost to get in and do you need any volunteers? If folks can't get there, how can they watch the match; will it be streamed? And if we miss it, can we catch it later in the weekend?

We aim to have all games take place on soccer specific, high-quality grass fields. We aren't able to always get this, but that will continue to be a goal. All games will be streamed live on OregonSportsBeat.com, free to view live and on-demand.

Interest in women's soccer is at its peak right now, what would it take for Oregon Sports Beat to organize a similar women's amateur cup for Oregonian teams? Volunteers? Sponsors?

This tournament has an experienced team of people getting behind a good idea, and that's what’s pushing it forward. I'd love to see the women's side have the same opportunity.

- Joshua Duder

Both FC Mulhouse Portland and PDX FC of the NPSL are in the Cup – the two sides are… familiar with each other.

Oregon SportsBeat has provided links to their broadcasts and tournament information.

Link to all live game broadcasts

Link to tournament info

For more information about FCMP

For more information about IPS FC

For more information about PDX FC

TFA Willamette U23s play their soccer throughout the Central Willamette Valley – “Total Football Academy” have the pedigree to be competitive, to catch the Athleticos vs PDX FC, be sure to follow the Oregon SportsBeat links above.

Player Profile: Sonimi Halliday

PDX FC have been on the scene for three years now and are following through with their commitment to help players grow into their careers—earlier this year there were two players who moved into the professional ranks and just recently they have announced the addition of their former central defender, Sonimi Halliday, to the coaching staff. This is a big move for both the club and the former player who has made Portland his home after growing up in New Jersey and attending Rider University. The man was a presence on the pitch and we look forward to seeing his impact on the sideline.

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 Everyone loves an origin story—where does your relationship with soccer begin? Where are you from; where did you go to school? Do you have any siblings playing soccer?

I'm originally from New Jersey. Born and raised in Sicklerville. My mom is from Nigeria so growing up all of my siblings played soccer. I have a sister and two brothers. To be honest we always felt like it was just in our blood. It was the only sport my family really appreciated. I remember growing up watching highlights of guys like Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu, and thinking what it would be like to be in their shoes. I also remember sitting on the sidelines of my brothers' high school games, as they played guys like Stephen King and Jamie Franks, filled with excitement and passion. My brothers will tell you that they taught me everything I know about soccer, and to be fair, that's a pretty honest statement. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without them. They inspire me every day. 

Sonimi Halliday was listed as a “Back” while playing college soccer at Rider University. (Photo courtesy of Rider University Athletics)

Before you ended up at PDX FC, where did you play your soccer? You lined up as a central defender for Portland, right? But have you always played there, or have there been other positions you’ve played in or always wanted to play in? Are there any players after whom you’ve modeled your style of play; anybody you admire? What clubs do you follow?

Before PDX FC I played my college ball at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. During college I played a couple of summers with the Ocean City Nor'easters of the PDL. And after college, I played one season with the Philadelphia Fury, who are set to join the NISA this summer. I've always been a defensive player. At the college level you always have to be versatile; I spent most of my time as a center back and playing the #6. I can't say that I modeled my play at center back after anyone, but I definitely was influenced by the role Claude Makalele played in the midfield for Real Madrid and Chelsea. It's not the prettiest or most recognized job, but for me it's the most important. 

Halliday has been with PDX FC since year one—helping provide leadership on the pitch. (Photo courtesy of Shotboxer / Roscoe Myrick)

This is a significant year for you, as you transition from player to coach; is this something you always saw for yourself or just a great new opportunity?

2019 is definitely a big year for me. I am very excited for the opportunity to be coming on staff with a club that takes such great pride in its city and establishes deep roots within its community. I think part of me always thought I'd venture out into the world of coaching eventually, but Portland has truly given me the opportunity to, not only venture out but, develop and grow as a coach. 

Sonimi marking out a FCMP foe in a Portland rivalry match at Buckman. (Photo courtesy of Vox Populi / Michael Eastman)

Coaching at the lower league level is a great opportunity—but do you envision yourself taking this further? Or is the whole thing just day-to-day right now?

So, I take this journey day by day. I try not to get too caught up in the future picture, and simply enjoy the opportunities in front of me. With that being said, it is always exciting to hear the buzz around developing a system of soccer, here in North America, that supports promotion and relegation. A system that gives local clubs, such as PDX FC, the opportunity to grow and expand.

New Assistant Coach Sonimi Halliday and Head Coach Luke Babson of PDX FC. (Photo courtesy of Vox Populi / Michael Eastman)

For more information about PDX Football Club

Player Profile graphic artwork provided by Cory Mizer, check out his gallery!