This article appears in the Fall 2023 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.

This past July, the U19 FCA Sports soccer team from Coachella Valley, California, played in the U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS) National Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. 

The players qualified for Nationals after becoming the regional finalists following a match in Idaho. They traveled to Orlando to play for the USYS National Title. 

Each year, approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams compete against the best in the national amongst 13U-19U boys and girls. 

The Coachella Valley FCA Soccer Club was amongst the top talent competing in 2023. 

Life Changing
After three matches, the boys didn't advance, but they took home a life-changing experience. 

Player Christian Gonzalez was given an Honorable Mention in the 2023 National Championship Awards.

Gospel-Centered
In addition to helping them hone their soccer skills, the coaches incorporated prayer and Huddle time into the experience. 

Coaches Alexander Munoz-Maldonado, Ramon Quintana and Manuel Hurtado, and manager Jose Valencia, traveled with the boys and led them through their first major national competition. 

"Using the E3 process, we have spent several seasons engaging and equipping our 04 boys team with an understanding of the Gospel. Going to Nationals was a great chance to focus on empowering. John 17:18 was printed on the back of their warm-up shirts and became a reminder that they are sent by Jesus to make a difference. Seeing these players stick with our team and develop into mature, Gospel-centered athletes is great. I pray that they will pass on what they learned to the next generation." --Coach Manuel Hurtado

Learn more:
Learn more about the Coachella Valley FCA Sports Club at socalfcasoccer.org. 

Photos courtesy of Mat Casner