Futbol Takeover: E6 Futbol and Youth

Two, three, four. Love your hands. One, Two, three, four. Love your hands. One, two, three, four. Love your hands. Hola. Good morning. My name is Maria Hola. Good morning. My name is Maria Duran, the owner of Duran Concepts and Duran, the owner of Duran Concepts and Duran, the owner of Duran Concepts and also the host of the Football Takeover. also the host of the Football Takeover. also the host of the Football Takeover. Um, we're a show at the intersection of Um, we're a show at the intersection of Um, we're a show at the intersection of business, community, culture, and our business, community, culture, and our business, community, culture, and our favorite sport, football. favorite sport, football. favorite sport, football. So, we are here recording uh recording So, we are here recording uh recording So, we are here recording uh recording live at the Innovation Studio in live at the Innovation Studio in live at the Innovation Studio in downtown Houston uh thanks to the downtown Houston uh thanks to the downtown Houston uh thanks to the instudio production by Creattopia, Inc. instudio production by Creattopia, Inc. instudio production by Creattopia, Inc. So, you guys, today is a great show. Um, So, you guys, today is a great show. Um, So, you guys, today is a great show. Um, and I want to make sure that everybody and I want to make sure that everybody and I want to make sure that everybody is tuned in. So, remember you can leave is tuned in. So, remember you can leave is tuned in. So, remember you can leave your comments and questions in the live your comments and questions in the live your comments and questions in the live chat. So, let me check on that right chat. So, let me check on that right chat. So, let me check on that right now. Um, now. Um, now. Um, so over the last couple of weeks, we so over the last couple of weeks, we so over the last couple of weeks, we have been have been have been well, we when we first launched um the well, we when we first launched um the well, we when we first launched um the football takeover, we it was, you know, football takeover, we it was, you know, football takeover, we it was, you know, World Cup um here in Houston. Well, here World Cup um here in Houston. Well, here World Cup um here in Houston. Well, here in the United States in North America in the United States in North America in the United States in North America and one of the things that we wanted to and one of the things that we wanted to and one of the things that we wanted to make sure was really highlight the make sure was really highlight the make sure was really highlight the people that were a part of the biggest people that were a part of the biggest people that were a part of the biggest tournament in the world, right? And one tournament in the world, right? And one tournament in the world, right? And one of the things that, you know, just of the things that, you know, just of the things that, you know, just I would say um something that we've I would say um something that we've I would say um something that we've heard from every single guest is their

heard from every single guest is their heard from every single guest is their the genesis of their love for soccer. um the genesis of their love for soccer. um the genesis of their love for soccer. um how they got involved and you know and how they got involved and you know and how they got involved and you know and it's really interesting to go back and it's really interesting to go back and it's really interesting to go back and see how there were there there was see how there were there there was see how there were there there was either a moment there were people um either a moment there were people um either a moment there were people um that really brought them into the sport that really brought them into the sport that really brought them into the sport when they were young and so I thought when they were young and so I thought when they were young and so I thought you know what we need to go back to to you know what we need to go back to to you know what we need to go back to to the roots of this because at the end of the roots of this because at the end of the roots of this because at the end of the day now that the World Cup is over the day now that the World Cup is over the day now that the World Cup is over um where do we go from here right what um where do we go from here right what um where do we go from here right what is happening how how are we making sure is happening how how are we making sure is happening how how are we making sure that that that football um you know just that that that football um you know just that that that football um you know just really continues to thrive here in the really continues to thrive here in the really continues to thrive here in the city but you know that we continue to city but you know that we continue to city but you know that we continue to get more people um involved and and get more people um involved and and get more people um involved and and beyond that just what is the impact of beyond that just what is the impact of beyond that just what is the impact of of um of football here in Houston. So, of um of football here in Houston. So, of um of football here in Houston. So, so then you know what? These next couple so then you know what? These next couple so then you know what? These next couple of shows I really want to go back and of shows I really want to go back and of shows I really want to go back and want to talk youth soccer. And one of want to talk youth soccer. And one of want to talk youth soccer. And one of the reasons too is because um when I the reasons too is because um when I the reasons too is because um when I first started at the Dynamo, one of the first started at the Dynamo, one of the first started at the Dynamo, one of the areas that I focused on a lot was youth areas that I focused on a lot was youth areas that I focused on a lot was youth soccer. Actually, I went out to, you soccer. Actually, I went out to, you soccer. Actually, I went out to, you know, different camps and different know, different camps and different know, different camps and different events and, you know, really got to see events and, you know, really got to see events and, you know, really got to see um how some of that worked. never fully um how some of that worked. never fully um how some of that worked. never fully involved, but just got to see it from um involved, but just got to see it from um involved, but just got to see it from um from a community outreach point and I from a community outreach point and I from a community outreach point and I understood how that passion just understood how that passion just understood how that passion just sparked, you know, and um and so during

sparked, you know, and um and so during sparked, you know, and um and so during that time, that time, that time, yeah, now 20 20 years ago, [laughter] yeah, now 20 20 years ago, [laughter] yeah, now 20 20 years ago, [laughter] um I had the opportunity to meet two um I had the opportunity to meet two um I had the opportunity to meet two individuals that have really played an individuals that have really played an individuals that have really played an intricral part in in in the sport here intricral part in in in the sport here intricral part in in in the sport here in Houston that have um that have been in Houston that have um that have been in Houston that have um that have been doing amazing work in really providing doing amazing work in really providing doing amazing work in really providing an environment for community to come an environment for community to come an environment for community to come together to one appreciate the sport, to together to one appreciate the sport, to together to one appreciate the sport, to love it, to um to find the joy in it, love it, to um to find the joy in it, love it, to um to find the joy in it, but also to just elevate, you know, the but also to just elevate, you know, the but also to just elevate, you know, the the youth that really wants to go into the youth that really wants to go into the youth that really wants to go into it competitively. And so I'm I'm excited it competitively. And so I'm I'm excited it competitively. And so I'm I'm excited that today we we have them on the show that today we we have them on the show that today we we have them on the show because um there's also a lot of other because um there's also a lot of other because um there's also a lot of other things that you know we're going to be things that you know we're going to be things that you know we're going to be able to talk about things that that able to talk about things that that able to talk about things that that we're doing together. But I think it's we're doing together. But I think it's we're doing together. But I think it's important to highlight um who they are, important to highlight um who they are, important to highlight um who they are, what they've been up to, and then also what they've been up to, and then also what they've been up to, and then also get hear from them and what they've seen get hear from them and what they've seen get hear from them and what they've seen over the last um over the last, you over the last um over the last, you over the last um over the last, you know, years in um in the development of know, years in um in the development of know, years in um in the development of of youth soccer and overall football of youth soccer and overall football of youth soccer and overall football here in in Houston. So, I'm very excited here in in Houston. So, I'm very excited here in in Houston. So, I'm very excited to have Javier and Mara Quer today on to have Javier and Mara Quer today on to have Javier and Mara Quer today on the show. Hola, welcome.

I I am so sorry. Spang English. I I am so sorry. Spang English. >> I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. No. No. I >> I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. No. No. I >> I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. No. No. I Yeah. No. No. We're going to go We're Yeah. No. No. We're going to go We're Yeah. No. No. We're going to go We're going to go with English. [laughter] I I going to go with English. [laughter] I I going to go with English. [laughter] I I went out to my first language is went out to my first language is went out to my first language is Spanish. But uh again, back in 93 back Spanish. But uh again, back in 93 back Spanish. But uh again, back in 93 back in 1993 when I when I in 1993 when I when I in 1993 when I when I introduced myself to to my wife Martha. introduced myself to to my wife Martha. introduced myself to to my wife Martha. We were we were in high school and we We were we were in high school and we We were we were in high school and we were in Austin and they had no high were in Austin and they had no high were in Austin and they had no high school coaches. I as a player I I raised school coaches. I as a player I I raised school coaches. I as a player I I raised my hand and I took over the team and in my hand and I took over the team and in my hand and I took over the team and in Austin High School I I was a player Austin High School I I was a player Austin High School I I was a player coach and that that was very nice for me coach and that that was very nice for me coach and that that was very nice for me to do. I took leadership about it. So I to do. I took leadership about it. So I to do. I took leadership about it. So I decided to be a coach and I took my decided to be a coach and I took my decided to be a coach and I took my first uh D license. Uh well I took my first uh D license. Uh well I took my first uh D license. Uh well I took my licenses which was the G the E then the licenses which was the G the E then the licenses which was the G the E then the D which I failed but resiliently I I D which I failed but resiliently I I D which I failed but resiliently I I >> went back and took it again and and now >> went back and took it again and and now >> went back and took it again and and now I'm a licensed instructor in the United I'm a licensed instructor in the United I'm a licensed instructor in the United States. I'm also an international A States. I'm also an international A States. I'm also an international A license in Brazil, Boot B football and license in Brazil, Boot B football and license in Brazil, Boot B football and um and I took my my A license again um um and I took my my A license again um um and I took my my A license again um in England and I and I'm [clears throat] in England and I and I'm [clears throat] in England and I and I'm [clears throat] pretty good and I worked for the Houston pretty good and I worked for the Houston pretty good and I worked for the Houston Dynamo Academy and then I got recruited Dynamo Academy and then I got recruited Dynamo Academy and then I got recruited for the Federation as a scout. So at for the Federation as a scout. So at for the Federation as a scout. So at this time I I can say that I I'm pretty this time I I can say that I I'm pretty this time I I can say that I I'm pretty good at the game. I'm good at what I do good at the game. I'm good at what I do good at the game. I'm good at what I do and hopefully I keep continue to do this and hopefully I keep continue to do this and hopefully I keep continue to do this for the community.

for the community. for the community. >> Wow. I mean, I didn't know first first >> Wow. I mean, I didn't know first first >> Wow. I mean, I didn't know first first of all, so you guys were Mustangs. Is of all, so you guys were Mustangs. Is of all, so you guys were Mustangs. Is that what it is? Austin High School. that what it is? Austin High School. that what it is? Austin High School. What? What? What? >> I'm telling you. I'm telling [laughter] >> I'm telling you. I'm telling [laughter] >> I'm telling you. I'm telling [laughter] you, we're Mustangs. We're Mustangs. But you, we're Mustangs. We're Mustangs. But you, we're Mustangs. We're Mustangs. But yeah, it was a it was good. Uh the game yeah, it was a it was good. Uh the game yeah, it was a it was good. Uh the game kept us, you know, together. Make sure kept us, you know, together. Make sure kept us, you know, together. Make sure that uh we made some good uh habits, that uh we made some good uh habits, that uh we made some good uh habits, healthy habits. healthy habits. healthy habits. It it just kept us busy, you know. So, It it just kept us busy, you know. So, It it just kept us busy, you know. So, yeah. But it was not a structure. It was yeah. But it was not a structure. It was yeah. But it was not a structure. It was not No one was telling us how to do it. not No one was telling us how to do it. not No one was telling us how to do it. We just knew that it was the good thing We just knew that it was the good thing We just knew that it was the good thing to do. to do. to do. >> So, so at that time when you were in >> So, so at that time when you were in >> So, so at that time when you were in high school and you took over coaching high school and you took over coaching high school and you took over coaching the team? Um was I mean was that the team? Um was I mean was that the team? Um was I mean was that considered wreck? Was that or was that considered wreck? Was that or was that considered wreck? Was that or was that already like a what is it now? Like um already like a what is it now? Like um already like a what is it now? Like um what do they call it? the high school. the high school. >> Well, it's just it's just regular high >> Well, it's just it's just regular high >> Well, it's just it's just regular high school soccer, you know, three months school soccer, you know, three months school soccer, you know, three months out of the year it it creates a very out of the year it it creates a very out of the year it it creates a very good atmosphere. Back then, it used to good atmosphere. Back then, it used to good atmosphere. Back then, it used to be just a UIL.

be just a UIL. be just a UIL. >> I saw Yeah. UIL 4A and then it became >> I saw Yeah. UIL 4A and then it became >> I saw Yeah. UIL 4A and then it became 5A, 6A. So, everybody had now a 5A, 6A. So, everybody had now a 5A, 6A. So, everybody had now a >> soccer team. >> soccer team. >> soccer team. >> Yeah. A tier of saying, "Hey, this is >> Yeah. A tier of saying, "Hey, this is >> Yeah. A tier of saying, "Hey, this is going to be 6A. Well, you're going to be going to be 6A. Well, you're going to be going to be 6A. Well, you're going to be in this tier." And then now they have a in this tier." And then now they have a in this tier." And then now they have a territorial control of of the program. territorial control of of the program. territorial control of of the program. So now yeah, Austin High School became a So now yeah, Austin High School became a So now yeah, Austin High School became a 4A just because of the numbers of 4A just because of the numbers of 4A just because of the numbers of students students students >> attending. So that's how they they >> attending. So that's how they they >> attending. So that's how they they create that create that create that >> wow >> wow >> wow >> criteria, you know. But yeah, it was it >> criteria, you know. But yeah, it was it >> criteria, you know. But yeah, it was it was a three months out of the year. So was a three months out of the year. So was a three months out of the year. So and then I decided to and then I decided to and then I decided to to go out there and and start promoting to go out there and and start promoting to go out there and and start promoting soccer in my community and and because soccer in my community and and because soccer in my community and and because we had more things to do. So I mean I we had more things to do. So I mean I we had more things to do. So I mean I can go back and and when we started the can go back and and when we started the can go back and and when we started the the the program in the Houston area in the the program in the Houston area in the the program in the Houston area in 96 Doc Lawson came up to us Carlos Galan 96 Doc Lawson came up to us Carlos Galan 96 Doc Lawson came up to us Carlos Galan Saludos we had uh Connie constant Mr. Saludos we had uh Connie constant Mr. Saludos we had uh Connie constant Mr. Bill Smith as a director Bill Smith as a director Bill Smith as a director >> and created the program Houstononians FC >> and created the program Houstononians FC >> and created the program Houstononians FC and Bernett Bailey Park and Bernett Bailey Park and Bernett Bailey Park >> and I was one of the head coaches and >> and I was one of the head coaches and >> and I was one of the head coaches and founders with with Josh Rivas hola Josh founders with with Josh Rivas hola Josh founders with with Josh Rivas hola Josh Kani Con. So that was that was the three Kani Con. So that was that was the three Kani Con. So that was that was the three three main amigos starting the program three main amigos starting the program three main amigos starting the program in 96 at Bernie Valentin and then it in 96 at Bernie Valentin and then it in 96 at Bernie Valentin and then it >> went went up and beautiful moments. Uh >> went went up and beautiful moments. Uh >> went went up and beautiful moments. Uh but in 99 it became independent which I but in 99 it became independent which I but in 99 it became independent which I didn't want to be uh with and I said didn't want to be uh with and I said didn't want to be uh with and I said well look we we need a lot more kids

well look we we need a lot more kids well look we we need a lot more kids want to play soccer and we created the want to play soccer and we created the want to play soccer and we created the Lona Lona Lona >> Lid at B Park. >> Lid at B Park. >> Lid at B Park. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that and that's what I remember. >> And that and that's what I remember. >> And that and that's what I remember. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That that was my my first introduction That that was my my first introduction That that was my my first introduction to well I guess once we met right that to well I guess once we met right that to well I guess once we met right that was my first introduction to the was my first introduction to the was my first introduction to the programs that you all had. programs that you all had. programs that you all had. >> Um wow. So, right now you're blowing my >> Um wow. So, right now you're blowing my >> Um wow. So, right now you're blowing my mind because I'm hearing all these names mind because I'm hearing all these names mind because I'm hearing all these names and and I think that's one of the really and and I think that's one of the really and and I think that's one of the really important things, right? Um, when the important things, right? Um, when the important things, right? Um, when the Dynamo started, there's so many people Dynamo started, there's so many people Dynamo started, there's so many people that were just kind of part of that that were just kind of part of that that were just kind of part of that family, right? So yes, you had the family, right? So yes, you had the family, right? So yes, you had the players, you had the staff, but then you players, you had the staff, but then you players, you had the staff, but then you had blue crew, you had um you know like had blue crew, you had um you know like had blue crew, you had um you know like different um com committees and and you different um com committees and and you different um com committees and and you know community individuals and and right know community individuals and and right know community individuals and and right now you just mentioned so many people. I now you just mentioned so many people. I now you just mentioned so many people. I mean Josh Rivas like I was like wait a mean Josh Rivas like I was like wait a mean Josh Rivas like I was like wait a second like I know him but I didn't second like I know him but I didn't second like I know him but I didn't realize that he was part he he was part realize that he was part he he was part realize that he was part he he was part of that genesis of of programs here in of that genesis of of programs here in of that genesis of of programs here in Houston. So that is really cool. 20 Houston. So that is really cool. 20 Houston. So that is really cool. 20 years later, I'm finding this out.

years later, I'm finding this out. years later, I'm finding this out. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Yeah. Back in the days when uh we were >> Yeah. Back in the days when uh we were >> Yeah. Back in the days when uh we were maybe 100 pounds ear maybe 100 pounds ear maybe 100 pounds ear >> lighter. They don't know. Yeah. We had a >> lighter. They don't know. Yeah. We had a >> lighter. They don't know. Yeah. We had a very good uh leaders going out and and very good uh leaders going out and and very good uh leaders going out and and making it happen. And then then the making it happen. And then then the making it happen. And then then the Houston Dynamo, Mr. Chris Kennedy came Houston Dynamo, Mr. Chris Kennedy came Houston Dynamo, Mr. Chris Kennedy came up to us and and said, "Hey, can can we up to us and and said, "Hey, can can we up to us and and said, "Hey, can can we do a Dynamo Charities board?" do a Dynamo Charities board?" do a Dynamo Charities board?" >> And I was very happy to to accept. >> And I was very happy to to accept. >> And I was very happy to to accept. >> But uh yeah, my whole thing was just um >> But uh yeah, my whole thing was just um >> But uh yeah, my whole thing was just um coaching. And then Mr. James Claren. coaching. And then Mr. James Claren. coaching. And then Mr. James Claren. Hola, James. H we he came up to me and Hola, James. H we he came up to me and Hola, James. H we he came up to me and said, "Can can can we get started with said, "Can can can we get started with said, "Can can can we get started with the Dynamo Academy?" the Dynamo Academy?" the Dynamo Academy?" >> So, yeah, 2005, I think it was. >> So, yeah, 2005, I think it was. >> So, yeah, 2005, I think it was. >> But so, between between high school and >> But so, between between high school and >> But so, between between high school and between, you know, going um kind of between, you know, going um kind of between, you know, going um kind of starting with the Dynamo, there was starting with the Dynamo, there was starting with the Dynamo, there was there was a lot of other stuff that you there was a lot of other stuff that you there was a lot of other stuff that you guys were doing, right? I mean, you you guys were doing, right? I mean, you you guys were doing, right? I mean, you you mentioned um LAIDA and then I just think mentioned um LAIDA and then I just think mentioned um LAIDA and then I just think about, you know, like the youth soccer about, you know, like the youth soccer about, you know, like the youth soccer that that happens on the weekends. Well, that that happens on the weekends. Well, that that happens on the weekends. Well, now it's feels like pretty much every now it's feels like pretty much every now it's feels like pretty much every day, but then also like the Sunday day, but then also like the Sunday day, but then also like the Sunday leagues and just what what was y'all's leagues and just what what was y'all's leagues and just what what was y'all's involvement kind of in that in the echo involvement kind of in that in the echo involvement kind of in that in the echo space during that time and how um you space during that time and how um you space during that time and how um you know how was that know how was that know how was that I guess how did that kind of open the I guess how did that kind of open the I guess how did that kind of open the the doors for you know the professional the doors for you know the professional the doors for you know the professional team and stuff that came in after that?

team and stuff that came in after that? team and stuff that came in after that? Uh Uh Uh be well be well be well the professional team when they were the professional team when they were the professional team when they were about to do construction at the site the about to do construction at the site the about to do construction at the site the new the the new stadium. Uh we were we new the the new stadium. Uh we were we new the the new stadium. Uh we were we were just trying to make sure that all were just trying to make sure that all were just trying to make sure that all the coaches from from you know from from the coaches from from you know from from the coaches from from you know from from our our side in the communities they our our side in the communities they our our side in the communities they they have tattooed or the names of the they have tattooed or the names of the they have tattooed or the names of the professional teams they they they they professional teams they they they they professional teams they they they they were raised with and we said no look were raised with and we said no look were raised with and we said no look there's coming there's something coming there's coming there's something coming there's coming there's something coming it's going to be orange it's going to be it's going to be orange it's going to be it's going to be orange it's going to be beautiful beautiful beautiful >> you need to support that. No, no, it's >> you need to support that. No, no, it's >> you need to support that. No, no, it's not going to be the same. It's it's not going to be the same. It's it's not going to be the same. It's it's boring. And like, oh, look, it's going boring. And like, oh, look, it's going boring. And like, oh, look, it's going to happen. It's going to be beautiful. to happen. It's going to be beautiful. to happen. It's going to be beautiful. That happens. And then the academy That happens. And then the academy That happens. And then the academy happens. And then and then everything happens. And then and then everything happens. And then and then everything started going started going started going great. But then a lot of kids were great. But then a lot of kids were great. But then a lot of kids were staying behind. They didn't know that it staying behind. They didn't know that it staying behind. They didn't know that it was going to take um discipline. It were was going to take um discipline. It were was going to take um discipline. It were going to take uh you not just a talent going to take uh you not just a talent going to take uh you not just a talent to get you there. you know, it was going to get you there. you know, it was going to get you there. you know, it was going to be difficult to be difficult to be difficult >> and and and you had to get to point B to >> and and and you had to get to point B to >> and and and you had to get to point B to go to go to practice and then you have go to go to practice and then you have go to go to practice and then you have to travel and now and how we going to to travel and now and how we going to to travel and now and how we going to get this done. I mean, it was just a get this done. I mean, it was just a get this done. I mean, it was just a roller coaster, but it was coming way roller coaster, but it was coming way roller coaster, but it was coming way too too fast.

too too fast. too too fast. >> So, we no one buckled themselves up that >> So, we no one buckled themselves up that >> So, we no one buckled themselves up that it was going to happen. Now we have I it was going to happen. Now we have I it was going to happen. Now we have I don't know I want to say 20 leagues don't know I want to say 20 leagues don't know I want to say 20 leagues that talent spread out so thin you know that talent spread out so thin you know that talent spread out so thin you know diluted and now we we have business diluted and now we we have business diluted and now we we have business before before before the game itself that was to play have the game itself that was to play have the game itself that was to play have fun. It's not like that is being fun. It's not like that is being fun. It's not like that is being pressed. It's about winning pressed. It's about winning pressed. It's about winning and and now we have families being and and now we have families being and and now we have families being divided and it's very stressful. Kids divided and it's very stressful. Kids divided and it's very stressful. Kids having a difficult time. having a difficult time. having a difficult time. >> Yeah. No, I mean I I definitely I agree >> Yeah. No, I mean I I definitely I agree >> Yeah. No, I mean I I definitely I agree with you that things have evolved a lot with you that things have evolved a lot with you that things have evolved a lot and maybe not not necessarily for the and maybe not not necessarily for the and maybe not not necessarily for the the best all the time. And so I think the best all the time. And so I think the best all the time. And so I think that's where it's so important to really that's where it's so important to really that's where it's so important to really highlight, you know, what programs like highlight, you know, what programs like highlight, you know, what programs like y'alls are doing because um I've seen y'alls are doing because um I've seen y'alls are doing because um I've seen the work that you guys have been doing the work that you guys have been doing the work that you guys have been doing in the community, right? And again, I in the community, right? And again, I in the community, right? And again, I had not heard Laida in such a long time.

had not heard Laida in such a long time. had not heard Laida in such a long time. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] And now I'm like, "Oh my gosh, I And now I'm like, "Oh my gosh, I And now I'm like, "Oh my gosh, I remember I remember like going out remember I remember like going out remember I remember like going out because you guys, what park were you at? because you guys, what park were you at? because you guys, what park were you at? Was it Mason or was it Was it Mason or was it Was it Mason or was it >> okay? Yeah. So I I remember that and >> okay? Yeah. So I I remember that and >> okay? Yeah. So I I remember that and then um you know sometimes whenever we then um you know sometimes whenever we then um you know sometimes whenever we had tickets and stuff like that. I mean had tickets and stuff like that. I mean had tickets and stuff like that. I mean yeah. Wow. But um I guess also kind of yeah. Wow. But um I guess also kind of yeah. Wow. But um I guess also kind of going back a little bit. So you started going back a little bit. So you started going back a little bit. So you started coaching and you also um we have some coaching and you also um we have some coaching and you also um we have some pictures because I was kind of digging pictures because I was kind of digging pictures because I was kind of digging through your Facebook. You were also a through your Facebook. You were also a through your Facebook. You were also a coach for Galacticos. coach for Galacticos. coach for Galacticos. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Galacticos. >> Galacticos. >> Galacticos. And also playing I mean at you know at a And also playing I mean at you know at a And also playing I mean at you know at a was it semi-professional professional was it semi-professional professional was it semi-professional professional level? level? level? >> Semi semi-pro just because there was no >> Semi semi-pro just because there was no >> Semi semi-pro just because there was no no pro uh divisions back in the days. Uh no pro uh divisions back in the days. Uh no pro uh divisions back in the days. Uh there was a Houston force which I was there was a Houston force which I was there was a Houston force which I was part of it. Played a few few games. Uh part of it. Played a few few games. Uh part of it. Played a few few games. Uh but it wasn't it wasn't that that uh but it wasn't it wasn't that that uh but it wasn't it wasn't that that uh that long. It folded I think a couple of that long. It folded I think a couple of that long. It folded I think a couple of weeks after it was uh announced. But uh weeks after it was uh announced. But uh weeks after it was uh announced. But uh again, we we did try out to go to again, we we did try out to go to again, we we did try out to go to college, you know, on a scholarship. I college, you know, on a scholarship. I college, you know, on a scholarship. I uh I went to Tyler Junior College to try uh I went to Tyler Junior College to try uh I went to Tyler Junior College to try it out. I did very very well. This was it out. I did very very well. This was it out. I did very very well. This was my first time. My dad gave me a ride to my first time. My dad gave me a ride to my first time. My dad gave me a ride to to a to a to a to a to a to a session. And he's like, "Oh, wow. I session. And he's like, "Oh, wow. I session. And he's like, "Oh, wow. I didn't know you can play." [laughter] didn't know you can play." [laughter] didn't know you can play." [laughter] So, since we're we're seven in the So, since we're we're seven in the So, since we're we're seven in the family, it was a big family. So,

family, it was a big family. So, family, it was a big family. So, >> this was the first time. I did very >> this was the first time. I did very >> this was the first time. I did very well. Did very well. I know I was I was well. Did very well. I know I was I was well. Did very well. I know I was I was a top top player but again it wasn't a top top player but again it wasn't a top top player but again it wasn't organized. Uh it was a lot of work to do organized. Uh it was a lot of work to do organized. Uh it was a lot of work to do and so I decided to to follow what God and so I decided to to follow what God and so I decided to to follow what God wanted me to do. So it was about wanted me to do. So it was about wanted me to do. So it was about >> coaching the uh inner cities. There was >> coaching the uh inner cities. There was >> coaching the uh inner cities. There was a lot of chinitos. That was that's my a lot of chinitos. That was that's my a lot of chinitos. That was that's my nickname. And I wanted to go and and and nickname. And I wanted to go and and and nickname. And I wanted to go and and and help them out. Hopefully give them a help them out. Hopefully give them a help them out. Hopefully give them a good pathway to good pathway to good pathway to >> to success. Hopefully. Yeah. >> to success. Hopefully. Yeah. >> to success. Hopefully. Yeah. >> And so you guys, I mean, you're, you >> And so you guys, I mean, you're, you >> And so you guys, I mean, you're, you know, you you had you had Looneyad, know, you you had you had Looneyad, know, you you had you had Looneyad, which that I'm sure has transformed into which that I'm sure has transformed into which that I'm sure has transformed into what is now uh Fireballs and Soccer what is now uh Fireballs and Soccer what is now uh Fireballs and Soccer Centro. And so tell us a little bit Centro. And so tell us a little bit Centro. And so tell us a little bit about both of those those entities, about both of those those entities, about both of those those entities, those organizations, because um again, those organizations, because um again, those organizations, because um again, you know, this is this you guys are very you know, this is this you guys are very you know, this is this you guys are very communitydriven. communitydriven. communitydriven. >> I can let you talk about that, Martha. >> I can let you talk about that, Martha. >> I can let you talk about that, Martha. She has a lot to say.

She has a lot to say. She has a lot to say. Uh well LA was basically to provide a um Uh well LA was basically to provide a um Uh well LA was basically to provide a um a place a space a safe space to place a place a space a safe space to place a place a space a safe space to place the sport of soccer um locally, you the sport of soccer um locally, you the sport of soccer um locally, you know, help our inner city. It was, you know, help our inner city. It was, you know, help our inner city. It was, you know, a really uh family oriented league know, a really uh family oriented league know, a really uh family oriented league every Saturday. Um so and and we held on every Saturday. Um so and and we held on every Saturday. Um so and and we held on till till till uh maybe 19 years of Lonida until right uh maybe 19 years of Lonida until right uh maybe 19 years of Lonida until right before right before COVID. But it was 19 before right before COVID. But it was 19 before right before COVID. But it was 19 19 years of memories of you know um 19 years of memories of you know um 19 years of memories of you know um meeting people um having keeping kids meeting people um having keeping kids meeting people um having keeping kids off off the streets like every Saturday off off the streets like every Saturday off off the streets like every Saturday it was you know families getting it was you know families getting it was you know families getting together to play. Um and then from then together to play. Um and then from then together to play. Um and then from then um um um there was a lot of talent talent. There there was a lot of talent talent. There there was a lot of talent talent. There is a lot of talent and Tab's like okay is a lot of talent and Tab's like okay is a lot of talent and Tab's like okay well what's the next level for the kids well what's the next level for the kids well what's the next level for the kids that do have the talent you know how can that do have the talent you know how can that do have the talent you know how can we get them there? we get them there? we get them there? >> Um because the local the the the >> Um because the local the the the >> Um because the local the the the competitive clubs were you know probably competitive clubs were you know probably competitive clubs were you know probably 45 to an hour away. So there was no 45 to an hour away. So there was no 45 to an hour away. So there was no really um options for our kids here in really um options for our kids here in really um options for our kids here in the community. So, it was Javier's the community. So, it was Javier's the community. So, it was Javier's bright idea to say, "Okay, well, let's bright idea to say, "Okay, well, let's bright idea to say, "Okay, well, let's take him to the next level. Let's let's take him to the next level. Let's let's take him to the next level. Let's let's do an academy." And we're like, "Okay, do an academy." And we're like, "Okay, do an academy." And we're like, "Okay, well, hold on." Because it takes, you well, hold on." Because it takes, you well, hold on." Because it takes, you know, a lot of a lot of work, money, and know, a lot of a lot of work, money, and know, a lot of a lot of work, money, and he's like, "Okay, we're going to do it."

he's like, "Okay, we're going to do it." he's like, "Okay, we're going to do it." So, it was just like it was real quick. So, it was just like it was real quick. So, it was just like it was real quick. Um, he got it together. He he uh and we Um, he got it together. He he uh and we Um, he got it together. He he uh and we joined the BISA which is Bay Area Youth joined the BISA which is Bay Area Youth joined the BISA which is Bay Area Youth Soccer Association as an academy and to Soccer Association as an academy and to Soccer Association as an academy and to take him to to the kids that you know take him to to the kids that you know take him to to the kids that you know they wanted they had the commitment you they wanted they had the commitment you they wanted they had the commitment you know that wanted that uh know that wanted that uh know that wanted that uh >> the next level um take them there and >> the next level um take them there and >> the next level um take them there and that's where soccer central was born that's where soccer central was born that's where soccer central was born because it was you know get teaching and because it was you know get teaching and because it was you know get teaching and leading our parents to okay now what is leading our parents to okay now what is leading our parents to okay now what is you know competitive level it's you know you know competitive level it's you know you know competitive level it's you know you have to you know behave and you know you have to you know behave and you know you have to you know behave and you know play respect the referees, we had to play respect the referees, we had to play respect the referees, we had to travel, you know, all our home home travel, you know, all our home home travel, you know, all our home home games were at least 45 minutes away. So, games were at least 45 minutes away. So, games were at least 45 minutes away. So, that's where where Soccer Central came that's where where Soccer Central came that's where where Soccer Central came about. about. about. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> But um but yeah, it was it was it's >> But um but yeah, it was it was it's >> But um but yeah, it was it was it's always um Javier leading leading the the always um Javier leading leading the the always um Javier leading leading the the the way and you know and um with his the way and you know and um with his the way and you know and um with his ideas and you know and and ways that he ideas and you know and and ways that he ideas and you know and and ways that he wants to help the community. Um, but it wants to help the community. Um, but it wants to help the community. Um, but it all started from from the lack of all started from from the lack of all started from from the lack of opportunities that he had, you know, and opportunities that he had, you know, and opportunities that he had, you know, and having being able to provide these having being able to provide these having being able to provide these opportunities to like like he says to opportunities to like like he says to opportunities to like like he says to the little chinitos, you know, that you the little chinitos, you know, that you the little chinitos, you know, that you know, and to help him lead the way and know, and to help him lead the way and know, and to help him lead the way and tell him, okay, well, I was here, you tell him, okay, well, I was here, you tell him, okay, well, I was here, you know, I was a good player, but what was know, I was a good player, but what was know, I was a good player, but what was next? There was nothing for him then.

next? There was nothing for him then. next? There was nothing for him then. Um, now, I mean, it's it's a whole Um, now, I mean, it's it's a whole Um, now, I mean, it's it's a whole different, you know, it's a whole different, you know, it's a whole different, you know, it's a whole different stage, you know, thankfully. different stage, you know, thankfully. different stage, you know, thankfully. Um, there's still a lot of work. Um but Um, there's still a lot of work. Um but Um, there's still a lot of work. Um but um but yes, we're we're we we we love um but yes, we're we're we we we love um but yes, we're we're we we we love being and love what we do here with our being and love what we do here with our being and love what we do here with our community with our kids. community with our kids. community with our kids. >> Well, and I love that you guys have been >> Well, and I love that you guys have been >> Well, and I love that you guys have been building this together, you know, building this together, you know, building this together, you know, because and and that you because and and that you because and and that you um not only are you building it um not only are you building it um not only are you building it together, but you're making such an together, but you're making such an together, but you're making such an impact because now you also have impact because now you also have impact because now you also have fireballs. fireballs. fireballs. >> And so tell us a little bit about >> And so tell us a little bit about >> And so tell us a little bit about fireballs. Well, Fireball Fireball, it's fireballs. Well, Fireball Fireball, it's fireballs. Well, Fireball Fireball, it's um it's an indoor outdoor uh turf um it's an indoor outdoor uh turf um it's an indoor outdoor uh turf facility. It's our home for Soccer facility. It's our home for Soccer facility. It's our home for Soccer Central. It's our office. Um but right Central. It's our office. Um but right Central. It's our office. Um but right there, it's uh it's where we offer the there, it's uh it's where we offer the there, it's uh it's where we offer the uh the 5v5 uh the 5v5 uh the 5v5 version of of soccer. So, it's and it's version of of soccer. So, it's and it's version of of soccer. So, it's and it's nice because a lot of our the the kids nice because a lot of our the the kids nice because a lot of our the the kids that played through Lonidad, you know, that played through Lonidad, you know, that played through Lonidad, you know, have come back as adults, as veterans to have come back as adults, as veterans to have come back as adults, as veterans to come and join the league and continue come and join the league and continue come and join the league and continue their their their um their soccer legacy their their their um their soccer legacy their their their um their soccer legacy with us. So, um but it's it's a it's a with us. So, um but it's it's a it's a with us. So, um but it's it's a it's a nice family fun oriented uh um place to nice family fun oriented uh um place to nice family fun oriented uh um place to come and play um adult adult soccer and come and play um adult adult soccer and come and play um adult adult soccer and also we have our youth leagues during also we have our youth leagues during also we have our youth leagues during the summer and the winter. Yeah, to to the summer and the winter. Yeah, to to the summer and the winter. Yeah, to to add into that, I mean, when we were at add into that, I mean, when we were at add into that, I mean, when we were at Pacer Park, Pacer Park, Pacer Park, we had another indoor across the street we had another indoor across the street we had another indoor across the street from from Manchester Street and it was from from Manchester Street and it was from from Manchester Street and it was um it was just a warehouse, a building,

um it was just a warehouse, a building, um it was just a warehouse, a building, Miss Miss Julie Miss Miss Julie Miss Miss Julie Pesudos. Pesudos. Pesudos. She she came up to us just across the She she came up to us just across the She she came up to us just across the street when we were having meeting with street when we were having meeting with street when we were having meeting with the parents under the tree. It's the parents under the tree. It's the parents under the tree. It's raining. She just why don't you come raining. She just why don't you come raining. She just why don't you come into the into my my warehouse and and into the into my my warehouse and and into the into my my warehouse and and have your meetings there. And then all have your meetings there. And then all have your meetings there. And then all of a sudden she's like why why don't you of a sudden she's like why why don't you of a sudden she's like why why don't you guys play here too? So we were having a guys play here too? So we were having a guys play here too? So we were having a a blast having all those blessings from a blast having all those blessings from a blast having all those blessings from from Pacer Park and and and from this from Pacer Park and and and from this from Pacer Park and and and from this warehouse. Well, anyways, this this warehouse. Well, anyways, this this warehouse. Well, anyways, this this whole block was bought off from some whole block was bought off from some whole block was bought off from some chemical plants and and and Pacer Park chemical plants and and and Pacer Park chemical plants and and and Pacer Park became a beautiful school of school that became a beautiful school of school that became a beautiful school of school that we we we helped uh put together and now we we we helped uh put together and now we we we helped uh put together and now it became an educational facility which it became an educational facility which it became an educational facility which was beautiful and uh got the job done. was beautiful and uh got the job done. was beautiful and uh got the job done. We got the job done. So, that was a nice We got the job done. So, that was a nice We got the job done. So, that was a nice closing. But when we're about to close closing. But when we're about to close closing. But when we're about to close it, uh uh Mr. Amigo Nasir it, uh uh Mr. Amigo Nasir it, uh uh Mr. Amigo Nasir Nasiras Nasiras Nasiras say, "Oh Javier, come on over. I got say, "Oh Javier, come on over. I got say, "Oh Javier, come on over. I got fireball coming in coming up. You ready fireball coming in coming up. You ready fireball coming in coming up. You ready to go?" Nasir, we're about to close the to go?" Nasir, we're about to close the to go?" Nasir, we're about to close the door over here. No, no, no, no. Come on door over here. No, no, no, no. Come on door over here. No, no, no, no. Come on over. Come on over. Let's run it. Let's over. Come on over. Let's run it. Let's over. Come on over. Let's run it. Let's take it Let's take it to another level.

take it Let's take it to another level. take it Let's take it to another level. So, we went out there with with open So, we went out there with with open So, we went out there with with open doors. So, a fireball came up and and um doors. So, a fireball came up and and um doors. So, a fireball came up and and um and everybody came with us. I mean, it's and everybody came with us. I mean, it's and everybody came with us. I mean, it's not just Martha and I. We have Carlos not just Martha and I. We have Carlos not just Martha and I. We have Carlos Tinco. Tinco. Tinco. Good morning. wake up. We have uh we Good morning. wake up. We have uh we Good morning. wake up. We have uh we have so many people at Tana Gonzalez. I have so many people at Tana Gonzalez. I have so many people at Tana Gonzalez. I mean we we we're blessed with so many mean we we we're blessed with so many mean we we we're blessed with so many people likeminded that is say let's get people likeminded that is say let's get people likeminded that is say let's get it together. Let's put it together. it together. Let's put it together. it together. Let's put it together. Let's go. Let's go make it happen. And Let's go. Let's go make it happen. And Let's go. Let's go make it happen. And that's what that's how Maria is here that's what that's how Maria is here that's what that's how Maria is here too. So everybody wants to make make uh too. So everybody wants to make make uh too. So everybody wants to make make uh a difference. So why not have it a difference. So why not have it a difference. So why not have it together and have an all-star program together and have an all-star program together and have an all-star program like like you guys have allar like like you guys have allar like like you guys have allar uh people like you guys. I think uh uh people like you guys. I think uh uh people like you guys. I think uh would be a good a good word for for the would be a good a good word for for the would be a good a good word for for the kids to be. kids to be. kids to be. >> No. And and I think I think that's so >> No. And and I think I think that's so >> No. And and I think I think that's so important because you you guys have an important because you you guys have an important because you you guys have an amazing group of of people that that are amazing group of of people that that are amazing group of of people that that are part of the program. I I mean I've I've part of the program. I I mean I've I've part of the program. I I mean I've I've been so lucky to be able to work with been so lucky to be able to work with been so lucky to be able to work with you guys for now for so many years um you guys for now for so many years um you guys for now for so many years um just on on different different projects.

just on on different different projects. just on on different different projects. And you know, if there's one thing that And you know, if there's one thing that And you know, if there's one thing that I see is that consistency, right? That I see is that consistency, right? That I see is that consistency, right? That consistency in in the individuals that consistency in in the individuals that consistency in in the individuals that are part of the program, but then also are part of the program, but then also are part of the program, but then also like just the families. I mean, it it's like just the families. I mean, it it's like just the families. I mean, it it's um it really does feel like a family um it really does feel like a family um it really does feel like a family environment. And I mean, environment. And I mean, environment. And I mean, youth youth soccer, I think that youth youth soccer, I think that youth youth soccer, I think that sometimes there's some of those pieces sometimes there's some of those pieces sometimes there's some of those pieces are, you know, are what's missing or if are, you know, are what's missing or if are, you know, are what's missing or if we don't put it that way. I I think it's we don't put it that way. I I think it's we don't put it that way. I I think it's just it's beautiful to be able to have just it's beautiful to be able to have just it's beautiful to be able to have um a program and have a venue like what um a program and have a venue like what um a program and have a venue like what you guys have where you can really go you guys have where you can really go you guys have where you can really go show up and just feel welcomed, right? show up and just feel welcomed, right? show up and just feel welcomed, right? Feel welcomed, feel like, yeah, I'm I'm Feel welcomed, feel like, yeah, I'm I'm Feel welcomed, feel like, yeah, I'm I'm here to to learn, but also have fun. here to to learn, but also have fun. here to to learn, but also have fun. because I think that that's one of the because I think that that's one of the because I think that that's one of the one of the big reasons why um you know one of the big reasons why um you know one of the big reasons why um you know we have we have been able to kind of we have we have been able to kind of we have we have been able to kind of really work [snorts] together is because really work [snorts] together is because really work [snorts] together is because at the end of the day we all kind of at the end of the day we all kind of at the end of the day we all kind of have like that that shared vision of yes have like that that shared vision of yes have like that that shared vision of yes we want to grow the sport but we also we want to grow the sport but we also we want to grow the sport but we also want to make sure that it's in a in a want to make sure that it's in a in a want to make sure that it's in a in a safe family environment where joy and safe family environment where joy and safe family environment where joy and and love of the sport is really at the and love of the sport is really at the and love of the sport is really at the heart of it. And you don't always find heart of it. And you don't always find heart of it. And you don't always find that. And so, you know, why is that that. And so, you know, why is that that. And so, you know, why is that important for you guys?

>> Well, very important. I mean, we we got >> Well, very important. I mean, we we got humanity is changing so much that we humanity is changing so much that we humanity is changing so much that we want to make sure we we still have want to make sure we we still have want to make sure we we still have values on those kids, you know. We we values on those kids, you know. We we values on those kids, you know. We we want to have them responsible for for want to have them responsible for for want to have them responsible for for their actions and and and teach them, their actions and and and teach them, their actions and and and teach them, you know, teach them the good people you know, teach them the good people you know, teach them the good people always have good decisions, you know. Uh always have good decisions, you know. Uh always have good decisions, you know. Uh while we were playing, I think it was a while we were playing, I think it was a while we were playing, I think it was a a Christmas day, we had a a team come a Christmas day, we had a a team come a Christmas day, we had a a team come and visit us from from the south area and visit us from from the south area and visit us from from the south area and and we told them that and and we told them that and and we told them that you guys going to play a very good team you guys going to play a very good team you guys going to play a very good team from from the vario, from the inner city from from the vario, from the inner city from from the vario, from the inner city and ah we got them. We going to beat and ah we got them. We going to beat and ah we got them. We going to beat them and we'll we'll take him some extra them and we'll we'll take him some extra them and we'll we'll take him some extra shoes. We can we give him some gifts. shoes. We can we give him some gifts. shoes. We can we give him some gifts. And there was a guy there. We didn't And there was a guy there. We didn't And there was a guy there. We didn't even know him, Hilberto even know him, Hilberto even know him, Hilberto Bas. Bas. Bas. And [clears throat] once they finished And [clears throat] once they finished And [clears throat] once they finished the game, they gave him this this this the game, they gave him this this this the game, they gave him this this this this gift and it was a very good moment. this gift and it was a very good moment. this gift and it was a very good moment. And then when came over and says, And then when came over and says, And then when came over and says, "That's what we want." And nationally "That's what we want." And nationally "That's what we want." And nationally there's there's this program called there's there's this program called there's there's this program called Alansa. Alians football is a one of the Alansa. Alians football is a one of the Alansa. Alians football is a one of the biggest tournaments in in Hispanic biggest tournaments in in Hispanic biggest tournaments in in Hispanic community community community in the United States in Houston in the United States in Houston in the United States in Houston wanted to make it happen and they said wanted to make it happen and they said wanted to make it happen and they said Javier Marta you guys would like to be Javier Marta you guys would like to be Javier Marta you guys would like to be part of this and and it happened. So uh part of this and and it happened. So uh part of this and and it happened. So uh that's how we've been with Alian for that's how we've been with Alian for that's how we've been with Alian for quite a while. Uh and Hilberto he was in

quite a while. Uh and Hilberto he was in quite a while. Uh and Hilberto he was in undercover that day and like hey this is undercover that day and like hey this is undercover that day and like hey this is what we want. We heard about you guys what we want. We heard about you guys what we want. We heard about you guys doing these things for the community. Uh doing these things for the community. Uh doing these things for the community. Uh but this is bigger bigger than than but this is bigger bigger than than but this is bigger bigger than than expected. So we were very happy to be expected. So we were very happy to be expected. So we were very happy to be part of it. Again, it's it's just nature part of it. Again, it's it's just nature part of it. Again, it's it's just nature itself got together and made us made us itself got together and made us made us itself got together and made us made us be part of this this management in the be part of this this management in the be part of this this management in the in the uh Aliana Houston. Now we have it in the uh Aliana Houston. Now we have it in the uh Aliana Houston. Now we have it in Austin this this this uh August in Austin this this this uh August in Austin this this this uh August August 24th just because there's no August 24th just because there's no August 24th just because there's no facilities big enough to host this facilities big enough to host this facilities big enough to host this tournament. tournament. tournament. >> So we had it two years in a row in in >> So we had it two years in a row in in >> So we had it two years in a row in in San Antonio and this time it's going to San Antonio and this time it's going to San Antonio and this time it's going to be I think it's going to be Ron Rock. be I think it's going to be Ron Rock. be I think it's going to be Ron Rock. Don't say Austin. Ron Rock. Yeah. Ron Don't say Austin. Ron Rock. Yeah. Ron Don't say Austin. Ron Rock. Yeah. Ron Rock is jealous and gets very upset as Rock is jealous and gets very upset as Rock is jealous and gets very upset as you you mentioned that it's going to be you you mentioned that it's going to be you you mentioned that it's going to be Austin. But uh again it's going to be in Austin. But uh again it's going to be in Austin. But uh again it's going to be in Austin. But we go out there on our way Austin. But we go out there on our way Austin. But we go out there on our way because we know the the the mission of because we know the the the mission of because we know the the the mission of uh Alian is just like us, you know, and uh Alian is just like us, you know, and uh Alian is just like us, you know, and and just so many people that really and just so many people that really and just so many people that really cares for the for the kids and and it's cares for the for the kids and and it's cares for the for the kids and and it's just so minimum so minimum to pay, you just so minimum so minimum to pay, you just so minimum so minimum to pay, you know, just go and play. There's know, just go and play. There's know, just go and play. There's referees, there's a scouting event, referees, there's a scouting event, referees, there's a scouting event, there's there's just so many there's there's just so many there's there's just so many opportunities and and and the family opportunities and and and the family opportunities and and and the family gets together and they cheer for them gets together and they cheer for them gets together and they cheer for them and they cry with them and it's it's and they cry with them and it's it's and they cry with them and it's it's just beautiful moments and it's been just beautiful moments and it's been just beautiful moments and it's been what how many we've done like maybe over what how many we've done like maybe over what how many we've done like maybe over 10 years now. It's beautiful. Uh so but 10 years now. It's beautiful. Uh so but 10 years now. It's beautiful. Uh so but anyways I I'm sorry I got distracted anyways I I'm sorry I got distracted anyways I I'm sorry I got distracted about the the question but uh but it's about the the question but uh but it's about the the question but uh but it's just so many so so much thing to do so

just so many so so much thing to do so just so many so so much thing to do so to talk about and and I just so much so to talk about and and I just so much so to talk about and and I just so much so many wrinkles in in the sport that we K many wrinkles in in the sport that we K many wrinkles in in the sport that we K and I are on the map. and I are on the map. and I are on the map. >> Yeah. No, but but here's the thing and >> Yeah. No, but but here's the thing and >> Yeah. No, but but here's the thing and um you know and I and I really want to um you know and I and I really want to um you know and I and I really want to give you guys your flowers give you guys your flowers give you guys your flowers because um again you know like you you because um again you know like you you because um again you know like you you have built these organizations right have built these organizations right have built these organizations right um soccer centro um fireball and you are um soccer centro um fireball and you are um soccer centro um fireball and you are an intricral part of a lot of the an intricral part of a lot of the an intricral part of a lot of the tournaments. I mean, yes, you're you're tournaments. I mean, yes, you're you're tournaments. I mean, yes, you're you're a big part of Alana, but then I know you a big part of Alana, but then I know you a big part of Alana, but then I know you guys are also involved with, you know, guys are also involved with, you know, guys are also involved with, you know, like the Univision Cup or, you know, like the Univision Cup or, you know, like the Univision Cup or, you know, just all of these different tournaments just all of these different tournaments just all of these different tournaments and and one of the things that you're and and one of the things that you're and and one of the things that you're always making sure is always making sure is always making sure is and I and and and I and and and I and and you know, that one of the reasons why you know, that one of the reasons why you know, that one of the reasons why you guys are so involved in all of this you guys are so involved in all of this you guys are so involved in all of this is because you're opening doors and is because you're opening doors and is because you're opening doors and you're opening opportunities for for you're opening opportunities for for you're opening opportunities for for youth um that may not always have those youth um that may not always have those youth um that may not always have those opportunities. And so, you know, again, opportunities. And so, you know, again, opportunities. And so, you know, again, we don't we don't we don't it's not every day that you're that you it's not every day that you're that you it's not every day that you're that you meet people that are as involved in in meet people that are as involved in in meet people that are as involved in in this ecosystem. Um, and so, no, there's this ecosystem. Um, and so, no, there's this ecosystem. Um, and so, no, there's there's a lot a lot that we can talk there's a lot a lot that we can talk there's a lot a lot that we can talk about and and I think it is important to about and and I think it is important to about and and I think it is important to mention all of that because at the end mention all of that because at the end mention all of that because at the end of the day, um, you're seeing it every of the day, um, you're seeing it every of the day, um, you're seeing it every day with, you know, the your former day with, you know, the your former day with, you know, the your former students that come back as as coaches.

students that come back as as coaches. students that come back as as coaches. You see it as, you know, more You see it as, you know, more You see it as, you know, more opportunities open up. I mean most opportunities open up. I mean most opportunities open up. I mean most recently I know that some of the the recently I know that some of the the recently I know that some of the the kids that are um in the program were kids that are um in the program were kids that are um in the program were also like part of uh World Cup I think also like part of uh World Cup I think also like part of uh World Cup I think right and so like those are all such right and so like those are all such right and so like those are all such important things such important uh important things such important uh important things such important uh opportunities that not everybody has and opportunities that not everybody has and opportunities that not everybody has and so you know so you know so you know and um and just really recognized you and um and just really recognized you and um and just really recognized you guys for that because guys for that because guys for that because all the work that you have been doing all the work that you have been doing all the work that you have been doing over the years is paying off and is over the years is paying off and is over the years is paying off and is making an impact and you know we don't making an impact and you know we don't making an impact and you know we don't always get to hear about these stories always get to hear about these stories always get to hear about these stories and how um the genesis of this or the and how um the genesis of this or the and how um the genesis of this or the wise and so you know no thank you very wise and so you know no thank you very wise and so you know no thank you very much for for being here because it's much for for being here because it's much for for being here because it's important to talk about all of that and important to talk about all of that and important to talk about all of that and it's important to talk about and you it's important to talk about and you it's important to talk about and you just mentioned something that um that just mentioned something that um that just mentioned something that um that that I want to highlight that I want to highlight that I want to highlight when you were talking about Alansa and when you were talking about Alansa and when you were talking about Alansa and how you know it's you've had to do it in how you know it's you've had to do it in how you know it's you've had to do it in different places and you know it looks different places and you know it looks different places and you know it looks like it'll be here in Round Rock, but like it'll be here in Round Rock, but like it'll be here in Round Rock, but it's because there's not always space.

it's because there's not always space. it's because there's not always space. There's not always green space for for There's not always green space for for There's not always green space for for youth, for families to go out and just youth, for families to go out and just youth, for families to go out and just kick a a soccer ball. And so, I think kick a a soccer ball. And so, I think kick a a soccer ball. And so, I think that that's something that needs to be that that's something that needs to be that that's something that needs to be need to be recognized and that we need need to be recognized and that we need need to be recognized and that we need to let everybody know because we need to let everybody know because we need to let everybody know because we need more of that. And there's fortunately more of that. And there's fortunately more of that. And there's fortunately there are organizations that are there are organizations that are there are organizations that are providing that, but you don't always see providing that, but you don't always see providing that, but you don't always see it. How do how do you guys um see the it. How do how do you guys um see the it. How do how do you guys um see the availability of availability of availability of um of green spaces here in Houston? Is um of green spaces here in Houston? Is um of green spaces here in Houston? Is there is there any improvement that we there is there any improvement that we there is there any improvement that we can make? >> Well, 4.5 million people in Houston is >> Well, 4.5 million people in Houston is it's tough to find a a big lot or a big it's tough to find a a big lot or a big it's tough to find a a big lot or a big space. uh we we have to uh uh adjust uh space. uh we we have to uh uh adjust uh space. uh we we have to uh uh adjust uh an open open land and just put some an open open land and just put some an open open land and just put some soccer goals on it just so we can just soccer goals on it just so we can just soccer goals on it just so we can just play. So yeah, I know it's it's play. So yeah, I know it's it's play. So yeah, I know it's it's difficult. It's difficult. Hopefully our difficult. It's difficult. Hopefully our difficult. It's difficult. Hopefully our our our our council members and and representatives council members and and representatives council members and and representatives can can go out there and find it. I can can go out there and find it. I can can go out there and find it. I mean, we're we're moving uh suburbs and mean, we're we're moving uh suburbs and mean, we're we're moving uh suburbs and we're moving f further out and and kids we're moving f further out and and kids we're moving f further out and and kids are have to travel to just to play the are have to travel to just to play the are have to travel to just to play the game. That's why we we want to make sure game. That's why we we want to make sure game. That's why we we want to make sure it doesn't have to be 111. Uh we can go it doesn't have to be 111. Uh we can go it doesn't have to be 111. Uh we can go 5v5, we can go 3v3. We can we we can 5v5, we can go 3v3. We can we we can 5v5, we can go 3v3. We can we we can adjust. We can adjust on the development adjust. We can adjust on the development adjust. We can adjust on the development programs. We can adjust. We just we just programs. We can adjust. We just we just programs. We can adjust. We just we just need space. We just need uh abilities uh need space. We just need uh abilities uh need space. We just need uh abilities uh to go out there and get a permit or to go out there and get a permit or to go out there and get a permit or somebody on the church or anybody that

somebody on the church or anybody that somebody on the church or anybody that has space. Just give someone a call. It has space. Just give someone a call. It has space. Just give someone a call. It doesn't have to be us. doesn't have to be us. doesn't have to be us. There's a lot of clubs, a lot a lot of There's a lot of clubs, a lot a lot of There's a lot of clubs, a lot a lot of good independent programs that really good independent programs that really good independent programs that really want to do this for for for the love of want to do this for for for the love of want to do this for for for the love of the game. So, just go out there and the game. So, just go out there and the game. So, just go out there and reach out to them and and we'll mow your reach out to them and and we'll mow your reach out to them and and we'll mow your grass. We'll mow your grass. We'll we'll grass. We'll mow your grass. We'll we'll grass. We'll mow your grass. We'll we'll get the ad piles uh killed and we we get the ad piles uh killed and we we get the ad piles uh killed and we we take care of it. Uh hopefully more and take care of it. Uh hopefully more and take care of it. Uh hopefully more and more green spaces are available for for more green spaces are available for for more green spaces are available for for so many kids because it only takes a so many kids because it only takes a so many kids because it only takes a ball and a little space and we'll keep ball and a little space and we'll keep ball and a little space and we'll keep the kids happy out of the streets. So, the kids happy out of the streets. So, the kids happy out of the streets. So, >> go out there and then make it happen. Uh >> go out there and then make it happen. Uh >> go out there and then make it happen. Uh I I I challenge everybody to to to I I I challenge everybody to to to I I I challenge everybody to to to take on 20 kids jumping around all over take on 20 kids jumping around all over take on 20 kids jumping around all over the place. They they're they're doing it the place. They they're they're doing it the place. They they're they're doing it in a good in a good way. in a good in a good way. in a good in a good way. >> Yeah. No. And you know what is very >> Yeah. No. And you know what is very >> Yeah. No. And you know what is very interesting? You just said it. So it's interesting? You just said it. So it's interesting? You just said it. So it's not so much about 11 v1 anymore because not so much about 11 v1 anymore because not so much about 11 v1 anymore because I've seen that. I've seen that all over. I've seen that. I've seen that all over. I've seen that. I've seen that all over. Right. You have all of these smaller Right. You have all of these smaller Right. You have all of these smaller smallsided tournaments. You have the smallsided tournaments. You have the smallsided tournaments. You have the 5v5s, the 3v3, and now you have a 1v 5v5s, the 3v3, and now you have a 1v 5v5s, the 3v3, and now you have a 1v one. It's like what is this?

one. It's like what is this? one. It's like what is this? >> Don't forget the penalty shootouts. They >> Don't forget the penalty shootouts. They >> Don't forget the penalty shootouts. They just do make it happen. I mean, it's just do make it happen. I mean, it's just do make it happen. I mean, it's just the it's just the good moments of just the it's just the good moments of just the it's just the good moments of the game that uh we we adjust. We we we the game that uh we we adjust. We we we the game that uh we we adjust. We we we create and and hopefully uh we keep create and and hopefully uh we keep create and and hopefully uh we keep someone happy. The kids are busy and and someone happy. The kids are busy and and someone happy. The kids are busy and and that's what matters. And that's what matters. And that's what matters. And >> well, and I and I think those >> well, and I and I think those >> well, and I and I think those opportunities also offer people um just opportunities also offer people um just opportunities also offer people um just regular people, right? adults in an regular people, right? adults in an regular people, right? adults in an opportunity to go and try it out because opportunity to go and try it out because opportunity to go and try it out because when you when you start thinking 11v1 a when you when you start thinking 11v1 a when you when you start thinking 11v1 a fulls size field I mean I will tell you fulls size field I mean I will tell you fulls size field I mean I will tell you from for my my personally I don't know from for my my personally I don't know from for my my personally I don't know that I could go and actually run that that I could go and actually run that that I could go and actually run that but you know if it's a 5v5 but you know if it's a 5v5 but you know if it's a 5v5 I'm a meto [laughter] I'm a meto [laughter] I'm a meto [laughter] >> and now with all of the skills >> and now with all of the skills >> and now with all of the skills challenges and all of that I think challenges and all of that I think challenges and all of that I think that's also another really cool gateway that's also another really cool gateway that's also another really cool gateway for for youth and families to start for for youth and families to start for for youth and families to start appreciating what they're seeing on TV appreciating what they're seeing on TV appreciating what they're seeing on TV because a lot of times you're like ah because a lot of times you're like ah because a lot of times you're like ah penalty whatever like it's not that and penalty whatever like it's not that and penalty whatever like it's not that and then you actually go and you try to do then you actually go and you try to do then you actually go and you try to do that and then you realize oh no this is that and then you realize oh no this is that and then you realize oh no this is there there's a lot more to it not only there there's a lot more to it not only there there's a lot more to it not only from the person that's shooting and from the person that's shooting and from the person that's shooting and making sure first of all you know will making sure first of all you know will making sure first of all you know will it fit through the goal but then also if it fit through the goal but then also if it fit through the goal but then also if you're on the other end and you're the you're on the other end and you're the you're on the other end and you're the um uh you know the the goalkeeper um uh you know the the goalkeeper um uh you know the the goalkeeper I mean that that's a whole mental game.

I mean that that's a whole mental game. I mean that that's a whole mental game. And so it's really fun to see how And so it's really fun to see how And so it's really fun to see how there's it's not just about, you know, there's it's not just about, you know, there's it's not just about, you know, the 11 v1. There's other ways to kind of the 11 v1. There's other ways to kind of the 11 v1. There's other ways to kind of start introducing uh youth and family start introducing uh youth and family start introducing uh youth and family into the game so that they can start into the game so that they can start into the game so that they can start getting appreciate it, but then getting getting appreciate it, but then getting getting appreciate it, but then getting excited about it. excited about it. excited about it. Yeah, the smallsided is is a it's a Yeah, the smallsided is is a it's a Yeah, the smallsided is is a it's a great tool that coaches use uh just to great tool that coaches use uh just to great tool that coaches use uh just to create that that confidence on the ball, create that that confidence on the ball, create that that confidence on the ball, getting out of tight spaces, finding getting out of tight spaces, finding getting out of tight spaces, finding finding those gaps, you know, being finding those gaps, you know, being finding those gaps, you know, being confident on themselves with the ball. I confident on themselves with the ball. I confident on themselves with the ball. I mean, this is this is good once they mean, this is this is good once they mean, this is this is good once they step into the big field. Coaches really step into the big field. Coaches really step into the big field. Coaches really see that kid that has always been doing see that kid that has always been doing see that kid that has always been doing football. Oh, look at the way he steps football. Oh, look at the way he steps football. Oh, look at the way he steps into the ball. Look at how confident into the ball. Look at how confident into the ball. Look at how confident he's with the ball. One v one situation. he's with the ball. One v one situation. he's with the ball. One v one situation. So yeah know this a I mean we I mean So yeah know this a I mean we I mean So yeah know this a I mean we I mean personally we have one kid is in the personally we have one kid is in the personally we have one kid is in the Houston Dynamo Academy John Carlo Houston Dynamo Academy John Carlo Houston Dynamo Academy John Carlo Gingi wake up. So Gingi he's he's a left Gingi wake up. So Gingi he's he's a left Gingi wake up. So Gingi he's he's a left back but he's also multi multi-position back but he's also multi multi-position back but he's also multi multi-position uh player. He he can play defensive mid.

uh player. He he can play defensive mid. uh player. He he can play defensive mid. He can play outside flank. But anyways He can play outside flank. But anyways He can play outside flank. But anyways but uh he he was created in in in that but uh he he was created in in in that but uh he he was created in in in that environment and and the coaches saw environment and and the coaches saw environment and and the coaches saw that. They saw that that he hey we can that. They saw that that he hey we can that. They saw that that he hey we can come out playing with him and line up come out playing with him and line up come out playing with him and line up three whatever. I mean, I'm just talking three whatever. I mean, I'm just talking three whatever. I mean, I'm just talking tactical tactical tactical >> uh terms here, but uh again, he he he >> uh terms here, but uh again, he he he >> uh terms here, but uh again, he he he he's with that he's with that he's with that uh components. He's he's well raised in uh components. He's he's well raised in uh components. He's he's well raised in in the game. So, again, we we want we in the game. So, again, we we want we in the game. So, again, we we want we want those kids to if they if they can want those kids to if they if they can want those kids to if they if they can play 3v3, nothing wrong with that. Let play 3v3, nothing wrong with that. Let play 3v3, nothing wrong with that. Let them play 3v3. Let them have fun. Let them play 3v3. Let them have fun. Let them play 3v3. Let them have fun. Let them enjoy the game and let let them not them enjoy the game and let let them not them enjoy the game and let let them not hide in the in one of those fields that hide in the in one of those fields that hide in the in one of those fields that so big of the field and they hide out. so big of the field and they hide out. so big of the field and they hide out. But in the 3v3, they all have activity. But in the 3v3, they all have activity. But in the 3v3, they all have activity. They have action. They have situations They have action. They have situations They have action. They have situations of the game. And when they get to that of the game. And when they get to that of the game. And when they get to that >> stage 111, they'll be ready. I promise. >> stage 111, they'll be ready. I promise. >> stage 111, they'll be ready. I promise. Just let them let them let them kick the Just let them let them let them kick the Just let them let them let them kick the ball around and you'll see. ball around and you'll see. ball around and you'll see. >> Yeah. So, um, going going back to kind >> Yeah. So, um, going going back to kind >> Yeah. So, um, going going back to kind of like the coaching and I know that of like the coaching and I know that of like the coaching and I know that through soccer central, I mean, you guys through soccer central, I mean, you guys through soccer central, I mean, you guys have been in multiple tournaments and have been in multiple tournaments and have been in multiple tournaments and all of that. What has been I don't know all of that. What has been I don't know all of that. What has been I don't know maybe uh a memory or something that kind maybe uh a memory or something that kind maybe uh a memory or something that kind of stands out from either going to a of stands out from either going to a of stands out from either going to a tournament or you know working with the tournament or you know working with the tournament or you know working with the youth that you would say like oh man youth that you would say like oh man youth that you would say like oh man this is this is one of the reasons why I this is this is one of the reasons why I this is this is one of the reasons why I do this why you guys do this do this why you guys do this do this why you guys do this >> with the tournaments that that been >> with the tournaments that that been >> with the tournaments that that been given us a lot of good good given us a lot of good good given us a lot of good good opportunities would be you know the opportunities would be you know the opportunities would be you know the coparados international and woodlands

coparados international and woodlands coparados international and woodlands coparos in um in uh Tampa Florida I And coparos in um in uh Tampa Florida I And coparos in um in uh Tampa Florida I And we we've been we've been taking the kids we we've been we've been taking the kids we we've been we've been taking the kids nationally nationally nationally to those to those games and and finding to those to those games and and finding to those to those games and and finding out that yes, the game is the same 111 out that yes, the game is the same 111 out that yes, the game is the same 111 with a with a size five ball and with a with a size five ball and with a with a size five ball and everybody's but the cultures are everybody's but the cultures are everybody's but the cultures are different. You know, those Brazilians different. You know, those Brazilians different. You know, those Brazilians play different, those Argentinians play play different, those Argentinians play play different, those Argentinians play different, Mexicans play different, different, Mexicans play different, different, Mexicans play different, Americans play different. I mean, it's Americans play different. I mean, it's Americans play different. I mean, it's just the way the kids feel once they see just the way the kids feel once they see just the way the kids feel once they see the opponent's fans screaming at them, the opponent's fans screaming at them, the opponent's fans screaming at them, you know. you know. you know. >> And then we took them to to Pachuka and >> And then we took them to to Pachuka and >> And then we took them to to Pachuka and another another environment as well. We another another environment as well. We another another environment as well. We took them to to Leon Wana. We took them took them to to Leon Wana. We took them took them to to Leon Wana. We took them to Montter. I mean, they was an to Montter. I mean, they was an to Montter. I mean, they was an international setting. The kids were international setting. The kids were international setting. The kids were they were feeling they were feeling they were feeling they were feeling they were feeling they were feeling different. They had they had a a different. They had they had a a different. They had they had a a different mentality and it was like, different mentality and it was like, different mentality and it was like, "Oh, coach, I I feel nervous. I'm "Oh, coach, I I feel nervous. I'm "Oh, coach, I I feel nervous. I'm feeling sick of what, man? It's the same feeling sick of what, man? It's the same feeling sick of what, man? It's the same game." So, again, it it it's a it's a game." So, again, it it it's a it's a game." So, again, it it it's a it's a necessity that we we need to take them necessity that we we need to take them necessity that we we need to take them in those environments and give them in those environments and give them in those environments and give them those experiences because when it when those experiences because when it when those experiences because when it when it's time for them to be there, they can it's time for them to be there, they can it's time for them to be there, they can say, "Oh, I I done that before, so I'm say, "Oh, I I done that before, so I'm say, "Oh, I I done that before, so I'm comfortable. I'm okay. It's the same.

comfortable. I'm okay. It's the same. comfortable. I'm okay. It's the same. Just go for it and play." Just go for it and play." Just go for it and play." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No. And that and that's really cool. No. And that and that's really cool. No. And that and that's really cool. That's that's great that you know the That's that's great that you know the That's that's great that you know the kids are having all of this experience kids are having all of this experience kids are having all of this experience at such an young age because I mean you at such an young age because I mean you at such an young age because I mean you know I I hear some of the stories and know I I hear some of the stories and know I I hear some of the stories and I'm thinking wow at 12 years old I don't I'm thinking wow at 12 years old I don't I'm thinking wow at 12 years old I don't think I had traveled. [laughter] I had think I had traveled. [laughter] I had think I had traveled. [laughter] I had barely traveled at all. And then just to barely traveled at all. And then just to barely traveled at all. And then just to know that, you know, there's um there's know that, you know, there's um there's know that, you know, there's um there's this youth, talented youth that are this youth, talented youth that are this youth, talented youth that are being able to get that exposure and um being able to get that exposure and um being able to get that exposure and um and understanding of, you know, what it and understanding of, you know, what it and understanding of, you know, what it takes because if there's one thing that takes because if there's one thing that takes because if there's one thing that I consistently hear is, you know, it's I consistently hear is, you know, it's I consistently hear is, you know, it's the discipline. It's, you know, um the discipline. It's, you know, um the discipline. It's, you know, um making sure that you that you if that's making sure that you that you if that's making sure that you that you if that's what you want, that you really are going what you want, that you really are going what you want, that you really are going to go for it uh full force. And so, no, to go for it uh full force. And so, no, to go for it uh full force. And so, no, that's that's really cool. And I think that's that's really cool. And I think that's that's really cool. And I think that's also one of the major reasons um that's also one of the major reasons um that's also one of the major reasons um you know again going back right opening you know again going back right opening you know again going back right opening opportunities providing opportunities opportunities providing opportunities opportunities providing opportunities um on why you know you guys um Javier um on why you know you guys um Javier um on why you know you guys um Javier you have been recognized as well you you have been recognized as well you you have been recognized as well you know and and um major kudos to you know and and um major kudos to you know and and um major kudos to you because I know that earlier this year because I know that earlier this year because I know that earlier this year for you know Houston soccer day you were for you know Houston soccer day you were for you know Houston soccer day you were one of the um people recognized for uh one of the um people recognized for uh one of the um people recognized for uh what is it LA your trajectori how how do what is it LA your trajectori how how do what is it LA your trajectori how how do you say that in in um in English your you say that in in um in English your you say that in in um in English your >> trajectory yeah um an impact you know

>> trajectory yeah um an impact you know >> trajectory yeah um an impact you know here in the city and so you know just here in the city and so you know just here in the city and so you know just major kudos that you guys have been major kudos that you guys have been major kudos that you guys have been building this and you know just are building this and you know just are building this and you know just are opening up all these doors for for opening up all these doors for for opening up all these doors for for everybody. everybody. everybody. >> No obviously I mean they they see it. I >> No obviously I mean they they see it. I >> No obviously I mean they they see it. I mean people see it. I mean we're we mean people see it. I mean we're we mean people see it. I mean we're we don't we don't we're not doing this for don't we don't we're not doing this for don't we don't we're not doing this for recognition or anything. and we're just recognition or anything. and we're just recognition or anything. and we're just doing it from from the heart for the doing it from from the heart for the doing it from from the heart for the love and and for the fun. And hopefully love and and for the fun. And hopefully love and and for the fun. And hopefully more people can can can join us. They more people can can can join us. They more people can can can join us. They join us. It's a it's a it's a good good join us. It's a it's a it's a good good join us. It's a it's a it's a good good hobby. It's not a it's not a job. It's a hobby. It's not a it's not a job. It's a hobby. It's not a it's not a job. It's a it's a good hobby and and it's well it's a good hobby and and it's well it's a good hobby and and it's well paid. Uh I know people see it and and paid. Uh I know people see it and and paid. Uh I know people see it and and from that pat on the back and and maybe from that pat on the back and and maybe from that pat on the back and and maybe recognition is is good enough. But recognition is is good enough. But recognition is is good enough. But again, going back to to taking these again, going back to to taking these again, going back to to taking these kids to to Leon and and Pachuka and and kids to to Leon and and Pachuka and and kids to to Leon and and Pachuka and and Walahara, I mean, it wasn't just just Walahara, I mean, it wasn't just just Walahara, I mean, it wasn't just just for the experience of [snorts] for the experience of [snorts] for the experience of [snorts] learning the game. It was about them learning the game. It was about them learning the game. It was about them getting to meet their their great getting to meet their their great getting to meet their their great parents and the grandparents. And it was parents and the grandparents. And it was parents and the grandparents. And it was one time we we had a grandparent in the one time we we had a grandparent in the one time we we had a grandparent in the stage um in in Leon Wanauato stage um in in Leon Wanauato stage um in in Leon Wanauato that he had never met his grandson.

that he had never met his grandson. that he had never met his grandson. >> Oh. And that was a it was a that right >> Oh. And that was a it was a that right >> Oh. And that was a it was a that right there was like okay for this 20 years there was like okay for this 20 years there was like okay for this 20 years and I know the parents cannot sometimes and I know the parents cannot sometimes and I know the parents cannot sometimes take the kids to to to travel and this take the kids to to to travel and this take the kids to to to travel and this was our our turn to do this you know it was our our turn to do this you know it was our our turn to do this you know it was a it was a good moment that we can was a it was a good moment that we can was a it was a good moment that we can say look it's not just go and kick the say look it's not just go and kick the say look it's not just go and kick the ball look you're going to go meet your ball look you're going to go meet your ball look you're going to go meet your grandparents your your families you know grandparents your your families you know grandparents your your families you know and and maybe introduce introduce them and and maybe introduce introduce them and and maybe introduce introduce them to to to to to to to to their where their parents were, to to their where their parents were, to to their where their parents were, you know, like it's it's just something you know, like it's it's just something you know, like it's it's just something that the game goes so far that we that the game goes so far that we that the game goes so far that we haven't even started, you know, but we haven't even started, you know, but we haven't even started, you know, but we can't right now. Everybody has can't right now. Everybody has can't right now. Everybody has restrictions. You got to go to these restrictions. You got to go to these restrictions. You got to go to these tournaments. You got to go to this to tournaments. You got to go to this to tournaments. You got to go to this to hotels. You you have to play these games hotels. You you have to play these games hotels. You you have to play these games and so many restrictions back then. and so many restrictions back then. and so many restrictions back then. That's why we we played a a league that That's why we we played a a league that That's why we we played a a league that was that we thought it was going to be was that we thought it was going to be was that we thought it was going to be good for the kids and we're like, "Oh, good for the kids and we're like, "Oh, good for the kids and we're like, "Oh, no. You know what? It's too expensive." no. You know what? It's too expensive." no. You know what? It's too expensive." Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. >> This is not worth it. And and we say, >> This is not worth it. And and we say, >> This is not worth it. And and we say, "Okay, let's let's let's go back to our "Okay, let's let's let's go back to our "Okay, let's let's let's go back to our mission and and let's go go and let's mission and and let's go go and let's mission and and let's go go and let's start again." Martha says, "Well, let's start again." Martha says, "Well, let's start again." Martha says, "Well, let's go bring back the Lon." And [laughter] go bring back the Lon." And [laughter] go bring back the Lon." And [laughter] this is where she had the most fun. I this is where she had the most fun. I this is where she had the most fun. I think think think >> most of I think most most uh mostly is >> most of I think most most uh mostly is >> most of I think most most uh mostly is the the um relationships that you have the the um relationships that you have the the um relationships that you have the the people you meet and along the the the people you meet and along the the the people you meet and along the along the way you know different um along the way you know different um along the way you know different um angels you know like yourself like angels you know like yourself like angels you know like yourself like Copalansa like you know Rayo Scott you

Copalansa like you know Rayo Scott you Copalansa like you know Rayo Scott you know um all these wonderful people that know um all these wonderful people that know um all these wonderful people that you know across our path and bring us you know across our path and bring us you know across our path and bring us new ways or new opportunities for our new ways or new opportunities for our new ways or new opportunities for our kids. Um I think that's you know that's kids. Um I think that's you know that's kids. Um I think that's you know that's most gratifying of of doing all this you most gratifying of of doing all this you most gratifying of of doing all this you know. So Li that was definitely you know know. So Li that was definitely you know know. So Li that was definitely you know the the foundation and the reason of why the the foundation and the reason of why the the foundation and the reason of why of why we do all this you know you know of why we do all this you know you know of why we do all this you know you know like we see our coaches you know the like we see our coaches you know the like we see our coaches you know the people that are that work with us you people that are that work with us you people that are that work with us you know that work with us um and make this know that work with us um and make this know that work with us um and make this possible you know people that we've possible you know people that we've possible you know people that we've known you know since they were little known you know since they were little known you know since they were little you know we have Coach Ruth Coach Ruth you know we have Coach Ruth Coach Ruth you know we have Coach Ruth Coach Ruth we've known her since you met her you we've known her since you met her you we've known her since you met her you know this this past two three weeks. Um know this this past two three weeks. Um know this this past two three weeks. Um I mean he he was her coach. I mean he he was her coach. I mean he he was her coach. >> Yes. Uh so we've known her since she was >> Yes. Uh so we've known her since she was >> Yes. Uh so we've known her since she was like you know 14 15 this mo I mean we like you know 14 15 this mo I mean we like you know 14 15 this mo I mean we known her so long and you know coacha known her so long and you know coacha known her so long and you know coacha coacha I've known her since you know our coacha I've known her since you know our coacha I've known her since you know our daughter was 2 years old. Our daughter daughter was 2 years old. Our daughter daughter was 2 years old. Our daughter is now 27. So we've known her for what is now 27. So we've known her for what is now 27. So we've known her for what over 20 over 23 years. So it's Carlos over 20 over 23 years. So it's Carlos over 20 over 23 years. So it's Carlos Tino you know coach Carlos Carlos since Tino you know coach Carlos Carlos since Tino you know coach Carlos Carlos since he was 15 you know. So it's it's that he was 15 you know. So it's it's that he was 15 you know. So it's it's that those kind of relationship the people those kind of relationship the people those kind of relationship the people that you know stay with us and believe that you know stay with us and believe that you know stay with us and believe in what we do but we do it you know we in what we do but we do it you know we in what we do but we do it you know we do it together there's it's not a secret do it together there's it's not a secret do it together there's it's not a secret you know that without people like them you know that without people like them you know that without people like them you know coach Anelica coach Mario and you know coach Anelica coach Mario and you know coach Anelica coach Mario and all the people that are are in this in all the people that are are in this in all the people that are are in this in our organization you know make this our organization you know make this our organization you know make this happen and it's for the same reason happen and it's for the same reason happen and it's for the same reason because we share we share the same the because we share we share the same the because we share we share the same the same passion and helping our community same passion and helping our community same passion and helping our community you know and being there you know people you know and being there you know people you know and being there you know people will say why don't you go out outside of

will say why don't you go out outside of will say why don't you go out outside of the Houston you know and grow or or the Houston you know and grow or or the Houston you know and grow or or whatever. But then that's going to take whatever. But then that's going to take whatever. But then that's going to take us away from, you know, why we started, us away from, you know, why we started, us away from, you know, why we started, you know, we started for, you know, to you know, we started for, you know, to you know, we started for, you know, to be in our community and and and our be in our community and and and our be in our community and and and our organization with our nonprofit, which organization with our nonprofit, which organization with our nonprofit, which is Soccer Central, um, nonprofit, uh, is Soccer Central, um, nonprofit, uh, is Soccer Central, um, nonprofit, uh, was born because we were looking for a a was born because we were looking for a a was born because we were looking for a a team for our kids, for, you know, for team for our kids, for, you know, for team for our kids, for, you know, for our kids. I told Javier, I said, Javier, our kids. I told Javier, I said, Javier, our kids. I told Javier, I said, Javier, we need we need to find a team for for we need we need to find a team for for we need we need to find a team for for for our boys, for our girls, you know, for our boys, for our girls, you know, for our boys, for our girls, you know, what what are you going to do? You know, what what are you going to do? You know, what what are you going to do? You know, because he's a soccer guy, right? And because he's a soccer guy, right? And because he's a soccer guy, right? And he's like, I said, "You need to find one he's like, I said, "You need to find one he's like, I said, "You need to find one or we need to, you know, put them or we need to, you know, put them or we need to, you know, put them somewhere, you know, because we need to somewhere, you know, because we need to somewhere, you know, because we need to keep these, you know, our kids active." keep these, you know, our kids active." keep these, you know, our kids active." And then he came one day and he said, "I And then he came one day and he said, "I And then he came one day and he said, "I know what we're going to do. I already know what we're going to do. I already know what we're going to do. I already we're making a team." I said I said, we're making a team." I said I said, we're making a team." I said I said, "Okay." He's like, "Well, but we're "Okay." He's like, "Well, but we're "Okay." He's like, "Well, but we're going to make a team for everybody. going to make a team for everybody. going to make a team for everybody. We're going to make an academy." I said, We're going to make an academy." I said, We're going to make an academy." I said, "No, Javier, we just need a team for our "No, Javier, we just need a team for our "No, Javier, we just need a team for our kids." That's it. He's like, "Yeah, but kids." That's it. He's like, "Yeah, but kids." That's it. He's like, "Yeah, but all the kids want, you know, they want all the kids want, you know, they want all the kids want, you know, they want the same thing, so we're going to do the same thing, so we're going to do the same thing, so we're going to do it." I was like I said, "Okay, okay." it." I was like I said, "Okay, okay." it." I was like I said, "Okay, okay." So, and that's how soccer center was So, and that's how soccer center was So, and that's how soccer center was born, you know, because we were looking born, you know, because we were looking born, you know, because we were looking something for our kids. So, it's it's something for our kids. So, it's it's something for our kids. So, it's it's personal. It's a personal organization, personal. It's a personal organization, personal. It's a personal organization, but it's personal because, you know, but it's personal because, you know, but it's personal because, you know, it's it's our kids. You know, it's Coach it's it's our kids. You know, it's Coach it's it's our kids. You know, it's Coach Ruth. Coach Ruth, um, her son just Ruth. Coach Ruth, um, her son just Ruth. Coach Ruth, um, her son just graduated and he started with us since graduated and he started with us since graduated and he started with us since he was four and he now he's 18, a young he was four and he now he's 18, a young he was four and he now he's 18, a young man and he went through he went through man and he went through he went through man and he went through he went through the program and was and and now he's, the program and was and and now he's, the program and was and and now he's, you know, helping his mom, um, you know, you know, helping his mom, um, you know, you know, helping his mom, um, you know, helping out in the community, you know, helping out in the community, you know, helping out in the community, you know, teaching what he has learned, you know.

teaching what he has learned, you know. teaching what he has learned, you know. So, that's that's uh what we like. So, that's that's uh what we like. So, that's that's uh what we like. That's what we're about, you know, being That's what we're about, you know, being That's what we're about, you know, being engaged in our community in, you know, engaged in our community in, you know, engaged in our community in, you know, here locally, you know, with our inner here locally, you know, with our inner here locally, you know, with our inner city families. city families. city families. >> No, and I love that. I love that. And >> No, and I love that. I love that. And >> No, and I love that. I love that. And so, actually, that is the perfect segue so, actually, that is the perfect segue so, actually, that is the perfect segue to to talk about something that we have to to talk about something that we have to to talk about something that we have been working on that um you know what, been working on that um you know what, been working on that um you know what, how about we play a little video so then how about we play a little video so then how about we play a little video so then that way you can see what we've been up that way you can see what we've been up that way you can see what we've been up to. >> too vocal about it, right? But um yes,

>> too vocal about it, right? But um yes, and everything really does go back to and everything really does go back to and everything really does go back to that mission. And so I just first of all that mission. And so I just first of all that mission. And so I just first of all I just I really want to thank them for I just I really want to thank them for I just I really want to thank them for jumping on board on on this this new jumping on board on on this this new jumping on board on on this this new project that we have um Fubo Paratos project that we have um Fubo Paratos project that we have um Fubo Paratos because truly there there's nobody else because truly there there's nobody else because truly there there's nobody else that I would ever want to partner with that I would ever want to partner with that I would ever want to partner with that wasn't you guys because I know like that wasn't you guys because I know like that wasn't you guys because I know like the heart that's behind everything that the heart that's behind everything that the heart that's behind everything that you guys do. And so you know for these you guys do. And so you know for these you guys do. And so you know for these past Wow we're on week three. For these past Wow we're on week three. For these past Wow we're on week three. For these past three weeks, we have been um at past three weeks, we have been um at past three weeks, we have been um at East Aldine District putting on Fub East Aldine District putting on Fub East Aldine District putting on Fub Paratos, but you know, it's really Paratos, but you know, it's really Paratos, but you know, it's really thanks to them and thanks to them and thanks to them and an incredible coaching staff. Um an incredible coaching staff. Um an incredible coaching staff. Um incredible support from the East Aldine incredible support from the East Aldine incredible support from the East Aldine district because they have they have district because they have they have district because they have they have seen the vision. They they um you know, seen the vision. They they um you know, seen the vision. They they um you know, they full fullheartedly are supporting they full fullheartedly are supporting they full fullheartedly are supporting it. um with actions, with funding and it. um with actions, with funding and it. um with actions, with funding and you now we have green space out there.

you now we have green space out there. you now we have green space out there. We have um you know the funding for We have um you know the funding for We have um you know the funding for coaches to to go and one that first camp coaches to to go and one that first camp coaches to to go and one that first camp it was 100% beginners. it was 100% beginners. it was 100% beginners. >> I still I still can't believe that >> I still I still can't believe that >> I still I still can't believe that because you know I saw them on day one because you know I saw them on day one because you know I saw them on day one and I just thought and I just thought and I just thought how how do you guys do it? I mean how do how how do you guys do it? I mean how do how how do you guys do it? I mean how do you guys do it? like we have. So guys, you guys do it? like we have. So guys, you guys do it? like we have. So guys, day one, six-year-olds to 10 year olds day one, six-year-olds to 10 year olds day one, six-year-olds to 10 year olds all coming together, have absolutely no all coming together, have absolutely no all coming together, have absolutely no experience in soccer, and then somehow experience in soccer, and then somehow experience in soccer, and then somehow by day six, they left not only by day six, they left not only by day six, they left not only understanding the game, but with skills, understanding the game, but with skills, understanding the game, but with skills, obviously still beginners, and wanting obviously still beginners, and wanting obviously still beginners, and wanting to come back. And how do you do that in to come back. And how do you do that in to come back. And how do you do that in six days? Like, how does that happen? six days? Like, how does that happen? six days? Like, how does that happen? Because it's incredible. Because it's incredible. Because it's incredible. >> Well, that's a good question. [laughter] >> Well, that's a good question. [laughter] >> Well, that's a good question. [laughter] No, like it's just natural. The game No, like it's just natural. The game No, like it's just natural. The game itself, it motivates the kids. I I I itself, it motivates the kids. I I I itself, it motivates the kids. I I I measured out five yards yesterday at measured out five yards yesterday at measured out five yards yesterday at that session and I told them, "Look, you that session and I told them, "Look, you that session and I told them, "Look, you can do this in your backyard. You can do can do this in your backyard. You can do can do this in your backyard. You can do this in the living room. You can do this this in the living room. You can do this this in the living room. You can do this in the kitchen. As long as you have like in the kitchen. As long as you have like in the kitchen. As long as you have like three steps, four steps, five steps and three steps, four steps, five steps and three steps, four steps, five steps and and create your own uh movements of the and create your own uh movements of the and create your own uh movements of the game, you know, and and then have this game, you know, and and then have this game, you know, and and then have this technical skills, go at it. And I can technical skills, go at it. And I can technical skills, go at it. And I can see that those kids today and and maybe see that those kids today and and maybe see that those kids today and and maybe later on today they're going to be later on today they're going to be later on today they're going to be practicing practicing practicing >> and I know that that in the end of the >> and I know that that in the end of the >> and I know that that in the end of the week they'll be they'll be getting it week they'll be they'll be getting it week they'll be they'll be getting it better and they'll be getting better and better and they'll be getting better and better and they'll be getting better and they'll be doing more juggles. They'll they'll be doing more juggles. They'll they'll be doing more juggles. They'll be doing more dribbles. They'll be doing be doing more dribbles. They'll be doing be doing more dribbles. They'll be doing their own homework and and and that's their own homework and and and that's their own homework and and and that's going to motivate them to more

going to motivate them to more going to motivate them to more >> to more and to more and and that's >> to more and to more and and that's >> to more and to more and and that's that's just the beauty of the game. So that's just the beauty of the game. So that's just the beauty of the game. So our job is just to let them play, let our job is just to let them play, let our job is just to let them play, let them enjoy it, give them some tasks and them enjoy it, give them some tasks and them enjoy it, give them some tasks and and they'll get it done in itself. I and they'll get it done in itself. I and they'll get it done in itself. I mean it it was beautiful to see that in mean it it was beautiful to see that in mean it it was beautiful to see that in two days, Maria, you you you had it all two days, Maria, you you you had it all two days, Maria, you you you had it all >> sold out. I mean, I'm not saying sold >> sold out. I mean, I'm not saying sold >> sold out. I mean, I'm not saying sold out, but I mean it was it was full to out, but I mean it was it was full to out, but I mean it was it was full to capacity. I said, Maria, it's raining capacity. I said, Maria, it's raining capacity. I said, Maria, it's raining all week. You know, it's raining all all week. You know, it's raining all all week. You know, it's raining all week. [laughter] week. [laughter] week. [laughter] Maria, we don't have that much space. Maria, we don't have that much space. Maria, we don't have that much space. Maria, no, but we already have 60. Maria, no, but we already have 60. Maria, no, but we already have 60. Maria, you know, we don't have we only Maria, you know, we don't have we only Maria, you know, we don't have we only have three three three little spaces of have three three three little spaces of have three three three little spaces of 30 by 30. 30 by 30. 30 by 30. Okay. So, what did I tell the other Okay. So, what did I tell the other Okay. So, what did I tell the other guys? I said, "Well, what how many you guys? I said, "Well, what how many you guys? I said, "Well, what how many you have in the waiting list?" "About 80." have in the waiting list?" "About 80." have in the waiting list?" "About 80." I'm like, "No, we [laughter] I'm like, "No, we [laughter] I'm like, "No, we [laughter] I don't know. We only Okay. So, how many I don't know. We only Okay. So, how many I don't know. We only Okay. So, how many balls we going to get? How many cones we balls we going to get? How many cones we balls we going to get? How many cones we going to need? Bibs and all." And like, going to need? Bibs and all." And like, going to need? Bibs and all." And like, "How many coaches will you you want me "How many coaches will you you want me "How many coaches will you you want me to take?" And and all these coaches are to take?" And and all these coaches are to take?" And and all these coaches are pretty cert they're they're certified. pretty cert they're they're certified. pretty cert they're they're certified. They're licensed. They they well known.

They're licensed. They they well known. They're licensed. They they well known. And and I told him I told him straight And and I told him I told him straight And and I told him I told him straight out, look, let the game teach them. No, out, look, let the game teach them. No, out, look, let the game teach them. No, don't don't go out there and and and and don't don't go out there and and and and don't don't go out there and and and and and and and be a a drill two, drill four, drill be a a drill two, drill four, drill be a a drill two, drill four, drill five, drill. Let the game play. Let them five, drill. Let the game play. Let them five, drill. Let the game play. Let them play. Let them have fun. play. Let them have fun. play. Let them have fun. >> Do a basic warm-up and activation and >> Do a basic warm-up and activation and >> Do a basic warm-up and activation and and drop back, quiet down, let them and drop back, quiet down, let them and drop back, quiet down, let them play. play. play. >> And that's what we've been doing. So, >> And that's what we've been doing. So, >> And that's what we've been doing. So, yeah, thank you, Maria. Thank you for yeah, thank you, Maria. Thank you for yeah, thank you, Maria. Thank you for the invitation. Thank you for trusting the invitation. Thank you for trusting the invitation. Thank you for trusting us. I mean, we're having a blast. I'm us. I mean, we're having a blast. I'm us. I mean, we're having a blast. I'm I'm already looking into tomorrow. And I'm already looking into tomorrow. And I'm already looking into tomorrow. And I'm like, Marta, don't remind me to be I'm like, Marta, don't remind me to be I'm like, Marta, don't remind me to be ready for that for for the camp and and ready for that for for the camp and and ready for that for for the camp and and and I'm ready to go. And she she's like, and I'm ready to go. And she she's like, and I'm ready to go. And she she's like, "Oh, you're looking like you you're "Oh, you're looking like you you're "Oh, you're looking like you you're you're beginning coaching." I'm like, you're beginning coaching." I'm like, you're beginning coaching." I'm like, "I'm so excited for this." And the kids "I'm so excited for this." And the kids "I'm so excited for this." And the kids are happy and the kids are having fun. are happy and the kids are having fun. are happy and the kids are having fun. >> And the parents >> And the parents >> And the parents >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> And the parents >> And the parents >> And the parents >> the parents are on the sideline >> the parents are on the sideline >> the parents are on the sideline cheering, flipping, and I'm like, "Oh, cheering, flipping, and I'm like, "Oh, cheering, flipping, and I'm like, "Oh, this is so beautiful." I hope I hope it this is so beautiful." I hope I hope it this is so beautiful." I hope I hope it continues. I hope uh it doesn't continues. I hope uh it doesn't continues. I hope uh it doesn't contaminate uh the the game and the kids contaminate uh the the game and the kids contaminate uh the the game and the kids be transparent and and and don't take be transparent and and and don't take be transparent and and and don't take that smile away. It's beautiful to see that smile away. It's beautiful to see that smile away. It's beautiful to see them.

them. them. >> No, it's incredible. I mean, um I just >> No, it's incredible. I mean, um I just >> No, it's incredible. I mean, um I just remember the first day we went in there remember the first day we went in there remember the first day we went in there and everybody was kind of, you know, and everybody was kind of, you know, and everybody was kind of, you know, like holding themselves back, I would like holding themselves back, I would like holding themselves back, I would say, because they they just they kind of say, because they they just they kind of say, because they they just they kind of let it let it happen, right, as as it let it let it happen, right, as as it let it let it happen, right, as as it needed to. But by day two, you had needed to. But by day two, you had needed to. But by day two, you had parents that were getting there early parents that were getting there early parents that were getting there early with their kids and then they would with their kids and then they would with their kids and then they would start practicing on the field with them, start practicing on the field with them, start practicing on the field with them, you know, um they would kind of kick the you know, um they would kind of kick the you know, um they would kind of kick the ball around. And so by day six, you also ball around. And so by day six, you also ball around. And so by day six, you also had grandparents, you had uncles, I had grandparents, you had uncles, I had grandparents, you had uncles, I mean, you had everybody. And it was just mean, you had everybody. And it was just mean, you had everybody. And it was just so beautiful to see that. And now, you so beautiful to see that. And now, you so beautiful to see that. And now, you know, we're on camp 2, which is for the know, we're on camp 2, which is for the know, we're on camp 2, which is for the uh 11 to 15 year olds. But again, we're uh 11 to 15 year olds. But again, we're uh 11 to 15 year olds. But again, we're just seeing how community is really just seeing how community is really just seeing how community is really coming together and um loving the sport. coming together and um loving the sport. coming together and um loving the sport. We're hearing amazing feedback. Um, but We're hearing amazing feedback. Um, but We're hearing amazing feedback. Um, but and this is what needs to happen, right? and this is what needs to happen, right? and this is what needs to happen, right? We just had a World Cup and and and some We just had a World Cup and and and some We just had a World Cup and and and some of these kids, that's how they were of these kids, that's how they were of these kids, that's how they were introduced to it and now they want to introduced to it and now they want to introduced to it and now they want to play and now they are getting an play and now they are getting an play and now they are getting an opportunity to do that in an environment opportunity to do that in an environment opportunity to do that in an environment that really is about the heart and soul that really is about the heart and soul that really is about the heart and soul and the joy of the game. So, no, this is and the joy of the game. So, no, this is and the joy of the game. So, no, this is a very exciting project for us and um a very exciting project for us and um a very exciting project for us and um you know, I I think that yes, we wanted you know, I I think that yes, we wanted you know, I I think that yes, we wanted to continue and hopefully continue to to continue and hopefully continue to to continue and hopefully continue to grow, but I I just I grow, but I I just I grow, but I I just I I felt like this was a perfect way to I felt like this was a perfect way to I felt like this was a perfect way to kind of like, you know, [laughter] kind of like, you know, [laughter] kind of like, you know, [laughter] uh end our end our um our interview uh end our end our um our interview uh end our end our um our interview because yeah, you guys have been doing because yeah, you guys have been doing because yeah, you guys have been doing so much for so long and now, you know,

so much for so long and now, you know, so much for so long and now, you know, we're we're getting a chance to work we're we're getting a chance to work we're we're getting a chance to work together on this project and Um and then together on this project and Um and then together on this project and Um and then even for me like you guys are bringing even for me like you guys are bringing even for me like you guys are bringing back like that that joy of of the game. back like that that joy of of the game. back like that that joy of of the game. So no this is a really cool this is So no this is a really cool this is So no this is a really cool this is really fun and thank you guys. really fun and thank you guys. really fun and thank you guys. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> No I think I think uh kudos to East >> No I think I think uh kudos to East >> No I think I think uh kudos to East Aling and all the representatives and Aling and all the representatives and Aling and all the representatives and all the help that we've been getting all the help that we've been getting all the help that we've been getting from um the community to make this from um the community to make this from um the community to make this happen because it's definitely brought happen because it's definitely brought happen because it's definitely brought us back to the beginning of Lidan. And I us back to the beginning of Lidan. And I us back to the beginning of Lidan. And I told Javier the other day I said it told Javier the other day I said it told Javier the other day I said it reminds me so much of Lanita. you know, reminds me so much of Lanita. you know, reminds me so much of Lanita. you know, the parents coming together, they have the parents coming together, they have the parents coming together, they have their tins or the caritos that, you their tins or the caritos that, you their tins or the caritos that, you know, they come and and just sit down know, they come and and just sit down know, they come and and just sit down and, you know, and let their kids play. and, you know, and let their kids play. and, you know, and let their kids play. But that's that's the the the um But that's that's the the the um But that's that's the the the um what what happens when you give the what what happens when you give the what what happens when you give the community you know a place to play when community you know a place to play when community you know a place to play when you give the kids that you know when you you give the kids that you know when you you give the kids that you know when you I mean it's soccer itself will bring the I mean it's soccer itself will bring the I mean it's soccer itself will bring the rest you know but um it's you know but rest you know but um it's you know but rest you know but um it's you know but thanks for the community for you know thanks for the community for you know thanks for the community for you know believing for wanting um and and and believing for wanting um and and and believing for wanting um and and and hopefully you know it can continue um hopefully you know it can continue um hopefully you know it can continue um because there's a lot of potential with because there's a lot of potential with because there's a lot of potential with like you said there was a lot of kids like you said there was a lot of kids like you said there was a lot of kids who've never ever played the sport you who've never ever played the sport you who've never ever played the sport you know so um and and it's It's such a know so um and and it's It's such a know so um and and it's It's such a wonderful feeling when you know you see wonderful feeling when you know you see wonderful feeling when you know you see it in their eyes and they you know they it in their eyes and they you know they it in their eyes and they you know they all the excitement and they come early all the excitement and they come early all the excitement and they come early you know and and bring their water and you know and and bring their water and you know and and bring their water and ready to you know to come and kick the ready to you know to come and kick the ready to you know to come and kick the ball you know so but ball you know so but ball you know so but >> it's true >> it's true >> it's true >> but definitely thanks to you know East >> but definitely thanks to you know East >> but definitely thanks to you know East Aldine district for all their support.

Aldine district for all their support. Aldine district for all their support. Yeah, East Aldine. East Aldine has been Yeah, East Aldine. East Aldine has been Yeah, East Aldine. East Aldine has been very critical in this. But also want to very critical in this. But also want to very critical in this. But also want to give a shout out to uh Shirley Rono with give a shout out to uh Shirley Rono with give a shout out to uh Shirley Rono with the uh department, the Houston the uh department, the Houston the uh department, the Houston department of transformation because department of transformation because department of transformation because that was, you know, how we kind of got that was, you know, how we kind of got that was, you know, how we kind of got connected and we were able to do that connected and we were able to do that connected and we were able to do that first um football takeover which I'm first um football takeover which I'm first um football takeover which I'm wearing the shirt. I'm wearing the wearing the shirt. I'm wearing the wearing the shirt. I'm wearing the shirt, guys. You know, we did the the shirt, guys. You know, we did the the shirt, guys. You know, we did the the East Aldian football takeover uh last East Aldian football takeover uh last East Aldian football takeover uh last year. Actually, that's how it all year. Actually, that's how it all year. Actually, that's how it all started. We did the we we did this started. We did the we we did this started. We did the we we did this event. It was a one-day clinic. What two event. It was a one-day clinic. What two event. It was a one-day clinic. What two hours out in in the in the cold in hours out in in the in the cold in hours out in in the in the cold in December and um and we just knew that we December and um and we just knew that we December and um and we just knew that we wanted to again, you know, bring bring wanted to again, you know, bring bring wanted to again, you know, bring bring this fun type of soccer um environment this fun type of soccer um environment this fun type of soccer um environment to the community and East Aldine to the community and East Aldine to the community and East Aldine district they supported. Then they saw, district they supported. Then they saw, district they supported. Then they saw, you know, the impact that it had on a you know, the impact that it had on a you know, the impact that it had on a very cold day where we had what, 140 very cold day where we had what, 140 very cold day where we had what, 140 kids that had signed up and it was the kids that had signed up and it was the kids that had signed up and it was the coldest day of last year, but we still coldest day of last year, but we still coldest day of last year, but we still had about 60 that came through.

had about 60 that came through. had about 60 that came through. >> Yeah. And you know, when they saw that >> Yeah. And you know, when they saw that >> Yeah. And you know, when they saw that they were like, "Oh, okay. We we we we they were like, "Oh, okay. We we we we they were like, "Oh, okay. We we we we get it." And now we're here. We we're get it." And now we're here. We we're get it." And now we're here. We we're we're we're building this hopefully we're we're building this hopefully we're we're building this hopefully again grow it and Yeah. No, but it's again grow it and Yeah. No, but it's again grow it and Yeah. No, but it's definitely a team effort and um and very definitely a team effort and um and very definitely a team effort and um and very very important work that you know very important work that you know very important work that you know continues to happen in the community. continues to happen in the community. continues to happen in the community. But thank you guys. Thank you guys so But thank you guys. Thank you guys so But thank you guys. Thank you guys so much. Um can will you guys stay on for much. Um can will you guys stay on for much. Um can will you guys stay on for for the rest? We just have a couple of for the rest? We just have a couple of for the rest? We just have a couple of another little segment before we we another little segment before we we another little segment before we we close out the the um the show. close out the the um the show. close out the the um the show. >> Yes, of course. Uh we we got we were >> Yes, of course. Uh we we got we were >> Yes, of course. Uh we we got we were promised some tacos and some [laughter] promised some tacos and some [laughter] promised some tacos and some [laughter] Yes, definitely. We're here. We're here Yes, definitely. We're here. We're here Yes, definitely. We're here. We're here to stay, too. You guys let us know. to stay, too. You guys let us know. to stay, too. You guys let us know. >> Well, um All right. I will make sure >> Well, um All right. I will make sure >> Well, um All right. I will make sure about the papooseas because I don't know about the papooseas because I don't know about the papooseas because I don't know about tacos. [laughter] >> Um so, so the first show we had Katiea, >> Um so, so the first show we had Katiea, she's um with Enya Photo and we asked she's um with Enya Photo and we asked she's um with Enya Photo and we asked her, "Hey, can you she's a sports her, "Hey, can you she's a sports her, "Hey, can you she's a sports photojournalist and can you give us the photojournalist and can you give us the photojournalist and can you give us the photo of the week?" And so this this photo of the week?" And so this this photo of the week?" And so this this week she actually gave us two. And um week she actually gave us two. And um week she actually gave us two. And um this is gonna be kind of like a what do this is gonna be kind of like a what do this is gonna be kind of like a what do you call it? A in infraanti like a you call it? A in infraanti like a you call it? A in infraanti like a candid candid shot. Yeah. So if we can candid candid shot. Yeah. So if we can candid candid shot. Yeah. So if we can go and show this week's um Enya photo of go and show this week's um Enya photo of go and show this week's um Enya photo of the week the week the week >> and you might see a familiar face there.

>> and you might see a familiar face there. >> and you might see a familiar face there. [laughter] >> So Katie was out at um at the event on >> So Katie was out at um at the event on Saturday, the last day of camp one. And Saturday, the last day of camp one. And Saturday, the last day of camp one. And so she took that picture and this is a so she took that picture and this is a so she took that picture and this is a picture that uh where coach Javier was picture that uh where coach Javier was picture that uh where coach Javier was with the rest of the staff talking to with the rest of the staff talking to with the rest of the staff talking to the kids um as we were kind of wrapping the kids um as we were kind of wrapping the kids um as we were kind of wrapping up. I think we were about to do the up. I think we were about to do the up. I think we were about to do the presentation. Um we presented all of the presentation. Um we presented all of the presentation. Um we presented all of the kids with uh like a player card and and kids with uh like a player card and and kids with uh like a player card and and some gifts and you know East Aldine some gifts and you know East Aldine some gifts and you know East Aldine District uh Representative Veronica was District uh Representative Veronica was District uh Representative Veronica was there as well. And so this was right there as well. And so this was right there as well. And so this was right before what will be our second shot of before what will be our second shot of before what will be our second shot of the week um or photo of the week. And the week um or photo of the week. And the week um or photo of the week. And that's the the team photo that we had that's the the team photo that we had that's the the team photo that we had with everybody that participated that with everybody that participated that with everybody that participated that day. But no, it's just beautiful, day. But no, it's just beautiful, day. But no, it's just beautiful, beautiful to see how um this was the beautiful to see how um this was the beautiful to see how um this was the last day. This and this group of kids, last day. This and this group of kids, last day. This and this group of kids, they are ready. They are ready to come they are ready. They are ready to come they are ready. They are ready to come back. They want to be out on the soccer back. They want to be out on the soccer back. They want to be out on the soccer field. Um, actually a couple of them field. Um, actually a couple of them field. Um, actually a couple of them were there yesterday because their older were there yesterday because their older were there yesterday because their older siblings are now in the camp.

siblings are now in the camp. siblings are now in the camp. >> And it was funny because you know the >> And it was funny because you know the >> And it was funny because you know the twins, the twins, the twins, the >> the >> the >> the lasikitos. lasikitos. lasikitos. >> Um, so their older brother is now in the >> Um, so their older brother is now in the >> Um, so their older brother is now in the camp and he he was the first one there. camp and he he was the first one there. camp and he he was the first one there. >> And I told him, "You're ready for the >> And I told him, "You're ready for the >> And I told him, "You're ready for the camp, huh? Cuz it's your turn." He's camp, huh? Cuz it's your turn." He's camp, huh? Cuz it's your turn." He's like, "Yeah." [laughter] like, "Yeah." [laughter] like, "Yeah." [laughter] >> So, no, it's it's really fun. It's >> So, no, it's it's really fun. It's >> So, no, it's it's really fun. It's really fun that, you know, we get to really fun that, you know, we get to really fun that, you know, we get to share all of this. But, um, yeah. No, share all of this. But, um, yeah. No, share all of this. But, um, yeah. No, thank you guys. Thank you so much for thank you guys. Thank you so much for thank you guys. Thank you so much for being here today, sharing your um your being here today, sharing your um your being here today, sharing your um your journey and then also um you know, just journey and then also um you know, just journey and then also um you know, just sharing with us what what you're up to sharing with us what what you're up to sharing with us what what you're up to and and kind of like what where you and and kind of like what where you and and kind of like what where you continue to go with uh with Soccer continue to go with uh with Soccer continue to go with uh with Soccer Central, Fireball, and all of the Central, Fireball, and all of the Central, Fireball, and all of the different projects that you guys are different projects that you guys are different projects that you guys are working on. working on. working on. >> Well, I don't know if it's a it's a >> Well, I don't know if it's a it's a >> Well, I don't know if it's a it's a marathon, a big journey. I don't know if marathon, a big journey. I don't know if marathon, a big journey. I don't know if when to speed up or when to slow down. when to speed up or when to slow down. when to speed up or when to slow down. We're having a blast. Hopefully we We're having a blast. Hopefully we We're having a blast. Hopefully we continue to do this and hopefully uh God continue to do this and hopefully uh God continue to do this and hopefully uh God willing uh you guys uh can bring in more willing uh you guys uh can bring in more willing uh you guys uh can bring in more people to help out and and and iron people to help out and and and iron people to help out and and and iron things up and organize the competitions, things up and organize the competitions, things up and organize the competitions, organize the levels of game. Uh but organize the levels of game. Uh but organize the levels of game. Uh but don't take that away. Don't take the fun don't take that away. Don't take the fun don't take that away. Don't take the fun away. Don't take the joy away. Please away. Don't take the joy away. Please away. Don't take the joy away. Please bring it back. H all those lesson plans bring it back. H all those lesson plans bring it back. H all those lesson plans that you guys have sometimes put them that you guys have sometimes put them that you guys have sometimes put them throw them away and and and just be throw them away and and and just be throw them away and and and just be yourselves. Go out there and have fun yourselves. Go out there and have fun yourselves. Go out there and have fun with the kids if you're not having fun with the kids if you're not having fun with the kids if you're not having fun and you're getting paid for. Uh it's no and you're getting paid for. Uh it's no and you're getting paid for. Uh it's no fun. Uh go go out there and have fun, fun. Uh go go out there and have fun, fun. Uh go go out there and have fun, please guys. Uh go back to to coaching.

please guys. Uh go back to to coaching. please guys. Uh go back to to coaching. Love the game. Make sure the kids are Love the game. Make sure the kids are Love the game. Make sure the kids are are loving the game like you and are loving the game like you and are loving the game like you and everybody's going to be very happy. everybody's going to be very happy. everybody's going to be very happy. Thank you, Maria. Thank you for having Thank you, Maria. Thank you for having Thank you, Maria. Thank you for having us. And us. And us. And >> yeah, thank you. >> yeah, thank you. >> yeah, thank you. >> Thank you guys. And so remember um we >> Thank you guys. And so remember um we >> Thank you guys. And so remember um we are here every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. are here every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. are here every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. We are here at Innovation Studio. So um We are here at Innovation Studio. So um We are here at Innovation Studio. So um yeah, thanks and join us again next yeah, thanks and join us again next yeah, thanks and join us again next week. But yeah, no. So you guys are week. But yeah, no. So you guys are week. But yeah, no. So you guys are ready for um for camp next for camp ready for um for camp next for camp ready for um for camp next for camp tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. >> I think you were asking us if we're >> I think you were asking us if we're >> I think you were asking us if we're ready for the tacos or the babooas. ready for the tacos or the babooas. ready for the tacos or the babooas. >> Tacos or babooseas. All right, we'll get >> Tacos or babooseas. All right, we'll get >> Tacos or babooseas. All right, we'll get that. [laughter] That's it. That's it. >> Oh, I forgot.