For several years, Noel and Michael Veith operated health clubs in the Houston area. When their oldest son, Hartman, joined a soccer league when he was five years old, however, the couple found a new interest. In 2004 they opened Soccer Depot Inc., providing equipment and uniforms to area residents, organizations and nearly all Katy ISD schools.

"We put our son [Hartman] in soccer and he took an immediate liking to it, and of course the younger brother had to follow his older brother," Noel said. "When we closed the health club, our sons said we should open a soccer store, so we did."

At the time, the Veiths did not have a background in soccer, but they have since become experts on the sport and have expanded their services and product line.

"Our kids fueled our passion for soccer," Michael said. "We're in a very good area because everyone who has a [soccer] association does a great job. They don't lose their kids to other sports, and their students always come back."

KISD has had a soccer team represent the district at a state level for the past six years. As a way of keeping up with an increasingly soccer-savvy area, the Veiths have added various products from brands such as Nike, Adidas and Puma to their shelves and have become heavily involved with the community.

"We have provided the uniforms and equipment for all the Katy schools since we opened," Noel said. "We get them whatever they need. The reputation we have with the coaches is that we deliver what we promise. Because we are a carrier of Nike and Adidas, we have access to their whole site of products. If a soccer player comes in and just wants a good pair of running shoes for example, we can get that for them."

Soccer Depot also provides equipment and services to area churches, leagues and organizations as a way of staying involved and promoting soccer in the community.

Soccer Depot has made a name for itself with the variety of available products. It is the only athletic store in the area that offers Xara gear, which makes equipment for children 4–5 years old as well as adults, he said.

"It is important to us to help parents who may not have a soccer background to get their kids fitted properly so they can go out and enjoy the game," Noel said. "We also try and be a resource for parents to find out about camps and leagues."

Several years ago, Soccer Depot had to change store locations, but the Veiths were able to move back to their original store front off Kingsland Boulevard about six months ago.

The Veiths have been looking to expand their services in the near future and said they have been speaking to nearby business owners and their current landlord about the possibility of using the store's parking lot as a location for small, recreational youth tournaments.

Loyalty program

In addition to offering discounts to KISD and local churches, Noel and Michael Veith recently added the VIP Program, which offers customers 5 percent credit back on all purchases made in the store. Customers can either save their points or spend them as they go.

Soccer Depot Inc.

23232 Kingsland Blvd.

Katy 281-693-4625

www.soccerdepotinc.com

Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m–7 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sun. Noon–4 p.m.