Soccer isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. Nowhere is that more evident than during our recent visit with friend and owner of New Edition Barber Shop, Cesar – located at 9 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, California.
This new location is home to Cesar and his team of barbers: Andres, Danny, Jose, and Lalo. This crew offers more than sharp fades and clean shaves. It’s a hub where soccer culture and community intersect, a self-proclaimed “Soccer Barber Shop.”
From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re immersed in the beautiful game. Soccer plays on multiple, large-scale screens, the air hums with chatter of the last pick-up game while Cesar jokingly refers to colleague Jose as “Double Hat Trick” for his known-standout, on-field performances during local adult league play. Even the current requested haircuts infuse a touch of inspiration from globally recognized players, tying the sport to every aspect of life here.
For this group, soccer is more than a pastime; it’s a connection to their younger selves, their clients and their newly added offspring. “I can’t let it go,” Cesar admits with a smile. Having played the sport since childhood, he now shares the field with his friends—many of whom sit in his barber chair. It’s their way to relate to each other, to unwind, and to belong.
Through conversation it becomes clear how deeply soccer is woven into the fabric of everyone’s lives – childhood memories, parenthood moments, weekend games, and late-night pick-up matches. They speak with passion about how professional soccer will inspire more kids to play and, more importantly, keep playing. Santa Barbara Sky FC’s mission aligns with the ongoing conversations, thanks in part to the vision and influence of our founding owner Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC. His focus is on connecting the Central Coast through the beautiful game of football, while inspiring and elevating local talent and creating unforgettably fun experiences that inspire joy and pride. Hearing Cesar and his team’s hopes for the sport reinforces how vital this mission is.
One client, Ray Diaz, shared a story that epitomizes the profound impact soccer can have. For Ray, soccer was like his first love. “I fell in love with soccer for the first time,” he said, reflecting on how it became a crucial part of his life. Growing up without older brothers around, Ray found a mentor in his coach, who handed him a ball and opened up a new world. Soccer became his big brother, his guide, and his way of relating to the world.
Today, Ray embodies the same spirit of mentorship that shaped him. He was at New Edition with his young nephew, a boy he mentors and cares for deeply. Ray’s role as a force of good extends beyond family; he works at the Tangelo, a local company providing medically tailored meals to those with chronic conditions, giving back to his community in profound and tangible ways. For Ray, soccer remains a cornerstone of life. “It’s a community here,” he said. Professional soccer will “bring more leagues, help kids out, and bring our community closer.”.
At Santa Barbara SKY FC, we share Ray’s dream and we are dedicated to delivering premium, professional soccer to our Central Coast with purpose, fun and community at heart – a place where everyone belongs. SKY FC is your team and it’s your time..
Visit New Edition Barber Shop at: 9 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Join the Movement: Follow @SantaBarbaraSkyFC on Instagram for more stories like this, share with your friends, reserve your season ticket deposit today to secure your place in line and collect our SKY merch today.
UNIDOS!