Pride Soccer Club
Overview
Pride Soccer Club (legal name: El Paso Pride Soccer Association) is the longest-standing and largest youth soccer club in colorado Springs, with approximately 4,500-4,800 players on 300-350 teams. Founded in June 1994, the club serves youth ages 4-19 across recreational, intermediate, junior academy, and competitive programs.
Nonprofit: 501(c)(3). EIN: 84-1271042.
Financials
| Metric | FY2024 (990 filing) |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $3,909,004 |
| Total Expenses | $3,841,587 |
| Net Income | $67,417 |
| Total Assets | $10,024,576 |
| Total Liabilities | $2,477,239 |
| Net Assets | $7,547,337 |
Revenue Breakdown:
- Program services: $3,690,106 (94.4%)
- Rental property income: $94,964 (2.4%)
- Investment income: $35,222 (0.9%)
- Contributions: $68,141 (1.7%)
Expense Breakdown:
- Other salaries/wages: $1,552,560 (40.4%)
- Executive compensation: $141,050 (3.7%)
- Candace Brooks (Exec Director): $128,048 + $13,002 benefits
Financial Assessment: Notable for $10M in total assets against $3.9M revenue — this ratio strongly suggests significant facility ownership. $7.5M net assets is the strongest balance sheet of any club examined in the Mountain West. Revenue is almost entirely program-based (94.4%). Modest net income ($67K) indicates the club is spending close to what it earns. (HIGH confidence)
Teams & Players
- 4,500-4,800 players across 300-350 teams
- Recreational (U4-U14), Intermediate (U9-U10), Junior Academy (U9-U10), Competitive (U11-U19)
- USL Colorado Pride women’s team
League Affiliations
- ecnl — Boys ECNL member
- ECNL-RL — Boys and Girls
- JPL — Girls Junior Premier League member
Facilities
- Pride Soccer Complex — Colorado Springs. Club-operated facility. The $10M total assets strongly suggest significant facility ownership and investment.
- Rental property income ($95K) confirms some owned/managed facility assets
Leadership
- Candace Brooks — Executive Director ($128K + $13K benefits)
Competitive Position
Pride SC is the dominant club in Colorado Springs, the state’s second-largest city:
Strengths:
- 4,500+ players — massive recreational and competitive base
- $10M total assets / $7.5M net assets — exceptional balance sheet
- 30 years of history in Colorado Springs
- ECNL Boys member
- Facility ownership provides stability and asset value
- Geographic separation from Denver-centric clubs
Weaknesses:
- Colorado Springs market is smaller than Denver (~500K vs. ~3M metro)
- Only ECNL Boys — no Girls ECNL (only RL/JPL)
- Modest net income ($67K on $3.9M revenue) — thin margins
- Executive compensation ($141K) may limit ability to attract top coaching talent
Investment Thesis
Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH. Pride SC’s $10M asset base makes it an unusually attractive target from a balance sheet perspective. The club provides Colorado Springs market access, diversifying from Denver. The $7.5M net assets may indicate significant facility value that could be leveraged in an acquisition.
Key Value Drivers:
- Facility ownership (implied by $10M total assets)
- 4,500+ player base — large revenue foundation
- Colorado Springs market independence from Denver competition
- ECNL Boys membership
Open Questions
- What specifically comprises the $10M in total assets? Facility valuation breakdown?
- Is there interest in structural change or partnership?
- Could girls ECNL membership be achieved (upgrade from RL/JPL)?
- Who are the board members and decision-makers beyond Candace Brooks?