Working as an admissions counselor at the University of New England, Jeremy Longchamp was in a 9-5 job for the first time in his career. But he quickly realized he wasn’t using the skillset he truly loved: coaching.
Jeremy started a youth soccer camp company as a side business, and it quickly gained traction. He partnered with local recreation departments to bring soccer training programs to young players in nearby communities. After signing a lease at Casco Bay Arena in Falmouth to prove the concept, Southern Maine Athlete Academy opened its first location in Portland in November 2024. Within one year, the gym was already full. He opened his second location in Saco in June 2026. As Jeremy put it, “I never really intended for it to grow this big when we started.”
He found one of the most rewarding parts of ownership was building a team with people he genuinely enjoys working with. That same growth also brought one of his biggest challenges. While he had coached for years, stepping into the role of owner required him to strengthen his management and leadership skills in new ways.
When Jeremy decided to expand by purchasing commercial property, he turned to Maine SBDC for guidance on preparing the business plan and financial projections required for an SBA loan. Business Advisor Anne Lancaster worked with him through the planning process and helped him complete the materials needed to secure funding. Jeremy described Anne as “extremely diligent, attentive, and proactive.”
He also credits his staff for helping Southern Maine Athlete Academy grow to this point, along with business coaches Doug Spurling and Pat Rigsby, who have been influential in the company’s development. Other partners included SMFA, Katahdin Trust, SBA, Malone Commercial Brokers, and Bernstein Shur. They all played a role in helping the expansion move forward.
Looking ahead, Jeremy is focused on stabilizing the new Saco location and opening a third location in New Hampshire within the next 12 months. As the business continues to grow, he remains committed to building a strong team and creating more opportunities for young athletes across the region.