Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Bowden.
Hi Josh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career began in the fast-moving world of technology startups, where I learned how to build, adapt and lead in environments that were always changing (essentially building the plane at the same time as I was flying it). But over time, I realized that what I valued most wasn’t any one of the companies’ missions or the tech itself – it was the human side of the work: understanding people, helping them grow and trying to allow them to bring out the best versions of themselves. That realization, along with the birth of my son almost in tandem with the unexpected loss of one of my closest friends, connected me back to two lifelong passions that had always shaped me more deeply than any job title ever could: psychology and soccer.
Stepping away from the startup world wasn’t easy, but it felt right. I wanted to create something that blended joy, development and community – something that would have a real chance on making an impact for kids and families. That vision led me to start Lil’ Kickers of Murfreesboro. It’s more than a business to me; it’s a place where I get to pour my heart into helping children build confidence, learn social and emotional skills, while discovering (hopefully) the same love of the game that shaped my own childhood. As a kid who grew up in 14 houses across 5 states, soccer was a backbone of belonging and gave me stability amongst the constantly changing landscapes and cultures. Wherever I was, when I stepped onto a soccer field, new people became teammates and there is such a strength in that familiarity. Team = Purpose.
This journey has been a return to what matters most, and I’m grateful every day to be doing work that feels so aligned with who I am.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t believe that any road is “smooth”, as there are always challenges to overcome. Some may be a divot. Some may be a pothole. Regardless of the size of the challenge, it still must be addressed and corrected. I truly embrace feedback – I hate losing more than I like winning, so I rather have the bad as it allows for higher standards and improvement.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Lil’ Kickers is not a traditional soccer club where there are games & practices. Our philosophies are a little different. Using world renowned child development theories, child development professionals, experienced coaches and the expertise that comes along with thousands of hours of working with children, we created a curriculum that introduces kids to soccer and so much more. Our program helps develop a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills while providing physical exercise and developing players who are good sports and good teammates — on and off the soccer field.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to have a very extensive collection of Garbage Pail Kids….and now, I have completely dated myself! Ha. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lilkickers.com/location/tennessee/murfreesboro/lil-kickers-murfreesboro/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lil.kickers.of.murfreesboro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilKickersofMurfreesboro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilKickersofMurfreesboro
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/page/lil-kickers-of-murfreesboro-murfreesboro-tn/
