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.

There were some technical difficulties on the video side of things, but the audio was still perfect - SO WE KEEP ROLLLLING ON! Enjoy 🙌 ⚽️

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?