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A Hollister youth will soon be leaving for a unique opportunity with Club America Nido of San Jose, getting to travel to Mexico City to train and participate in a soccer tournament.
Roman Figueroa, a defensive left wing who has played soccer since he was five, has gone from playing for a Hollister recreation team to playing on the Legends team in San Jose. He also played for the Hollister Tremors up until last year.
Now, he will have the chance to show his skills on the international field, his mom Tanyia Figueroa said. She is also looking for help from the community to assist with her son’s journey.
With trip expenses totaling $3,020, Figueroa said she is in the process of fundraising and looking for sponsorships.
She said sponsors will have their names printed on his uniform and fan apparel. They will also receive recognition on social media.
Roman is holding a raffle for two gift baskets, each with a $200 to $300 average value.
Tanyia said Blessings on Blessings, the Junior Davila Foundation, wrote the young player a check to fund his trip.
Other sponsors included Fosters Freeze with a $100 gift card donation, Faith and Flex Designs, the Koehn family, the Frank family, the Figueroa family, Superior Painting Company and Grocery Outlet.
“It’s been really nice,” Tanyia said of the local support.
She said her son travels to San Jose five days a week, three of which are for practice and two of which are for games. “I’m proud of him,” she said of his commitment.
The Legends team, she said, is undefeated and has also won a spot in their State Cup.
Roman’s trip to Mexico City will be his first time out of the country, Tanyia said.
The team will leave on Nov. 11 and training will begin on Nov. 12. The tournament portion will take place on Nov. 12, 13, and 14, and if the team makes the finals on Nov. 15. Tanyia Figueroa said the team will train and play in the professional Club America stadium.
“He can’t wait to play in the stadium,” she said, adding that Roman hopes to see some professional players and get autographs.
She also noted that professional scouts are expected to attend the tournament.
The tournament organizers, she said, will pick the top three players from each team to play in a national tournament in Texas. She said Roman, along with his teammates, are all looking forward to it, as well as a winter tournament in Palm Springs.
To support Roman’s travel to Mexico City, contact Tanyia Figueroa at (831) 664-6664.
The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.
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