In this episode, i’m highlighting a soccer club in the DMV (D.C., Maryland Virginia - NOT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES). Frederick Skyline C.F. competes in the UPSL, which is in the 4th tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. I speak with owner of the club, Joel Ramirez, who talks about his journey in starting a new soccer club. He's also president of Skyline Soccer Union, an organization that makes soccer affordable for the youth.

TMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

00:22 - Claudia gives a brief background about this episode

02:29 - Introduce Joel Ramirez, Owner of Frederick Skyline C.F. How did he start the club?

05:28 - How the message, philosophy + values of the club is implemented?

06:56 - How the semi-pro club balances being competitive but also being a safe space for its players

09:06 - How the club is a safe space for Joel

11:02 - How he navigates the challenges + self doubt

13:24 - What he’s learned about himself along the way

15:32 - How the city of Frederick + Frederick Skyline support one another

16:33 - Is it intimidating for Joel being the youngest in the room?

17:21 - Joel’s connection to Frederick

19:19 - Did he ever hesitate in starting Frederick Skyline?

20:17 - Joel also started Skyline Soccer Union to give opportunities to kids to play

23:26 - Why did he start Skyline Soccer Union?

25:10 - What does a normal day look like for Joel + what are his roles with the clubs

28:24 - What’s the long term goal for Frederick Skyline?

29:18 - Running the business side of the club

31:05 - 3 questions to get to know Joel better

31:13 - Question #1: What is a memory you treasure?

32:09 - Question #2: How would you define success?

33:00 - Question #3: How do you hope to be remembered?