Juli Veee and a group of young residents at the Rancho Del Norte Apartments in 4S Ranch.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, Juli Veee grew up in a world where the communist government controlled every aspect of a Hungarian’s life. At 15, Juli (born Gyula Visnyei) was given a choice between pursuing a career in soccer or table tennis. He chose soccer. Frustrated by the restrictions of his totalitarian homeland, Juli defected at 18 while on a tour with the Hungarian U-21 national team. He then parlayed the profession he chose into an inspiring career here in the United States. Between the years of 1975 and 1988, Juli Veee played professional soccer for everyone from the Los Angeles Aztecs to the New York Arrows, but most notably for his adopted hometown team of the San Diego Sockers.
Since retiring from professional soccer, Juli is free to pursue his other passions. Veee, now a successful artist, also works for the nonprofit Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation (PCSDC), which has partnered with Chelsea Investment Corporation (CIC) on the development of many affordable communities throughout California. CIC, a leading developer of affordable housing in San Diego County, inspired Juli Veee to form a symbiotic relationship by which he would have an opportunity to give back to kids being raised in a situation not unlike his own as a child. “I grew up in a similar circumstance in Hungary,” he confided, “and I enjoy working with the kids to show them they have an opportunity to make more of their lives.”
It’s not just soccer on the agenda when legendary Hall of Famer Juli Veee visits local communities developed by CIC. Since 1996, Veee, has led an after-school enrichment curriculum that includes both outdoor soccer and indoor arts.
To his list of credits, Juli adds being designated by WORLD CUP USA 1994, the Official Artist for SOCCERFEST (the ultimate, interactive soccer exposition). This colorful, multi-talented soccer phenomenon-turned-professional artist was inspired to create a dazzling collection of “Sports Art” spotlighting full-color, action-packed soccer images designed especially for this spectacular event. Having represented both the United States and his native Hungary as a National Team player, Juli possesses unprecedented artistic insight into the arena of international soccer competition, making his a truly meaningful and appropriate contribution.
In addition, Juli does charitable work with the Alpha Project, North County Health Services, Palomar College, TERI, Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club.