About
The Zu Kru through Stumbling Goat
The Zu Kru inspires kids to use their imagination and animal spirit to overcome challenges on the soccer field, at school, and at home.
Each animal representing a soccer position has a colorful personality, body shape and skill set. Kids can discover these qualities in themselves, practice and develop them over time, and then summon them as needed as they go through life.
They will find the courage to stand up for themselves and others, tell a funny joke when the chips are down, go from hangry to soft and fuzzy with a quick snack, patiently outwit the competition, sagely lead the pack when the pressure is on, and put a little swagger in their step after a job well done.
Because soccer is more than a sport, football is life!
CREATOR
creator/imagineer
Hi! I’m Lara. I’m a proud soccer mom and recovering finance professional (#toosoon). A few years ago, I took advantage of a career break to launch my passion project, Wrist Coaches for young soccer players. I created a set of sweatbands, each designating a unique position within a formation. This new coaching tool was so helpful, kids would “know their place” instantly and I could stop yapping from the sidelines – a real win/win!
In 2024, the addition of animal positions for the youngest kids had such a profound impact on breaking up the intractable “beehive”, I decided to pivot. I shifted my focus to building out a new product line called “The Zu Kru” under my original Stumbling G.O.A.T. business umbrella.
The reaction has been remarkable. Whether it’s the knee huggers crying on the sidelines or kids who were born with a soccer ball in their crib, kids love playing as animals. What’s more, they thrive with the elevated soccer experience that comes with a little bit of structure and whole lot of role clarity. They can’t get enough of it, and I can’t enough of them! Seeing their joy as they overcome their fears, learn new skills and bond with their teammates stops me in my tracks. As a parent of older kids, I know these are transformative moments that will last a lifetime. If you’re here, you’re probably a parent or a soccer coach so I know YOU understand what I’m talking about too (cue hanky). I hope you will have a chance to experience this for yourself and you’ll join me in being part of this new animal adventure. We will be changing these kids, and the game, for years to come.
The reaction has been remarkable. Whether it’s the knee huggers crying on the sidelines or kids who were born with a soccer ball in their crib, kids love playing as animals. What’s more, they thrive with the elevated soccer experience that comes with a little bit of structure and whole lot of role clarity. They can’t get enough of it, and I can’t enough of them! Seeing their joy as they overcome their fears, learn new skills and bond with their teammates stops me in my tracks. As a parent of older kids, I know these are transformative moments that will last a lifetime. If you’re here, you’re probably a parent or a soccer coach so I know YOU understand what I’m talking about too (cue hanky). I hope you will have a chance to experience this for yourself and you’ll join me in being part of this new animal adventure. We will be changing these kids, and the game, for years to come.
Let’s go!
Lara
