The club has five Youth divisions, both a men’s and women’s Premiere division team, three recreational Leagues (Men’s, Women’s, Co-Ed) and 240 active players, which includes 150 youth players and 90 adults.
Walls has developed a strategy of multiple sponsorships which has recently led to a total of $50,000 in donations to the club. Corporate sponsors of Rovers Football Club include ASAP Bakery, Atech, Diesel, Eyecare Guam, Honey House, Ice Una, Pacific Federal Management, and The Village.
Walls is also president of the Slingstone group of companies, which does business as Slingstone Coffee in locations throughout Guam, and Green Turtle Inc., which supplies roasted coffee to various locations. The group also does business as the Green Tiki bar in Tumon.
Q: How did your personal relationship with soccer start?
A: I started playing in New Zealand in the Under 5s and played up to the Under 15 in a little town called Tauranga, with a population about same as Guam in the 70s.
We drove to other team home fields in a season and once a year we travelled four hours to stay in Auckland to play the best teams. Those long drives were a great team building experiences.
My coach was an English butcher who ran his own business but was a passionate coach who always made time to coach for free. I was not the best player on our team, but he was always enthusiastic for all kids to play no matter what the level. He really loved the game.
When I left NZ and travelled for 10 years I lived in Australia, the U.S. east and west coast, Canada, Japan and China – and eventually Guam. I found sports clubs a great way to socialize and meet new people.
My football representative experience happened on Guam not with soccer but rugby. I played several years for the Guam national team, but in the off-season soccer was a great fitness substitute.
Starting the Rovers Club on Guam was to make it a social club first and then a competitive club. Not just to play for winning, but to play and work as a team, win or lose and learn how to get better. That philosophy is what I think still helps the club grow still today. And it’s also a handy philosophy to have when building and selling businesses on Guam.
Q: How did Rovers Football Club begin?
A: We started Rovers FC with just four or five friends who each put in what they could to turn the club into something more than it was. It wasn’t just a day-by-day dream; it was a mission we set out on and stayed committed to. We weren’t thinking about building our own soccer field back then, but now, 10 years later, we are.
Q: What have been some of the challenges and successes?
A: Looking at where the club has come from and what we’ve achieved is amazing. The idea of owning or leasing a soccer field seemed crazy, but it’s not impossible. It’s a dream our club has always had. And the amazing thing about dreams is that someone out there has the ability to make them a reality, not because there’s something in it for them, but because the opportunity came up and we were in the right place at the right time with a shared passion.
Q: The Rovers have recently raised $50,000 in funding for the club. How do you approach sponsorship and community support?
A: Sponsorship isn’t just about getting a check. It’s about mutual support. I’ve learned that firsthand, both from making mistakes and from being on the other side as a sponsor myself. It’s crucial to recognize the time, experience, and effort sponsors put into their businesses.
When sponsors believe in what you’re doing; when they have a personal connection, like parents supporting our grassroots program because their kids are involved, it creates a series of win-wins that benefit everyone.
Q: What’s next for the club?
A: The dream of having our own soccer field is still alive, and while it may seem like a far-fetched idea, I’ve learned that when you believe in something and keep pursuing it, amazing things can happen. It’s about keeping the mission alive, staying focused on the goal, and having fun along the way.
Q: Why is recognizing sponsors so important?
A: Twenty years ago, I gave a presentation thanking our sponsors, but I talked too much about us and not enough about them. It was a mistake that I didn’t fully understand until 10 years later when I found myself in a sponsor's shoes.
I realized just how upsetting it is not to get the recognition you deserve, especially when you've invested so much time, energy, and passion into your business.
Always honor the sponsors, no matter how big or small the contribution.
Q: What have you learned about building relationships with sponsors?
A: I recently met the CEO of a company that has been a big supporter of community-driven projects.
As a CEO myself, I know how important it is to connect on a personal level. When two CEOs sit down, there’s an understanding that goes beyond the usual business talk. It’s about meeting each other's needs and finding ways to help each other. Sponsorship is a two-way street. It’s not just about getting money; it’s about building a relationship where both sides put in effort and support each other.
For example, our club has a few hundred people, and when they support our sponsors, it makes a real difference. It's all about looking after those who look after you.
Q: How does the club balance fun with competitiveness?
A: One of the greatest things about building Rovers Football Club with my friends was how much fun we had. We always made sure that fun was at the heart of what we did, but we also wanted to be competitive.
Our grassroots program is a great example. The kids are having a blast, but they’re also learning to be competitive, and that makes their parents happy too. It’s a perfect mix of enjoyment and development.
Q: What role does the community play in the club’s success?
A: Our grassroots program wouldn’t be what it is without the support of the parents and the local community.
When their kids are happy, parents are happy, and that creates a positive cycle.
The community is everything. The community’s support helps us grow, and in turn, we support the community by creating opportunities for kids to play, learn, and enjoy the sport. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Q: What’s your advice for others looking to start or grow a sports club, or for that matter to launch a non-profit?
A: My advice is to keep your mission clear and stay focused on your goals. Don’t be afraid to dream big, even if it seems impossible. If you believe in your dream, you’ll find the resources and people who share your passion and can help make it happen.
And most importantly, have fun. Build something meaningful with your friends and connections, because there’s real power in working together towards a common goal. mbj