CONCRETE STREETS AND EUPHORIC BEATS: ASHLEE WATKINS’ LOVE FOR THE GAME
“Ever since I was a kid, playing soccer gave me a sense of euphoria. Like an addiction,” she starts. “I make sure to squeeze it in when I have free time.”
CONCRETE RELIEF: GABE’S ESCAPE TO THE COURT
These groups are built on pure passion for the game and love for our city.
As Harvey puts it, “almost everything in America is a money grab…having organized AND free activity…brings together the whole city.”
CONCRETE VIBES: OLIVA’S WORK-LIFE BALANCE STARTS WITH A BALL
Calderone joined Chicano Futsal’s pickup community by chance after hearing about it from her old neighbors – and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I enjoy playing in this community,” Calderone states.
MORE THAN A GAME: HOW JASMINE RIOS FINDS PEACE ON CONCRETE
For Rios soccer offers far more than just physical benefits.
“Soccer is so important to me because it’s a way for me to express myself and be at peace”.
CONCRETE TRADITION: JAKE COLLINS’ RHYTHM AROUND THE GAME
Now a regular at the courts, Collins understands why groups like these are important to our communities.
“The make-up of players I meet on any given weekend varies wildly,” he reflects. “Kids, parents, Americans, people from other countries, people in different tax brackets, none of that outweighs the bond we all have through the sport when we’re playing.”
FROM PRO FIELDS TO CONCRETE STREETS: CHRISTOPHER RIBÉT'S JOURNEY
“[Soccer] gives me a piece of freedom. Whatever is going on in life, work, etc., can all be put to the side for that 2 hours on the field or court. It gives me pure joy to showcase my skills after a long day of busy work.” - Christopher Ribét.