Inspiring Conversations with Kingsley McLeod of People’s Game LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kingsley McLeod

Hi Kingsley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started the program in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to give children the opportunity to play soccer in a safe environment. The program then was stalled as I left to Brighton to study and receive my MA in Sport and International Development before landing a coaching role in London. Using those experiences, I returned to North Carolina with a much stronger understanding of youth sports and values-based coaching.

One of the big things that sets us apart is our values-based coaching which means we not only focus on the technical and tactical aspects of the game, but we continuously incorporate our three core values of respect, responsibility, and trust. Our goal is to support our youth in not just becoming great soccer players, but great people.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been the smoothest of roads. During the pandemic, I felt like I was struggling to understand how to run a business, the training sessions, etc. I really felt overwhelmed in my methodology as well. For this, I decided to get more knowledge and a deeper understanding of how to move forward by leaving the country.

When I returned, I still was confused on how to get things going in my home town of Rocky Mount, NC. After finding work as a PE Teacher in Durham, I was able to talk with the principal and start an after school program at the school. That has been a major blessing of which I am very grateful. However, there are still struggles with running social media, creating coaching sessions, hiring more staff (blessing I need more staff!), having a pricing structure, business taxes, and the general starting and running of a business.

As you know, we’re big fans of People’s Game LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We provide soccer opportunities for 2 years old to adults, specializing in early development. Our sessions not only incorporate the technical and tactical aspects of the game, but also three core values of respect, responsibility, and trust. In every action, we focus on how we are displaying those values as well as others so we don’t just become good soccer players but great humans.
Our Minis program is for your children between the ages of 2 – 5 years old. Availability is limited to a maximum of 12 participants in order to maximize play time and instruction. We meet once a week for 9 weeks to encourage the retention of the skills and values.
Our after school program is at partnering schools for your first to third grade students. Availability is limited to 20 students in order to maximize play time and instructions. We offer full time and part time (twice a week) options each month. You can expect to have soccer training, snack, mindfulness or literacy time, and recess each day.
We offer holiday camps during for 6-11 year old children. Our holiday camps are during the school breaks, intercessions, and teacher work days. The program runs half day from 8:30-noon where participants learn technical skills, play matches, and have snack and mindfulness time each day.
Lastly, we offer small group and 1-1 sessions for players from 6 years old up to adults. The small group sessions are up to 8 players in order to ensure technical development, while giving it a game like feel with other players.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I had an idea that I wanted to start my own soccer program after being disillusioned by the soccer structure here in the USA and COVID-19 taught me to be brave and creative. I decided to stop complaining about it and to try to create a program that offers something a little different.

Pricing:

• Minis 2-3 years old: $150-165 for 9 sessions
• Minis 4-5 years old: $200-210 for 9 sessions
• Small Group Sessions (up to 8 players): $40/person
• 1-1 sessions: $70/hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thepeoplesgamee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeoplesgame2020/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepeoplesgame2020/