CONCRETE STREETS AND EUPHORIC BEATS: ASHLEE WATKINS’ LOVE FOR THE GAME

Meet Ashlee.

Euphoria – that feeling you get when you step onto the pitch. That is Ashlee Watkins’ connection to the game.

Watkins' journey with soccer began when she was six years old. She has continued to play because of the indescribable feeling it brings. 

“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.” 

As a teacher, Watkins balances her busy schedule with a dedicated routine. Waking up early, going to work, and playing pickup.

“I usually wake up around 6am to walk my dog, cook and eat breakfast, go teach, come home, clean, eat, take my dog out again, and then go to futsal.”

Before finding San Diego’s Pickup Collective, Watkins played indoor 7v7 with a group she found in Point Loma. After playing with them for a year, the field closed due to renovation. During this time, Watkins learned about Chicano Futsal and began playing with them. 

Watkins has now played with the group for almost two years. Chicano Futsal offers an environment where people can find joy and togetherness. 

As Watkins puts it, “it’s competitive, but also laid back… and I’ve met a lot of cool people while playing.”

In these spaces, the game thrives because these free-to-play communities are melting pots for different styles of play. 

“Free access to soccer is important because it gives everyone an opportunity to play,” Watkins begins. “You get to play against a lot of different players with different skills and playing styles.”

The concrete is joy, it is where we go to find that unmatched feeling of peace.