PAXTON — Soccer Asylum is much more than a space for youngsters obsessed with the game; it provides a wealth of resources all under one roof.
Not only are one-on-one and small group soccer training options offered at the 603 Pleasant St. sports performance center, as well as camps and such, Soccer Asylum also boasts a variety of other activities geared toward the whole family.
“We’ve all collaborated to create a facility where kids can play their sport, their siblings have sports video games that they could play at the same time, Mom or Dad can take a spin class or work out in the gym, if anybody needs physical therapy they can do it at the same time, and after(ward) they can all head upstairs to Seven Saws Brewing and have a pizza and relax as a family while mom and dad have a glass of wine or a beer,” said Rick Porter, Soccer Asylum owner.
There’s also swim lessons for all ages thanks to national franchise British Swim Club, whose franchise owners lease the indoor pool.
Porter said it has been his goal to provide a place that will “bring the entire family together for the first time in the Wachusett area.”
“Parents are driving their children all over the state to find the closest indoor sports facility, and so they have no time to spend together as a family,” the father of three said. “Siblings get dragged along with nothing to do, and in many of these facilities, the parents sit on a cold bench or sometimes even wait in their car for a practice to finish.”
Porter lives in Princeton with his wife and their children. He kicked off the Soccer Asylum journey in December 2022 and hasn’t looked back since.
“Recognizing the financial strain and time commitments associated with the sport, I envisioned Soccer Asylum as a haven for local players crazy about the game,” he said. “Our goal was simple: To provide players and their families with a dedicated space, enhanced resources, and a platform to delve into aspects of the game beyond regular team practices. Passionate about fostering growth, we aim to empower players to address weaknesses, explore the game holistically, and evolve into the players they aspire to become.”
Porter disclosed that while Soccer Asylum is not his full-time job, you can find him at the sports facility every day. When asked what the response has been like from clients and the community, he said “the community’s embrace of Soccer Asylum has been truly heartening.”
“Central Massachusetts, with its robust soccer demographic, found excitement in the prospect of having a local clubhouse for soccer enthusiasts,” Porter said. “Given the considerable distances many soccer families commute for team practices, our proximity and tailored offerings resonated strongly.
“We bring training opportunities to the Central Mass community, personalized session plans, and unique family-centric experiences. Siblings can enjoy our interactive video game experience, parents can stay active in our gym or indulge in a fitness class, everyone can hangout and watch training with a view in the Seven Saws brewery overlooking the field. It’s an environment this community has not yet had that we are now able to provide.”
Soccer Asylum is unique, he explained, in that it has a multisport field that enables the facility to provide training beyond soccer. That includes sports such as baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, and more.
“In addition, we have a brand-new gym featuring updated lifting and cardio equipment, a sound system, and diverse group fitness classes, and we added an interactive sports video game experience, merging physical activity with sports.”
Choice Physical Therapy offers PT services, and Seven Saws Brewing Company is opening their first location outside of Holden in the lounge area, a space that is open to the public, not just members.
“They aim to contribute to the community by creating a place for family and friends to gather,” Porter said of Seven Saws. “Our venue offers an opportunity to enhance local foot traffic and provides families with a welcoming space to come together. There’s a handful of businesses that are coming together to make this a really great place for the community.”
Porter is grateful to those who are supporting his venture and encourages people to check out Soccer Asylum and all it has to offer.
“Your support plays a pivotal role in not just sustaining our small business but in fostering a thriving soccer community,” he said. “We invite you to continue being a part of this journey, empowering local players and families through this beautiful game. And to those who have not yet interacted with us, we encourage you to come by, see the space, and meet our team.”
When asked what he enjoys most about watching the young athletes learn and grow at Soccer Asylum, Porter had plenty to say.
“Observing the growth and development of young players is why we love what we do. The joy stems from providing a space where kids can explore and enhance their soccer skills beyond just regular team practices. The genuine enthusiasm and passion displayed by these young athletes fuel our commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing environment. It’s about creating a platform where their love for the game translates into tangible progress and growth.”
