Meet Nelson De La Pava | UFL Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nelson De La Pava and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nelson, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for the Ultimate Futbol League (UFL) was born out of a shared experience among four friends — Nelson De la Pava, Jose Cejudo, Juan Beltran, and Joe DaSilva. We all played together on a soccer team in a local Miami league, and while we loved the game, the overall experience left a lot to be desired. As passionate players who never made it to the professional level, we felt there was something missing — a league that truly valued its players and treated them like pros, regardless of their background or skill level.

That’s when the spark hit us. We realized that if no one else was going to build that experience, we would. So, we came together to create a league with a player-first mentality, focused on elevating the amateur soccer scene by offering top-tier organization, media coverage, game-day atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. That’s how the UFL came to life — not just as a league, but as a platform where every player could “Feel Pro.” That slogan captures our mission perfectly: to give passionate, dedicated players the professional-level experience they deserve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the heart of the Ultimate Futbol League (UFL) is a commitment to changing the way people experience soccer at the amateur level. What sets us apart is that we’re not just running a league — we’re building a platform that gives everyday players a chance to feel like professionals. From high-quality media coverage and game-day experiences to the attention we give to branding and team identity, our goal is to create an environment where players take pride in showing up — not just to play, but to be a part of something bigger.

What makes UFL special is also the team behind it. We’re proud to be a business founded by four close friends — Nelson De la Pava, Jose Cejudo, Juan Beltran, and Joe DaSilva — each of us bringing something different to the table. We all come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and that mix has become one of our biggest strengths. Whether it’s business operations, marketing, community engagement, or creative direction, we each contribute our own area of expertise, and that synergy is a big part of why UFL has grown the way it has.

Getting here wasn’t easy. We started with a vision but had to build everything from scratch — the infrastructure, the brand, the trust of the community. There were setbacks, doubts, and moments where things didn’t go as planned. But every challenge pushed us to adapt, work harder, and stay focused on our mission. We learned early on that consistency, communication, and staying true to your purpose are key to overcoming obstacles.

If there’s one thing we want the world to know about us and our story, it’s this: UFL was built by the players, for the players. Our mission is to give those who love the game — but didn’t go pro — a league that treats them with the respect, excitement, and recognition they deserve. “Feel Pro” isn’t just a slogan — it’s our promise. We’re here to elevate the amateur soccer experience and build a community where passion meets professionalism.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If one of my boys was visiting Miami for the first time, I’d make sure he got the full experience — not just the tourist stuff, but the real Miami. This city is full of life, culture, energy, and non-stop things to do, so it’d be a packed week.

Day 1: Art, Streets, and Vibes
We’d kick it off by checking out one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods — full of murals, graffiti art, music, and just raw creative energy. It’s the perfect spot to walk around, take in the scene, and grab some food from a local truck or street vendor. Great place to set the tone for the trip.

Day 2: Waterfront + Chill
Next up, we’d head down by the water. Whether it’s walking along the marina, catching a boat tour, or just hanging out by the bay, there’s something about being by the ocean that just hits different. We’d wrap the day with some sunset views and food by the water.

Day 3: Culture Day
This day’s all about soaking in some of Miami’s rich cultural roots — especially the Latin flavor that makes the city what it is. We’d walk through some local spots, catch some live music or dancing if it’s happening, and definitely get some authentic food that reminds you why Miami is so diverse and special.

Day 4: Beach + City Energy
No Miami trip is complete without a beach day. We’d spend the day by the water, then cruise through the historic parts of the city known for their classic architecture and electric energy. Whether it’s just people-watching or grabbing a drink somewhere with a view, the whole day’s a vibe.

Day 5: Eat Big, Go Out
Food and nightlife — simple as that. We’d hit a few low-key spots with big flavors during the day, then get ready for a night out. Whether it’s a lounge, a rooftop, or a full-on night of dancing, Miami’s nightlife doesn’t disappoint.

Day 6: Recovery + Nature
After a night out, we’d keep it easy. Maybe hit a park or garden, somewhere quiet to chill and recharge. Something scenic, green, and low-key where we could catch up and just enjoy the weather.

Day 7: Game Day
To close the week out strong, I’d bring him to a UFL match. There’s no better way to show him what we’ve built — the atmosphere, the intensity, the community. It’s not just a soccer game, it’s a full experience. From the players to the crowd, it’s all about passion. That’s what makes it the perfect end to the trip.

Miami’s one of those cities where no two days feel the same — and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, we want to dedicate our biggest shoutout to the true backbone of the Ultimate Futbol League — the team owners, captains, and every single player who believed in us from day one. When we first started the UFL, it was just an idea built on passion and the dream of creating something different — a league that gave players a professional-level experience, even if they never went pro.

But dreams only become reality when others believe in them too, and that’s exactly what these individuals did. The team owners and captains took a chance on a brand-new concept and helped bring it to life by organizing, recruiting, and showing up — week after week. The players, especially those who joined us in our very first season, trusted us with their time, their love for the game, and their competitive spirit. They were more than just participants — they were pioneers in this journey, and they laid the foundation for what the UFL is becoming today.

This league exists because of their commitment, energy, and unwavering support. We are incredibly grateful for their role in helping us grow this vision into a movement — a community — where everyone gets the chance to “Feel Pro.” Their trust and passion have fueled us every step of the way, and for that, we owe them everything.

Website: https://theufleague.com/index.cfm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theuflleague/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UltimateFutbolLeague

Image Credits
Angel Vasquez