Meet Julie Colangelo | Soccer Buddies – Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Colangelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Soccer Buddies was born out of a desire to provide a fun and pressure-free soccer program for kids. As a parent, I saw firsthand how the competitive soccer clubs were discouraging my daughter from playing soccer. She wasn’t hating the sport, but rather the way it was taught and the pressure she felt to perform. I recognized a gap in the market for a soccer program that focused on fun, learning, and meeting new friends. Drawing from my experience of making learning fun with my kids at home when we completed chores, I created a curriculum that incorporated imaginative play and made skills and drills enjoyable for children. I play soccer myself so it was easy to make certain drills more fun for kids. Soccer Buddies was designed to be a place where kids can go out and play soccer just for the fun of it while learning, exercising, and making new friends. It gives me great joy to see kids come to our program with smiles on their faces and leave with a newfound love for soccer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As the owner of Soccer Buddies, what sets us apart is our focus on making a difference in the lives of not just the kids we teach but also the young coaches we train. My team and I love working with young coaches who, in turn, coach young kids. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow and develop as coaches and make a positive impact on the kids who are learning and playing soccer.

I am incredibly proud of the impact that Soccer Buddies has had in our community, and it’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication of my team. We provide a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where children can learn and grow both on and off the field. During COVID, it was tough to stay afloat, but my team and I worked tirelessly to adapt and continue to provide the best experience possible for our young players and coaches.

One of the key lessons that we have learned along the way is that it’s important to always put the needs of the children first. By doing so, we are able to create a positive environment that encourages learning, growth, and most importantly, fun. Another lesson is the importance of adaptability and the willingness to embrace change, which is evident in how we were able to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic as a team.

Overall, our story as a kids soccer program business is one of passion, dedication, and perseverance, and it’s all thanks to the hard work and contributions of my amazing team. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of children and young coaches in our community, and it’s an honor to do so.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the Denver area, I would want to show them the best time possible. Here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip to some of my favorite spots in the city:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Start with brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, known for its delicious pancake flights and Bloody Mary’s
Walk around the beautiful Washington Park, enjoy the views of the mountains and the lake
Take a trip to the Colorado State Capitol building for a free tour and to see the beautiful gold dome
Head to the LoDo district (Lower Downtown) for dinner at Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, known for their unique pub food and extensive beer list

Day 2: The Great Outdoors

Take a scenic drive to Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking and sightseeing
Stop for lunch at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew, known for their delicious barbecue and brews
Take a leisurely drive through Estes Park and visit the Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining”
Enjoy dinner and drinks at The Fort Restaurant, known for its wild game and historic atmosphere

Day 3: Art and Culture

Start the day with a visit to the Denver Art Museum, home to a vast collection of American Indian, Western, and contemporary art
Enjoy lunch at the eclectic and colorful Casa Bonita, a beloved Denver institution
Take a tour of the Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, the largest single-site brewery in the world
Return to Denver for dinner and drinks at Avanti Food & Beverage, a food hall with multiple bars and eateries

Day 4: Shopping and Entertainment

Start the day with breakfast at Jelly Cafe, known for their delicious pancakes and creative breakfast dishes
Visit the popular 16th Street Mall for shopping, people-watching, and street performances
Take a tour of the Red Rocks Amphitheater, one of the most iconic outdoor music venues in the world
Enjoy dinner and a show at Comedy Works, a popular comedy club that features both local and national acts

Day 5, 6 and 7: History and Nature

Take a tour of the Molly Brown House Museum, the former home of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who survived the Titanic disaster
Stop for lunch at Beau Jo’s Pizza, known for their famous Colorado-style mountain pie
Take a scenic drive to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs for hiking and sightseeing

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Absolutely! In addition to being an incredible mentor in my professional development, my former boss also taught me a great deal about starting a kid’s soccer business. She shared her insights and experiences with me, providing me with valuable guidance and advice as I started my own business, Soccer Buddies. Her expertise in business development, marketing, and customer service were invaluable to me in the early stages of my venture. Without her guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to create a successful program that has impacted the lives of so many children. Thank you, Jody, for your unwavering support, mentorship, and for sharing your knowledge and experience with me. I am truly grateful to have had you as a mentor and friend.

Website: www.coloradosoccerbuddies.com

Instagram: @coloradosoccerbuddies

Facebook: www.facebook.com/coloradosoccerbuddies

Youtube: @coloradosoccerbuddies