FEATURED PROJECTS
by joe bolella
Manhattan SC: Championing USL League Two, W League, and Youth Development
As the digital content creator and media lead for Manhattan SC, I brought the stories and achievements of the club’s USL League Two and W League teams to life, with a special focus on the club’s inspiring US Open Cup journey.
Key achievements
1) Dynamic Matchday Content: Created vibrant graphics for starting elevens, live score updates, and final scores, keeping fans engaged and informed throughout the season.
2) Compelling Storytelling: Emphasized the club’s commitment to homegrown talent in the US Open Cup, celebrating the mix of veteran players and high school standouts who led the team to a historic first-round victory. The winning goals were even scored by these young, homegrown talents.
3) Youth Club Coverage: Managed and grew the social media presence of Manhattan SC’s youth teams, including ECNL squads, by creating engaging content that highlighted player development, team achievements, and community involvement.
4) Live Match Coverage: Captured and shared the excitement of each game through photography and same-day Instagram reels, bringing fans closer to the action and strengthening their connection with the team at every level.
Son of a Pitch Football Company: A Brand Rooted in Community
In co-founding Son of a Pitch Football Company, I drew upon a lifetime of soccer experiences to craft a brand that embodies the sport’s values, relationships, and growth . Every element of the brand’s identity, from its name and logo to its color scheme, was designed to reflect the life lessons learned on the pitch and the enduring bonds formed through the game.
Key achievements
1) Brand Identity Creation: Designed the company’s logo, color palette, and overall visual identity, creating a distinctive and memorable brand for the local soccer community.
2) Apparel and Facility Design: Created custom apparel lines and designed the interior decor of our training facility, ensuring a cohesive brand experience from gear to game day.
3) Website Development: Built and managed the company’s website, integrating e-commerce, booking systems, and SEO to create a seamless user experience for clients and players.
4) Social Media Management: Developed original graphics and video content aligned with our brand’s voice, growing our social media presence and engaging the community.
SIHSSL All-Star Game: Highlighting Talent with Design and Media
The inaugural SIHSSL All-Star Game, organized by Son of a Pitch Football Company, was the first event of its kind on Staten Island to showcase the top high school soccer talent. This event featured both boys' and girls' matches and brought the local soccer community together.
Key achievements
1) Branding and Design: Designed unique jerseys and the official event logo, creating a strong visual identity for the game.
2) Content Creation: Provided end-to-end media coverage, including promotional graphics, match day photography, starting eleven announcements, and a post-game video highlight reel.
3) Comprehensive Event Coordination: Managed all aspects of the event, from securing the venue to partnering with PDF Sports Network for a live stream.
CSI Men’s Soccer: Energizing Collegiate Soccer Through Creative Media
As the head of social media and marketing for CSI Men’s Soccer, I spearheaded a creative strategy that brought the team’s achievements and events to life, boosting both engagement and school spirit.
Key achievements
1) Dynamic Social Media Campaigns: Developed eye-catching graphic designs for match day announcements, starting eleven lineups, and final scores, giving fans a vibrant visual experience.
2) Event Promotion: Designed and marketed the annual Futsal Classic, a key fundraiser for the athletic department, increasing event turnout and community involvement.
3) Milestone Celebration: Created special designs to commemorate the team’s first-ever playoff qualification in Division II, capturing the excitement and pride of this achievement.
4) Print and Merchandise Design: Produced a range of print materials, from field banners to game-day apparel, enhancing the team’s presence and drawing more fans to the games.
Freelance Design & Media: From Global Stages to Local Impact
In my freelance career, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with a variety of organizations, from major sports leagues to local initiatives, creating impactful visual content that tells a story and drives engagement. From enhancing the visibility of professional fighting events to helping young athletes on Staten Island get recruited, my work spans a wide spectrum of design and media excellence.
Key achievements
1) Professional Fighters League (PFL): Developed striking promotional graphics and YouTube thumbnails for high-profile fights, enhancing the league’s digital presence and driving fan engagement.
2) Goalpher: Designed a complete logo suite and launch materials for this innovative brand, ensuring a cohesive and compelling visual identity that resonates with audiences.
3) The Over Under Initiative: Produced impactful press threads and partnership announcements that helped elevate the initiative’s mission of making sports more accessible.
4) Community Impact: Designed recruitment and commitment graphics for high school athletes on Staten Island, empowering them to showcase their talents to college recruiters and helping them take the next step in their athletic careers.