About Phoenix Sports

Why Phoenix Sports?

Hi, I’m Douglas Goldfein, founder of Phoenix Sports—where children ages 18 months to 10 years discover the magic of movement, confidence, and teamwork!

After years of teaching in public and private schools, coaching, and training youth sports instructors, I created Phoenix Sports to give families something truly different. We aren't a rigid corporate franchise with cookie-cutter drill lines and strict scripts. We are a locally owned, play-based program built to give kids the joy of authentic play, build lifelong self-esteem, and teach critical social-emotional skills through movement and fun challenges.

What Makes Us Different?

At Phoenix Sports, it’s not just about mastering a sport—it’s about nurturing confident minds, strong bodies, and kind hearts.

1. Child-Led & Play-Based: We embrace the energy of young children. If a toddler wants to inspect a bug on the field before kicking a soccer ball, we validate that curiosity and build the game around them.
2. Radically Inclusive & Neurodivergent-Affirming: We are a proud vendor for the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC). Patience, empathy, and validating children's feelings are built into every single session.
3. Small Group Focus: Every child receives individualized attention, encouraging milestones at their own pace in a supportive, zero-pressure environment.
4. The "Life Happens" Flex Model: We know parenting is unpredictable. Our flexible credit system means you never lose a class due to a missed nap, sick day, or last-minute family schedule change.

Our Philosophy

We believe sports should be empowering, joyful, and inclusive. We completely eliminate high-pressure athletic expectation in favor of emotional security, fun, and positive character development. By celebrating effort over perfection, our non-competitive environment ensures children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow at their own speed.

At Phoenix Sports, we aren't just teaching sports—we are raising active, empathetic, and confident kids who love the game and believe in themselves. Let’s play! 🎉

Meet the Team

Every coach on our field is CPR/First Aid certified, Live Scan background-checked, and deeply committed to child development. More than anything, our team brings infectious enthusiasm, patience, and genuine warmth to every single class.

Douglas Goldfein — Founder & Head Coach

1. Background: M.Ed. in Education, Former TK–3 & PE Teacher
2. Roots: Born and raised in Chicago (cheering for the Cubs and Packers!), Doug taught English in Taiwan for seven years before earning his Master’s in Education. After years of coaching for Skyhawks Sports Academy and training youth coaches across the region, he founded Phoenix Sports in North County San Diego to give local families a genuine, community-first alternative to big-box youth sports.

Katie Elliott — Executive Coaching Manager

1. Background: B.S. in Physical Education & Health, Certified Educator
2. Roots: Katie brings a world of athletic and teaching experience to Phoenix Sports! She spent years teaching PE and Health from preschool through middle school in Washington State, led outdoor adventure programs (paddlesports, rock climbing, and swimming) in Hong Kong, and taught internationally in Latvia. A former Varsity fastpitch player and coach—and a mom to a 2-year-old—Katie excels at creating high-energy, supportive environments where young kids can thrive.

Coach Lena — Support Coach

1. Background: High School Student-Athlete & Youth Coach
2. Roots: Coach Lena brings fantastic field energy, patience, and dedication to our weekend programs. As an active high school student-athlete, she connects effortlessly with our young players, helping lead drills, encourage hesitant toddlers, and make sure every child leaves the field with a giant smile.