We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shern Frederick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shern , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Becoming a father changed everything for me. It gave me a new kind of clarity—not just about who I want to be for my own children, but the leader I want to be for every child who steps onto the field with Soccer Stars. There’s something powerful about seeing the world through a kid’s eyes—the excitement, the vulnerability, the joy in being seen.
That’s where my purpose really locked in. I realized it’s not just about soccer. It’s about connection. Encouragement. Creating a space where every child feels valued and supported, whether they score a goal or just show up and try.
That’s the standard I carry with me, and it’s a core part of what I expect from every coach on our team. We’re not just here to teach—we’re here to uplift, to be a positive part of these kids’ week, and to make sure they leave feeling a little more confident than when they arrived.
Soccer was always something I loved. But now, it’s also how I live out my purpose—as a coach, a business owner, and most importantly, as a dad.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the owner of Soccer Stars, a soccer program for kids ages 18 months – 18 yrs. What we do goes beyond teaching the fundamentals—we create joyful, confidence-building experiences that help kids grow socially, emotionally, and physically. Every class is rooted in creativity, connection, and care. What makes our program truly special is that it feels more like play than pressure, and that opens up space for kids to truly thrive.
What I love most is the energy on the field—the way a shy toddler lights up when they score their first goal, or how a class of preschoolers becomes a little team over time. As a father, I know how meaningful those moments are. That’s the spirit I bring to Soccer Stars, and it’s a value I share with every coach we bring on. Our job is not just to teach soccer, but to make sure every child leaves class feeling seen, celebrated, and encouraged.
Professionally, we’re in an exciting phase of growth. We recently launched Soccer Stars in Katy, TX and we’re expanding into more schools and daycares across the Greater Houston area. One of the things I’m most proud of is our new Spirit League, a community-focused league we’re offering to school districts across Houston. It’s a fun, low-pressure way for schools to compete, build school pride, and celebrate their students—all while we handle the logistics.
This summer, we’re also hosting indoor soccer camps at Indoor Soccer Box and Katy Fieldhouse. These camps will be a great way for kids to stay active, make friends, and enjoy the game—no matter how hot it gets outside!
At the end of the day, Soccer Stars is about more than soccer—it’s about building character, confidence, and community. And we’re just getting started.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey the most have been resiliency, adaptability, and the ability to really listen to people.
Resiliency has been everything. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or trying something new—there are going to be moments where things don’t go your way. You have to stay rooted in your “why” and keep pushing forward. For me, remembering the kids and families we serve always brings me back to center.
Adaptability has also been key. In youth sports—and life—nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Being open to change, whether it’s a schedule shift, weather, or a new way of doing things, has helped me grow as a leader and build a better program.
And maybe most importantly, listening. That means listening to parents, to kids, to coaches—but also listening to daycares and schools to truly understand their communities. Every school has its own rhythm, culture, and set of priorities. When you take time to hear what they’re really looking for—not just what you assume they need—you can build something that truly fits and serves them well. That’s where trust and long-term partnership come from.
My advice for anyone early in their journey is to stay grounded, stay flexible, and keep listening. The answers usually come when you slow down enough to hear them.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was show me the power of education, the importance of community, and the value of being present with your family.
They were firm believers that education opened doors—and not just in school, but in how you think, how you treat people, and how you show up in the world. That mindset shaped everything for me. It taught me that learning never stops, and that investing in yourself and others is a lifelong focus.
They also led by example when it came to community. Whether it was helping a neighbor, showing up at church, or supporting local events, they always made sure we were connected to something bigger than ourselves. That sense of belonging and responsibility stuck with me—and now, it’s a huge part of what I try to build through Soccer Stars.
And most of all, they were present. No matter how busy life got, they made time. For meals, for conversations, for math homework, for showing up at games. That kind of presence is something I carry with me now as a father, and it’s one of the most meaningful things I can offer to my own children—and to every kid who steps onto the field with us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soccerstars.com/tx/nwhouston/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soccerstarsnwhouston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soccerstarsnwhouston
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shern-frederick-44750814/
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