WATSONVILLE — In the nine years since its inception, Aztecas Soccer Club has kept young people from the draw of criminal street gangs by keeping them busy with games and practices and giving them academic support.
Founder Gina Castañeda estimated that 250 young people have been a part of the group, some of whom were probationers headed for a life of crime. Now, some are in college, while others are finding success in their own lives, she said.
Angel Hernandez, a Watsonville High School junior, said he was failing his classes in middle school and was often out with his friends, “causing trouble.”
That changed when he joined Aztecas. He now earns A’s and B’s, and plays on the school’s soccer team.
“Aztecas helped me get on track,” he said.
Now, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), has taken notice of the group’s success.
With the Gold Cup finals in full swing, and the finals at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 26, CONCACAF plans to give a helping hand of its own.
The organization, which serves as the international governing body for soccer groups throughout the Americas, will donate its time and financial resources to refurbish a soccer field at Pinto Lake County Park with new sod, grass and two sets of goals.
“That’s going to be amazing for the community,” Castañeda said. “That field is used year-round, and we’re really in dire need for soccer fields in this community.”
In addition, the organization will send renowned goalkeepers Adolfo Ríos, Tony Meola and Brad Friedel to coach 15 Aztecas players.
“When they first contacted me, I was in shock,” Castañeda said. “This doesn’t happen to just anyone.”
Castañeda said she created Aztecas Soccer Club after a group of young men in her charge expressed an interest in playing the game.
In addition to the group’s year-round activities for high school-aged players, Aztecas offers a summer camp, a three-year-old program that consistently has a waiting list.
Some 140 children aged 7-14 were at Pajaro Park on Monday, running through drills under the tutelage of the young Aztecas players and seasoned college students.
Hall District Elementary School student Penelope Torres, 7, was returning to the camp after enjoying it last year.
“I play soccer usually, and I came here because I wanted to learn new skills,” she said.
Pajaro Middle School student Giovanni Sanchez, 13, said he has attended the summer camp every year.
“I have a lot of friends to play with,” he said. “We have fun and the coaches are helpful.”
Despite the group’s success on and off the soccer field, organizers still found themselves scrambling for the needed donations, Castañeda said.
“It almost didn’t happen this year,” she said.
The program was rescued by donations from the Freedom and San Martin Lions clubs, and from Sunridge Farms.
Castañeda, who herself came from a troubled childhood, said she hopes to keep providing the opportunity for her players for as long as she can.
“Someone gave me the opportunity, and now I’m giving them an opportunity,” she said. “And they will make it. If you give kids an opportunity, they will thrive.”
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To make a donation to Aztecas Soccer Club, call 763-8018 or email Gi************@sa*************.us.
