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Behind the Franchise

The builders behind the brands

Photo

Behind the Franchise

The builders behind the brands

Photo

Behind the Franchise

The builders behind the brands

Jason D'Rocha

Jason D'Rocha is the Vice President of Sportball and has spent more than 20 years helping grow the brand from a local youth sports program into an international franchise system. Starting as a part-time coach, Jason worked across training, franchise development, and operations while helping shape Sportball’s child-first philosophy. Alongside his work in franchising, he is also a children’s author and founder of Junior Storytellers, where he focuses on helping children build confidence and connection through storytelling. Jason is passionate about youth development, purposeful entrepreneurship, and creating experiences that positively impact families and communities.

Blending Passion and Purpose with Jason D'Rocha

In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Jason D'Rocha, Vice President of Sportball. Jason shares his 20-year journey from part-time coach to franchise leader, revealing how Sportball blends youth sports, child development, and purposeful franchising to create lasting impact for families and communities. From scaling internationally to helping children build confidence through movement, he explains why mission-driven growth and human connection are at the core of the brand’s success.


Listeners will hear:

  • How Jason turned a background in behavioral development into a career helping children grow through sports.

  • Why Sportball focuses on life skills, confidence, and physical literacy instead of creating elite athletes.

  • How the franchise expanded from Canada into the U.S., Singapore, and India while staying true to its mission.

  • How franchisees can blend passion with purpose while building a meaningful business.

  • Why human connection and mentorship will remain valuable in an AI-driven world.

  • How Sportsball’s coaching philosophy creates positive experiences for both children and parents.


A must-listen for anyone interested in franchise growth, youth development, and building businesses centered around purpose and impact.

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