We recently connected with Peter Valdez and have shared our conversation below.
Peter, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Our Mission: Empowering Dreams Through Soccer
The Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club was born from a simple yet profound act of kindness from an anonymous donor. Years later, inspired by that memory, I realized it was my turn to pay it forward.
Our mission is simple: to create opportunities for every child to play, grow, and thrive through soccer. We believe the beautiful game is about more than winning matches. It’s about teamwork, resilience, and fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the pitch.
From humble beginnings, the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club has grown into a vibrant community where players of all ages and skill levels can come together. Whether it’s through competitive leagues, training sessions, or community outreach, we aim to instill confidence, build character, and spark a lifelong love for the game.
This vision continues to evolve. Today, we’re working on one of our most ambitious projects yet: building a dedicated soccer complex that will serve as a hub for players, families, and the community. With 35 acres of space, this facility will provide top-notch fields, training programs, and a place where everyone feels they belong.
We know this journey wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our players, coaches, families, and supporters. Together, we’re not just creating a soccer club—we’re building a legacy of opportunity and inclusion for generations to come.
Join us in our mission. Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or supporter, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make an impact together—one game, one goal, and one story at a time.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
About Me and the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club
Hi, I’m Peter Valdez, Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club. My journey into the soccer world started with a simple act of generosity that changed my life forever. As a young boy, I was given the chance to play soccer thanks to an anonymous donor who covered my fees. That experience shaped my love for the game and planted the seed for what would eventually become the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club.
Soccer has always been more than just a sport to me—it’s a universal language that brings people together, teaches life lessons, and creates opportunities. Years later, I realized I wanted to pay that kindness forward and create a space where kids and families from all walks of life could experience the same transformative power of the game that I did.
What We Do
The Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club provides comprehensive soccer programs for players of all ages and skill levels. From recreational youth leagues to competitive teams, we aim to foster personal growth, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Our services include:
Youth Soccer Development: Training programs tailored to enhance skills, confidence, and game understanding.
Competitive Teams: Opportunities for players to challenge themselves, develop discipline, and reach their potential in high-stakes environments.
Community Outreach: Initiatives to make soccer accessible to everyone, including scholarships and free clinics.
Indoor Soccer Programs: A dynamic space for year-round play, fostering skill retention and fun.
Semi-Pro Opportunities: We have the only semi-pro indoor men’s team in the Portland/Vancouver area. A second tier opportunity for local ballers to go pro in one step.
What Problems We Solve
Many families face barriers to participating in organized sports, whether it’s financial constraints, lack of access to quality facilities, or simply feeling unwelcome. At Vancouver Lightning, we strive to break down those barriers. We provide affordable programs, a supportive community, and a focus on making sure every child has the opportunity to play and grow.
What Sets Us Apart
Community-Centered Mission: Everything we do is driven by the goal of building stronger, more connected communities through soccer.
Holistic Development: We focus not only on athletic performance but also on personal growth, leadership, and resilience.
Future-Oriented Vision: Our dream of building a 35-acre soccer complex is a testament to our commitment to the sport and the community. This facility will offer turf fields, training areas, and community spaces designed to elevate the experience for players and families alike.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched. Seeing kids grow into confident, passionate individuals through their time with Vancouver Lightning is what keeps me going. I’m also deeply honored to lead a team of dedicated coaches, volunteers, and families who share our vision of making soccer accessible to all.
What I Want People to Know About Us
The Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club is more than just a soccer club—it’s a movement. We’re here to inspire, empower, and create opportunities for everyone who shares a love for the game. Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or supporter, you’re part of a family that values hard work, and a relentless pursuit of dreams.
If you believe in the power of sports to change lives and strengthen communities, we’d love for you to join us on this journey. Together, we can make a difference—one goal, one game, and one act of kindness at a time.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
The Story of Meeting My Co-Founder
The journey of the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership and shared vision of Coach Abraham Selim. Abraham and I crossed paths through our shared passion for soccer and our desire to make the game accessible to everyone.
From the start, it was clear that we both believed in soccer’s power to transform lives—not just as a sport, but as a tool for building community, character, and opportunity. Abraham’s dedication to coaching and his ability to inspire players aligned perfectly with the mission I envisioned for the club.
Working together, we realized we could do more than just form teams—we could create a legacy. With Abraham’s leadership in developing programs and mentoring players, we’ve been able to provide opportunities for kids to grow both on and off the field.
What sets our partnership apart is our mutual commitment to making a difference. Whether it’s brainstorming the layout of our future soccer complex or strategizing on how to engage more families, we push each other to dream bigger and do better.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The Power of Community: Our Key to Growth
When it comes to growing the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club, our most effective strategy has always been rooted in community. From the very beginning, we’ve focused on creating an environment where players and families feel welcomed, valued, and connected. This emphasis on building relationships has naturally led to organic growth and a loyal network of supporters.
Here’s how our community-focused approach has been the foundation of our success:
Word of Mouth
Happy players and parents are our greatest ambassadors. By prioritizing positive experiences, whether on the field or through our communication and support, we’ve created a ripple effect where families share their experiences with friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Affordable Programs
We’ve designed programs that cater to a wide range of needs, from recreational players seeking fun and fitness to competitive athletes looking to take their game to the next level. Our commitment to affordability ensures that every family feels there’s a place for them here.
Engagement Beyond Soccer
We don’t just focus on the game; we focus on people. Community events like fundraisers, free clinics, and family-friendly gatherings strengthen bonds and make Vancouver Lightning more than just a club—it’s a community hub.
Support Systems
For many families, the cost of sports can be a barrier. By offering scholarships and fundraising opportunities, we’ve opened doors for players who might otherwise miss out. This commitment to accessibility has earned trust and loyalty from families who feel our mission aligns with their values.
Strong Local Partnerships
We’ve built relationships with schools, local businesses, and organizations to amplify our reach. These partnerships not only help us grow but also embed us deeper into the community fabric.
Visibility and Engagement
Being present and active in the community—whether it’s through volunteering, attending local events, or collaborating with other organizations—has ensured people see Vancouver Lightning as a key player in the area’s development and well-being.
Why Community Matters
Soccer is a team sport, but our club’s growth proves that it’s also about the larger team: the community. By investing in people and relationships, we’ve created a network that not only supports the club but also shares in its success. This strategy is more than effective—it’s sustainable and fulfilling.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved through the power of community, and we’re excited to keep growing alongside the people who believe in our mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.VancouverLightning.com
- Instagram: @vancouverlightning
- Facebook: @vancouverlightning
- Youtube: Vancouver Lightning Futbol
Image Credits
Peter Valdez, Pollyanna Lukyanchenko