At first glance, the connection between a fintech company and a youth soccer team in Oakley, California, might seem unlikely. But look closer, and you’ll find a story about mentorship, shared values, and what it really means to invest in your community.
On June 26, 2025, at Knoll Park in Oakley, CashSwipe formally presented a $10,000 donation to a local girls’ soccer team composed of 10- and 11-year-old athletes. The funds will cover travel expenses, uniforms, registration fees, and opportunities for clinics and camps—costs that often hold back kids from underserved backgrounds.
But this donation is about more than dollars. It’s about paying forward a legacy of service and building the next generation of leaders.
From the Streets of Oakland to Supporting Dreams
Paul Alex, founder of CashSwipe, knows what these girls are up against. Before launching his fintech company, he served as a Detective with the Oakland Police Department. It was there he worked side-by-side with Coaches Pedro Elias and Luis “Coach E” Espinoza—two men who traded their badges for whistles, but never stopped serving their community.
“Both Pedro and Luis were my colleagues,” Paul explains. “We saw firsthand how sports can keep kids focused and teach values that last a lifetime. They didn’t quit serving the community when they left law enforcement. They just found a new way to lead.”
When Paul learned about their team, he immediately saw reflections of his own past: kids with raw talent and heart, but lacking resources.
The Power of Youth Sports
Ask anyone who’s played on a team: sports teach more than athletic skills. They build character, discipline, and the ability to bounce back from failure. These lessons are even more critical in communities where opportunities can feel scarce.
“Youth sports are one of the most powerful tools we have for building confidence and character,” says Paul. “In low-income communities, having a mentor who believes in you can change the trajectory of your life.”
That’s exactly the philosophy at the heart of the Oakley Girls’ Soccer Club. Coaches Elias and Espinoza focus on more than just winning—they want their players to learn accountability, teamwork, and leadership.
“These girls aren’t just playing for trophies,” says Elias. “They’re learning to show up for one another, to push themselves, and to grow as people.”
A Personal Investment in the Future
For Paul, writing the check wasn’t about publicity—it was about sending a message.
“I hope this shows them what’s possible,” he says. “That someone who looks like them, came from the same streets, believes in them. It’s not just about soccer gear. It’s about telling them their dreams are worth investing in.”
It’s a message that resonates far beyond the field. For many of these girls, seeing someone from their community succeed in business offers a vision for what their own future can be.
Giving Back with Purpose
Paul Alex knows that many entrepreneurs wonder when the “right time” to give back is. His advice? Don’t wait.
“You don’t have to wait until you feel successful enough,” he says. “Start with what you have. The impact you make in someone’s life often fuels your own growth.”
He also stresses the importance of making giving personal.
“Align it with your own values and your story. That’s when it becomes meaningful—not just another charitable checkbox.”
More Than a Fintech Company
CashSwipe might be known for helping individuals build passive income through ATM placement and merchant services, but its mission runs deeper.
Founded by a former officer who saw the power of mentorship firsthand, CashSwipe is about giving people the tools to build a better future—for themselves, their families, and their communities.
A Community Uplifted
As Luis Espinoza put it: “These girls have heart. They prove every day that leadership starts with integrity. I’ve known Paul for years, and it’s incredible to see him invest in a new generation like this.”
In Oakley, a $10,000 donation is unlocking more than tournament travel and new jerseys. It’s unlocking belief.
Belief that these girls deserve to play at the highest level.
Belief that they can dream bigger.
Belief that their community stands behind them.
When businesses choose to lead with purpose, their impact ripples far beyond balance sheets and boardrooms. It echoes in the cheers on a dusty field, in the dreams of a young girl pulling on her jersey, and in the knowledge that someone who’s walked her path believes she can lead the way.
