Los Lobitos: The Story Behind Hacienda’s First Soccer Team

UPDATE 6.22: Our Lobitos team participated in the Oregon United Cup tournament in Beaverton. The team worked hard all season and took second place in their first weekend tournament ever! We are so proud of los Lobitos!

Hacienda’s children’s soccer team, Los Lobitos, was brought to life in our Plaza de Los Robles community thanks to the hard work and dedication of our coach, Jose Guadalupe Vazquez, and our Youth & Family Services team.

Read more of Jose’s story and what this team means to him, our youth and their families, and the community at large.

by coach Jose Guadalupe Vazquez

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One afternoon when I returned from a day of work, very tired indeed, I saw two children playing soccer, when I saw them I remembered how happy that sport has made me. I remembered in an instant my childhood and youth, in which I discovered that I had many skills and that gave me a lot of satisfaction; and as an adult the opportunity to meet many professional athletes. Unfortunately, due to my work responsibilities I had no longer been able to practice.

That was how our conversation about soccer began and I decided to find my soccer ball and go out and play with the kids for a while. We started exchanging passes and I showed them some plays and tricks with the ball. One of these children was very moved and asked me if I coached children, and I replied that in Mexico and Washington I had coached some teams. We kept playing and I quickly saw myself reflected in that little boy.

He then asked me, “Can you train us?” And I didn't have to think long before I said yes. Immediately his next question was, “How much are you going to charge us?” I smiled. The thought of playing with them had rewarded me enough, and I replied that I would not charge them anything.

“...little by little they have learned about discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and of course, playing soccer. ”

Hearing my answer, he said, “I’ll be right back”. And I continued with my day. Five minutes later the doorbell rang, I opened the door and there were four smiling children accompanied the little boy and he excitedly told them that I would train them. That day I made not one but five little friends and days later I found myself surrounded by children who wanted to play soccer. That was how I met the children of Plaza Los Robles.

Sometimes I came back from work late, very tired, and no longer wanting to do anything, but as soon as the children saw me, they asked me if we could train, at that moment I forgot my tiredness and went out to play with them for a while. Little by little, the garden of the Plaza couldn’t fit us all, and the neighbors could no longer stand the balls hitting their doors and windows at all hours, so we decided to go play on the Middle School sports field. We would bike every Saturday and Sunday to the field. The neighbors looked at us curious to know where those children went every weekend and when they asked the kids shouted, “Vamos a jugar futbol!".

It has been a slow progress at first, because they thought that training was just some passing of the ball, but little by little they have learned about discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and of course, playing soccer. More boys and girls have joined since the small group began, which they did not like very much at first, but little by little they earned their place and respect. And they have also surprised me because they have started to train the little ones who also want to play soccer.

“ My hope is that tomorrow will be rewarded because of what we do for the children today.”

I am very happy to know that they get along, at least that is my perception, and as some parents have told me, the children who never used to let go of their cell phones or tablets now go out to play much more.

We are so thrilled to have the new uniforms, balls, and equipment to be able to train and are thankful for everything Hacienda does to continue supporting Latino children, so that they have activities that empower them and help us grow as a community. My hope is that tomorrow will be rewarded because of what we do for the children today.

Lobitos, enjoy your family, play a lot— and get ready because next year we will continue with our efforts!