Futbol — a very big deal at Pomolita!
Oftentimes, while passing by the athletic fields on Cypress Avenue of the gorgeous west-side of Ukiah town in the past 8 years I had dodged the tight parking and hustling families intent on going to practice…..and so I decided to see what all the hubbub was about.
So, I ambled out to the soccer venue at Pomolita Middle School and immediately two uniformed and properly masked boys, perhaps 6 years old asked me, “Hey, do we need our temperatures taken?” I was flattered to imagine my ancientness would qualify as a knowledgeable coach-like creature to these health compliant young “futbol” aficionados in the year of the great pandemic. I shrugged and pointed to Coach Shane Huff, about 20 meters away.
After Shane finished up with the health protocols, he began to explain the excitement.
“It’s a high priority for my family to pay the price ... because they leave their phones, it’s very healthy, they learn the sport, and have more friends and discipline.”
— Coach Shane Huff
“Well, it all began in 2013 when my brother in law, Joe Munoz and I started the Mendocino Soccer Academy Club,” related Huff. “It includes about 50-60 kids between 10-14 years in the morning and 50-60 others between 3-10 years of age in the afternoon; every Saturday. “There’s a lot of happiness and joy for what is being offered out here.”
“In fact, our Anthony Tinejero, a sophomore on the UHS soccer team played here as a little boy. He’s returning as allleague and is one of the strongest players our program has ever produced, and is also on the select team.” Come to find out that nearly all of the current boys and girls programs at Ukiah High have participated in this community-wide effort in their youth.
I took the next logical step and approached one of the fathers on the sidelines. Marcos Aquillar hails from Urapan, Michoacan, and his sons (Marcos, Jr13 and Julien-10) are presently involved in the Mendocino Soccer Academy. He was watching both boys in training. “I’ve been here 18 years now and the boys started soccer when they were each 5 years old. My daughter, Amanda, 3 is dribbling the ball around the front room already and will begin when she reaches 5.” Marcos got to know Huff while playing soccer at Mendocino College, and continues his play in the men’s league (as soon as the pandemic lifts).
“It’s a high priority for my family to pay the price ($75 for two practices per week- every 6 weeks plus an app that stresses skills), because they leave their phones, it’s very healthy, they learn the sport, and have more friends and discipline. Even though his wife doesn’t like soccer, she’s cooperative because she knows it is good for the boys,” he stated in closing.
The club teams play a full schedule during a typical year, matching up with teams around the bay area, like Napa, San Francisco, Marin, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and San Jose.
**Remember, 1,800 local newspapers have died in the past 15 years. Hopefully, you pay for your subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal. Freedom of Speech right here in Ukiah.