SOCCER FEVER: “We are a soccer specialty store, and I believe we are filling a need here in Princeton,” says Tibor Teleky, owner of Princeton Soccer Experience. Mr. Teleky (far right) is shown with his staff: Freddy Villanueva, Mike Peguero, and Tania Gomes. Not pictured is Dave Clavijo. All are wearing the USA home and away team soccer shirts. Staff members all speak Spanish, notes Mr. Teleky.

“It’s soccer here, but in the rest of the world, it’s football — not to be confused with our own American football. By whatever name, it is zooming in popularity, and players of all ages and every skill level, are eagerly participating. And now, with interest at peak excitement during the World Cup, the Princeton Soccer Experience shop at 190 Witherspoon Street is a focus of attention.

“Because of the World Cup, this has been our busiest month ever,” reports owner Tibor Teleky. “The interest is huge. We have lots of new customers because of it, including from other countries. They want to support their team.”

Mr. Teleky is a long-time soccer enthusiast, both player and coach. He currently coaches the West Windsor Soccer Association teams for boys under 16 and under 11. He believes his store, which opened in early 2013, is a perfect match with Princeton. “There was really a need for this kind of store. There is nothing like it in Princeton, and the interest in soccer is so strong now. Kids start playing at very young ages.”

Mr. Teleky, a graduate of Rutgers University and recipient of an MBA degree from the Central European University in Budapest, has also worked in the corporate world with Merrill Lynch. He decided to pursue his dream to open a soccer specialty shop, however, and he definitely wanted it to be in Princeton.

International Aspect

“I like the international aspect of Princeton, and I wanted to have the shop here in the downtown, where there is a lot going on. People here are really interested in soccer, and I have many regular customers. I have a growing clientele. It’s everyone — kids, teens, parents, and older people. If people have played regularly, they can continue to play in their 70s.”

The shop features a wide range of of soccer equipment, clothing, and accessories in a light and bright setting, which also offers a large TV screen, showing soccer matches, including the World Cup.

Items are available for men, women, and children, and include balls, warm-up clothing, soccer shirts, T-shirts, team jerseys, shorts, shoes (“cleats”) and socks.

“We have USA home and away jerseys, and they are very popular,” reports Mr. Teleky “They are in all sizes for youth and adults. Girls and women’s shirts are also available now. In July, the new designs for club jerseys come out, and that creates great interest. Warm-up jackets are favorites too, especially those from the U.S. and Brazil, and we have many others.”

A variety of balls in different colors and designs, weights, and sizes, including the small “skill” balls, sizes 3, 4, and 5 for kids, are all available. “We also have the special World Cup design ‘Brazucca’ ball by Adidas,” notes Mr. Teleky. Regular balls are typically $20 and $30.

Shoes, including special designs for the World Cup, are from Nike and Adidas, and feature bright, contemporary designs. They range from $60 to $120. “Most people have more than one pair of soccer shoes,” points out Mr. Teleky, “and we can definitely accommodate them.”

Huge Buzz

Colorful fan scarves and flags, representing different teams, are on display, along with assorted accessories, including the very popular Panini World Cup stickers, which kids love for $1 a pack. With the continued growth of soccer in the U.S., Mr. Teleky is very optimistic about his store. “Interest in soccer is growing all the time in the U.S., ever since 1994, when the World Cup was held here. Every time there is an international game, the stands are packed. There’s a huge buzz about soccer.

“Important U.S. Clubs are Red Bull in New York, the Philadelphia Union, and New York FC. This last one is co-owned by the New York Yankees and the Manchester City Soccer Club in England. It shows the potential for soccer in the U.S. The opportunity is here for it to grow and grow.”

And he believes that will translate to more and more interest in the Princeton Soccer Experience. “We have people from Princeton and the area, and I enjoy meeting all of them. We talk about soccer and the different teams, and we try to give customers a good experience. Everyone likes the personal touch.

“We always work hard to improve our service and the quality of the merchandise,” he adds. “We want to be the ‘go to’ Princeton soccer specialty shop in the area.”

Mr. Teleky also points out that his Witherspoon Street location is not far from the library and just a short walk from Nassau Street.

Hours are Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 10 to 3. (609) 580-1924. Website: www.princetonse.com.

—Jean Stratton