NEDERLAND — Peak to Peak Soccer has been putting Nederland area kids on the field for decades.

Parents started the organization, and then TEENS, Inc. took responsibility. Now, for the last few years, Peak to Peak Endurance has taken over.   

This season, 122 kids were in the program. There were four teams of Kindergarteners and first graders. Three teams of second and third graders took the field. Two teams of fourth and fifth graders and one team of middle schoolers completed this season with the Peak to Peak jersey on. 

The season is eight weeks long, with six games played against teams from Gilpin County and Clear Creek. Currently, the cost to participate is $100, and the Peak to Peak Endurance Foundation offers partial and full scholarships with no questions asked. 

The mission of Peak to Peak Soccer—and all the sports that Peak to Peak Endurance provides—is to "instill a love for sport, and to teach teamwork and good sportsmanship along with skills needed to succeed on and off the field. As an organization, Peak to Peak Endurance Foundation strives to provide excellent, top tier programs at the most affordable price possible,” according to Executive Director Gavin Coombs.

“We have made it a priority to offer our kids the exceptional experience they deserve," said Gavin Coombs, the executive director of Peak to Peak Endurance. "Through some generous grants from the Daniels Fund, and by joining the American Youth Soccer Organization, we have been able to replace worn out equipment like balls, training equipment, and goals. 

Peak to Peak Soccer players learn skills and play games for eight weeks in the fall.

Photo Courtesy of Peak to Peak Endurance Foundation/Artan Moran

“Even though our prices are a fraction of what they are in Boulder, that doesn’t mean our kids deserve to play with third-rate equipment. I believe that this has helped our kids take pride in being a part of Peak to Peak Sports.”

The impact of having Peak to Peak Soccer for so many years can be seen in the Nederland Middle-Senior High School soccer teams, Coombs said. “I think the biggest impact on the school teams is the number of kids. Boys’ and girls’ soccer are some of the biggest teams at the school [NMSHS].”

Coombs loves watching all the action on Saturdays during the soccer season.

“Watching all the games, even when my own kids aren’t playing, is such a joy," he said. "Knowing I had a small part in keeping affordable team sports in Nederland is an immense source of pride. I’m so grateful for all the volunteer coaches and especially Susan Hall and all the many, many hours she dedicates to make each season a success.”

The kids enjoy it, too. One of the middle schoolers in Peak to Peak Soccer said, “I like kicking the ball around. I really like playing soccer.”

A second middle schooler joined in and said, "I did not like running laps, but I learned a lot about playing goalie."

Another middle schooler said, “I personally liked having Coach Bennett and was happy with my coaches on the team. They helped me improve on scoring goals and on defense. My teammates were also improving, which benefitted all of us.” 

A Peak to Peak soccer player moves the ball down field during a game against Clear Creek.

Photo Courtesy of Peak to Peak Endurance Foundation/Artan Moran

The team at Peak to Peak Endurance is already looking forward to the 2027 Peak to Peak Soccer season. 

To learn more about Peak to Peak Soccer and their other programs, go to peaktopeakendurance.com or email Gavin Coombs at gavin@peaktopeakendurance.com.