Mar 09 2025 51 mins
Soccer is the biggest sport in the world, but we never talk about the origin of the soccer ball or where they're made. Justin Lea, Founder of Hayworth Athletic, went on a quest to find out and it landed him in northern Pakistan, where over 70% of the world's soccer balls were made (3 million balls per month!).
After witnessing the terrible conditions of the workers, Justin set out to create an amazing soccer ball and bring good to the world by helping the people that make them. Hayworth Athletic was born. This is his Build Upon The Good story.
Hayworth Athletic, headquartered in Austin, TX, designs soccer balls with a good cause behind them. Hayworth soccer balls are worksop-made in the ancient Andean village of Mongui, Columbia, a community with a century long tradition of ballmaking.
Justin's story isn't just interesting, it's inspiring. He seeks to uplift others and bring dignity to the those that make them and their "craft."
We need more people and businesses like Justin and Hayworth Athletic, which seek to also better the world. We also give a shout out to our good friend JP, who connected us.
Please follow Hayworth Athletic at www.HayworthAthletic.com, follow them on social media and definitely buy their soccer balls!
www.BuildUponTheGood.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.
*Special thanks to Sean Kelly and the band The Samples for permission to use "Streets in the Rain." Please follow them at www.TheSamples.com