Behind the Scenes: Capturing the Spirit of Somerville Youth Soccer Through Film Marketing
When the team at Somerville Youth Soccer approached Bunker Hill Media to produce two video assets, we knew immediately that this was a special project. At Bunker Hill Media, we love creating stories for organizations deeply committed to their mission, and Somerville Youth Soccer exemplifies that passion. They wanted two videos: one introducing their broader mission and values and another highlighting their youth camps, clinics, and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This project would require creativity, precision, and an eye for capturing the essence of a vibrant, supportive community.
Video Production Challenge
The goal of these videos was to resonate with a broad audience: families, players, and community partners alike. We needed to capture the excitement of youth soccer, showcase the dedication of the coaches and volunteers, and underscore Somerville Youth Soccer's commitment to creating an inclusive environment. This project was more than just filming soccer—it was about telling the story of an organization that uses sports to build a positive, welcoming community for everyone. From the outset, we were determined to create something that went beyond just the game.
The Video Production Process
To bring this vision to life, we planned a two-day shoot packed with action and heartfelt moments. We used a Sony FX3 to ensure sharp, professional quality for all our shots, alongside RODE Go mics to capture clear audio for interviews and voiceovers. A mix of lenses, ranging from 16mm to 200mm, allowed us to capture wide field shots and tight, close-up action, perfect for showing the kids in action as well as their reactions.
One of the project highlights was incorporating drone shots with the DJI Mini 3. These aerial views gave us sweeping shots of the fields, with the Boston skyline in the background, perfectly capturing the energy of Somerville Youth Soccer’s events. The drone footage added a unique perspective to the videos, bringing the viewer right into the heart of the action and the community spirit.
Day 1: Soccer Clinic with a Legend
Our first day of shooting took place at a special soccer clinic featuring Kristine Lilly, the iconic soccer star. The sunny weather was ideal for capturing crisp, vibrant footage of the players honing their skills, running drills, and receiving pointers from Lilly herself. We captured plenty of B-roll, from excited kids practicing on the field to heartwarming moments of mentorship between Lilly and the young players. These moments would form the emotional core of our videos, bringing viewers into the positive, empowering atmosphere fostered by Somerville Youth Soccer.
Day 2: Game Highlights and Interviews
On the second day, we covered in-game highlights and conducted our main interview with Somerville Youth Soccer’s president. This interview allowed us to delve into the organization’s mission and goals, adding depth to the visual narrative. We used a range of lenses to get dynamic shots of the game— everything from fast-action close-ups of kids passing the ball to wider views that captured the energy of the crowd and the entire field.
The Post-Production and Editing Process
In post-production, our team worked to blend all the elements we’d captured—action shots, interviews, and scenic drone footage—with uplifting music and graphics. We added motion graphics for logos and titles, lending a polished, professional feel to the final videos. The result was two powerful videos, each about 2 to 3 minutes long, that told the story of Somerville Youth Soccer’s mission and the impact of their programs.
Deliverables : Video Production and Stills
The final deliverables included:
Two storyteller-type videos (2-3 minutes each) showcasing Somerville Youth Soccer’s community impact and commitment to DEI.
Photo screen grabs taken from video footage. Although photos weren’t part of the original scope, some moments were too beautiful not to capture in still form, so we provided these as an added bonus.
Final Thoughts
This project reminded us why we do what we do. Working with Somerville Youth Soccer allowed us to create something meaningful—a video that’s not just about sports but about community, opportunity, and inclusion. It was an honor to tell their story, and we can’t wait to see how these videos help them continue their amazing work.
