Inspiring Conversations with Douglas Goldfein of Phoenix Sports

Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas Goldfein

Hi Douglas, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and went to college in Jacksonville, FL. After graduating, I spent seven years teaching English in Taiwan, working with everyone from TK students to adults. Teaching abroad sparked my passion for education and developing meaningful connections through learning.

In 2017, I returned to the U.S., settling in San Jose, CA, where my mother had relocated. During this time, I earned my Master’s in Education and spent three rewarding years teaching kindergarten. Alongside teaching, I coached for Skyhawks Sports Academy, a large youth sports franchise similar to Little Rascalz and Soccer Shots. My dedication didn’t go unnoticed—within a couple months, I was promoted to coach trainer, helping other coaches develop kid-friendly, life-skill-centered curriculums.

It was during this time that I realized I could create something more personalized and impactful. This vision led to the founding of Phoenix Sports in 2019, where I sought to combine my experience in education and coaching to teach life skills in a dynamic sports setting. Inspired by the resilience and strength of the phoenix, I wanted to create a space where kids could rise up and thrive.

Starting with my kindergarten class, I hosted successful programs until the pandemic temporarily delayed my dream. In September 2020, my wife and I moved to Carlsbad, CA, where I relaunched Phoenix Sports with just two kids at a local park.

Since then, Phoenix Sports has flourished. What sets us apart is our tailored, classroom-like approach to coaching. Each session is adapted to the unique needs of the kids present, scaffolding skills from basic to intermediate while fostering confidence, life skills, and positive social interactions. Unlike national franchises, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach—every child is seen, valued, and coached as an individual, ensuring a truly enriching experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has certainly had its challenges. Building trust within the community takes time, especially when you’re competing with established programs and national franchises that have been rooted in North County San Diego for over a decade. These larger organizations often have significant marketing budgets, making it difficult for a small, independently-owned program like Phoenix Sports to gain visibility.

Another challenge has been scaling the program. As the primary coach, I pour everything into ensuring every session meets the high standards that have earned us 5-star reviews (40+ on Google and 20+ on Yelp). However, the demands on my time and the difficulty of delegating while maintaining quality have made it hard to expand. Without the ability to “clone myself,” I’ve had to limit the program’s growth to keep operations running smoothly and stay true to my vision.

It’s not the curriculum or the impact that’s been the struggle—our unique approach and positive results speak for themselves. Instead, it’s been the consistency of attendance and balancing a modest budget that pose the biggest hurdles. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to making Phoenix Sports a trusted name in the community and a place where every child can thrive.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Phoenix Sports is a non-competitive, enrichment-focused sports program for children ages 2-10. Our mission goes beyond teaching soccer, basketball, baseball, and core fitness skills—we aim to nurture life skills, foster positive social interactions, and promote personal growth in every child.

What truly sets us apart is our tailored, classroom-like approach to coaching. Every session is designed to meet the unique needs of the kids present, allowing them to progress at their own pace. We scaffold skills from basic to intermediate levels while fostering confidence and a love for physical activity. Unlike national franchises, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model—each child is seen, valued, and coached as an individual.

We also offer a unique and flexible registration system. Parents can sign up for 1-8 classes within an 8-week session, and each participant receives a personalized jersey. Every purchased class acts as a credit, so no missed class goes to waste. Parents can make up missed classes at any time, on any day, and even in a different sport, giving families the ultimate flexibility.

We proudly serve the communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Encinitas, offering a variety of programs that include soccer classes and full-day camps. Our camps are an immersive experience where kids can explore over six different sports, martial arts, creative arts, and STEM activities, making them both fun and enriching.

What we’re most proud of is our ability to create a supportive, inclusive environment where kids thrive—not just in sports, but in life. We believe in empowering every child to rise up and discover their potential, just like the Phoenix in our name.

If you’re looking for a program that values personal growth, flexibility, and fun as much as sports skills, Phoenix Sports is the place for your family. Come see how we’re redefining youth sports in North County San Diego!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Not at the moment

Pricing:

• $29 – $200 (40 minute classes)
• $33-$229 (1 hour classes)
• $269 (half-day camps)
• $369 (full-day camps)
• Homeschool / Charter Vendor Approved

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gophoenixsports.com/
• Instagram: @gophoenixsports
• Facebook: @gophoenixsports
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gophoenixsports
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/phoenix-sports-carlsbad-2?osq=phoenix+sports

Image Credits
Diego Huarcaya-Pro
@diegopro