Soccer Spot Closes its Doors

Editor's Note: A longtime Milford business has closed. The Soccer Spot, which was a Patch Readers' Choice winner as best sporting goods store this year, was the 14-year business of Charlie and Theresa Calcagni. In a message to Patch, Charlie Calcagni explained what went into the difficult decision, and thanked all of the customers who supported the store through the years.

The Soccer Spot of Milford was the “go to” store for all soccer related products in the greater Metro West area.

It was opened almost 14 years ago after Charlie Calcagni and his wife, Theresa, were both down-sized when Compaq Computer took over Digital Equipment Corp.

Theresa was an Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Digital, and Charlie was a Senior Manager of Information Technology, with over 30 years’ management and IT experience.

After searching for employment and not able to secure anything, they decided to follow their dream and open a soccer specialty store.

From the first day the Soccer Spot was a hit. Business grew year after year, so much so that they opened a store in Narragansett, RI and following that, another in Needham, MA.  The stores have four parts to the business: Retail, Team Sales, Tournament and Internet. In addition, Charlie established a licensing program and opened additional stores across the U.S. for others following their dream.

The first 12 years were great, continued growth year after year. The last two were terrible. The growth bubble began to burst in late 2008 and business began to fall off.  People were scared to spend money when firms were laying off their workers and needed to conserve on the important things. Adding to that was the growth in Internet sales for both Retail and Team business.

Tournament Sales took a dive due to the cost of holding and staffing Soccer Tournaments. And finally, competition came into the area.

In early 2010, we attempted to obtain funds for inventory and vendors by working with the Small Business Administration, the SBA. Unfortunately after nine months, a tremendous amount of paperwork, and working with many lenders, it was too late to save the two biggest seasons: Spring and Fall for 2010. The economic upswing just wasn’t happening.

It was with great sadness, realizing our dream had ended and now time to cut the losses and look to the future.

We have met many wonderful people over the years. We had very loyal customers who supported us and watched as their young children grew into adults, and still playing soccer.  

Still very active in the soccer community, as commissioner of the Massachusetts Premier League, MAPLE and working with the Milford/Hopedale Youth Soccer Association to firm up their uniform process and establish a company store dedicated to the association. While Theresa works for the town of Milford in the Town Clerk's Office.

Now, to look for the next chapter in our lives.

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