The Guadalajara Reporter

Lakeside soccer league helps keep kids off the streets

An enthusiastic crowd gathered in San Juan Cosala last Friday to honor the young members of the Jugandos Unidos Soccer League.

Juan Tolentino spoke in Spanish and Alicia Salcido translated into English as brand new uniforms and boots were distributed to the smiling players.

With concern over rising crime in the lakeside community, promoting sports is one way of keeping local kids out of trouble. The soccer league for youth of all ages was founded in October 2011 with the aim of fighting vandalism, burglary, gang participation and drug addiction.

It has already yielded impressive results, with members showing increased respect for their elders, peers, and themselves, say those involved in the project.

The league consists of 12 teams, who had all been playing soccer without proper shoes or uniforms. Generous donations from local businesses such as Viva Mexico Restaurant and the Raquet Club have helped provide some of this equipment, which helps instill a sense of unity and pride among the young players.

But more donations are needed to keep the kids involved. For 7,000 pesos, sponsors can help by outfitting a team with boots and uniforms that will display their logo or the name of their enterprise. For those who cannot afford sponsorship, any donation will be greatly appreciated.

The kids participating in the league will benefit in many ways: each team will have professional coaching, coaches will promote sportsmanship, fair play, honesty and moral values; older players will act as role models for younger players; and counseling will be provided for all players.

Each team has around 15 players, plus a coach. They play on Saturdays and Sundays next to the San Juan Cosala Malecon.

To make a donation, contact Judy at 387-761-0199 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Alicia at 387-761-0185, 915-613-0234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; or John at 387-761-0041 or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .