In 2001, Ralph Pace and Creative Director Khoi B Phan were roommates at Regional Camp, representing the State of Virginia at Rider College, NJ. At age 14, the two shared a common love for Futbol and art, but at the time they had no idea where their lives would take them. Ralph moved out to San Diego, Ca and currently lives around Pacific Beach. We asked Ralph if he would be our first Brand Ambassador Photographer, who would have the privilege to travel all over Europe and spread our devotion for the game worldwide—Vintage Futbol style. Here is Ralph’s first photo set and story:

“I was born kicking a soccer ball, or at least I should have been.  I’ve played my whole life.  There wasn’t really any thought put into it.  My older brother did, so I did. I’m pretty glad he wasn’t into frisbee or table tennis or something.  Soccer has treated me a lot better than any other sport would have.  Although soccer means many things to me, I’m most thankful for the connections that have been born out on the pitch. While traveling, I was able to play, at some level, in all 14 countries.  Soccer served as a common language when I taught in South Korea and was a key relationship builder when I lived in Costa Rica on a community conservation project researching sea turtles.  In order to play for the local village team in Costa Rica, my teammates set me up with a fake ID and an alias, Carlos Varrassa.  Couldn’t be farther from my real name, Ralph Pace, but whatever it takes to play the game.  Soccer has provided me with an instant community and group of friends no matter where I live.  Soccer takes away that struggle that many people go through when moving to a new place.

For that, and many things, I’m thankful.”

Check out more of Ralph’s work at http://www.ralphpacephotography.com/