Our Story
Big Picture Soccer was founded by Josiah Groff in 2018, but the vision began years earlier. During a college trip to Colombia, Josiah witnessed a local coach using soccer to bring hope and opportunity to children in a community deeply affected by poverty and drug violence. The experience inspired him to pursue the idea of using soccer as a catalyst for change.
Later, while living in Juarez, Mexico, and serving at a children's home with his wife, Casi, Josiah met David, a local coach leading informal soccer practices for neighborhood kids. The two quickly discovered a shared passion for helping young people through the game.
Josiah and his wife, Casi in Juarez, Mexico in 2019.
Having grown up in poverty, David understood the barriers many youth faced in accessing quality soccer opportunities and avoiding the cycles of violence and addiction common in border communities. Together, Josiah and David launched Sauzal F.C., the first Big Picture Soccer program, creating a place where young people could develop both on and off the field.
Through building Sauzal F.C., the foundation of Big Picture Soccer took shape. Core values such as empowering local leaders and pursuing excellence emerged through real-world experience, not theory. What began in one community became a vision to replicate this model around the world.
Today, Big Picture Soccer exists to use the global language of soccer to empower youth to transform their lives, strengthen their communities, and create lasting impact in the world.
Josiah with a few of the first Sauzal F.C. players!