James Ortega is a former professional soccer player who has invented the next generation of sports entertainment and sports choreography called Futboleros. His Futboleros are a Soccer Entertainment Company offering Professional Soccer Services for all entertainment events in Los Angeles. They have created a new and unique way to entertain the soccer world and beyond. Futboleros are professional athletes who perform amazing freestyle soccer tricks to incredible crowds throughout the USA and abroad. These athletes perform complex juggling combinations; soccer stunts, extreme soccer tricks along with basic juggling skills. They combine their own signature moves with mastery, skill, speed, strength, balance, concentration and dedication; the Futboleros are the Harlem Globetrotters of Soccer. “I knew there was a need and a niche for soccer entertainers, as a fan myself I never saw it anywhere, not even at the World Cup games. I knew I had discovered something new that real soccer fans would enjoy!” James said.
Futboleros means “Soccer Players” in Spanish, but we can think of them as soccer brand entertainers. They are a huge hit at birthday parties, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and company charity events. They do all the entertainment, performances and interaction with the kids. James mentioned, “After seeing how the kids enjoyed my Beverly Hills Soccer Camp and coaching at Beverly Hills High School for many years, I got the idea of doings parties for them. You see, every child likes sports and if all their friends can play together, it’s the best birthday gift you can give them.” They can customize a performance to your approval at any location of any size. These guys are available for appearances around the world and they are in great demand in the Hispanic market where soccer is the main attraction.
James believes he was born to play soccer because he began to play as soon as he could walk. His older brothers, dad and his coaches were also a great inspiration for him to start playing. “I knew that if I wanted to keep up with my brothers, I would have to train everyday just like they did.” He also mentioned, “When I was selected to play for the American Ambassador team to go play in Europe, I knew I had done something good, and the best news I ever received was when my brother Edison and I got selected to play for the professional LA Lazers indoor soccer team. I have a real passion and love for the game of Soccer and my favorite soccer player will always be PELE.” James smiled.
“It was a dream come true for me to be part of the 2014 Rose Parade” James said. His Futboleros were asked to be part of the prestigious Dream Come True tournament of roses parade celebrating the 50th year anniversary of AYSO Soccer. The famed Futboleros were the float out-walkers and performed soccer skills and tricks for over 400 million viewers to see worldwide. “Everyone Plays” was the theme of the float which means that all boys and girls will find a warm welcome. “I really enjoy entertaining kids and fans and I couldn’t be happier and honored to be a part of it” James said.
The world famous MLS LA Galaxy, the American professional soccer team approached James in 2008 where the world known David Beckham recently played. They formed an exclusive partnership known as the Galaxy Futboleros, to entertain fans before every home game. “We are now putting on over 150 events a year sponsored by Adidas, L.A. Sol, LA Fest and Shasta, the official soft drink of the LA Galaxy as well as other Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, Disney, Miller Lite, Coke and Red Bull” James said. The Galaxy Futboleros soccer entertainers have built a unique plus specific method to excite their soccer globe fans. With a deep background inside soccer entertainment they combine speed, strength plus balance to create significant vitality performances which is absolutely incredible to watch. True entertainment performance is what you get when they are near and crowds of all ages are on their feet filled with exhilaration.
When Hollywood who’s who come calling for soccer players or soccer entertainment they come looking for Ortega. James has been in many International brand commercials as well as World Cup commercials for FIFA. He has played and entertained alongside LAFEST’s Mia Hamm, Kobe Bryant, Marta Veieria da Silva, Gilles Marini, Fernando Pitt, Oscar de la Hoya, Pitbull, John Farnworth, Landon Donavan and his good friend actor/producer Anthony LaPaglia to name a few. He starred in Chad Ochocinco NFL superstar’s reality TV show and even has his own movie Soccer Mom which he helped produce. “I’m also in the middle of negotiations with a new movie production and a brand new soccer field which is yet to be disclosed and I’m very excited about.” Ortega disclosed.
The Futboleros also practice merchandising in their spare time and have distinctive gift items for gift bags or corporate gift programs. “I created an instructional DVD on the art of soccer which includes juggling, tricks and ball-handling. Anyone young or old can try it to keep in shape. These DVD’s are better than exercise videos and it gives you the Futboleros experience.” James said. They also have sweatshirts, T-shirts, caps and recently launched their Futboleros exclusive juggling ball which is as light as volleyball and easier to juggle. Futboleros are an entertainment service – performing and operating events with their very own Ultimate Soccer Arena Cage. They also offer a One of a Kind Soccer Academy, with year round Soccer Camps, Clinics and lessons. “I believe that every boy and girl should have the same opportunity that I had, to be part of the number one sport in the world. Now Soccer in the US is growing faster than ever and FIFA World Cup is just around the corner!” James exclaimed.
See the Futboleros in action now: