Until 2008 Sam Davy worked as Apple’s global creative director in California. Now, he’s based in Victoria and runs social enterprise cum lifestyle brand, Park Social Soccer Co.
Davy launched Park nearly two years ago and began retailing his range of soccer balls, t-shirts and ball pumps in September 2016. However, Park isn’t just a sports brand—it’s a company that gives back.
“I was inspired to start Park through my belief that socially driven businesses are the way forward and my desire to make my own kids aware of the imbalance of opportunity in the world,” Davy explains.
“We focus on giving kids a platform to help fellow kids in need through a sport they love—soccer.”
Davy does this through a one-for-one model called the Pass-A-Ball Project. For every ball purchased the company gives an identical ball to a child in need through charities including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne and Orphfund in Sierra Leone and Uganda.
“We partner with local charities in Australia and internationally to get the balls onto the feet of the kids who need them most.
“To date we have passed on 1,000 balls in over eight countries and have had a positive impact on over 10,000 kids.”
With a background in design and brand creation, Park’s products are prettier than your average soccer ball, and Davy says this is intentional. He is currently working on collaborating with Australian artists and partnering them up with charities.
“I feel the design language of sport has become very fierce,” he explains. “I want to create a more soulful language, one that feels accessible and inclusive. I’m always inspired by street culture and coming from Apple, I love simplicity.”
After revealing his brand to a wider audience at Life Instyle Sydney earlier this year, Davy is now preparing to exhibit at Life Instyle Melbourne next month.
While exhibiting at the February fair, Davy says he was able to show retailers that Park balls make a great gift for both kids and adults.
“[The fair] went really well for the brand; we were introduced to retailers who wouldn’t have previously thought about taking on a soccer lifestyle brand.
“We are looking for art and design gallery stores, good quality toys stores, and design lifestyle stores. The balls are very versatile.”
By Ruth Cooper
