‘It means a lot to us'
Hispanic influence helps indoor soccer have rapid growth
Hispanic influence helps indoor soccer have rapid growth
By Zach West
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Published: November 6, 2007
When Luis Hernandez moved from Mexico to Oklahoma City 14 years ago, there weren't many other Hispanics to play soccer with. Standing inside OKC Indoor Soccer Arena on a recent Monday night, the 29-year-old construction worker couldn't help but marvel at how times have changed.
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Jose Augrriga, right, battles with Genaro Ceja during a game. BY JOHN CLANTON, THE OKLAHOMAN
Get your kicks
•OKC Indoor Soccer Arena's next season will begin the week before Thanksgiving, with men's, women's, co-ed and youth leagues available on several different nights of the week. Anyone interested in participating should call 942-1717 after 5 p.m. in early November. Let's Play is located at 100 N McCormick in Oklahoma City, near the intersection of Reno and MacArthur Boulevard.
•To register a team at Hat Trick Indoor Soccer Center, call Rasool Faily at 748-3888. Hat Trick is at 4250 Old Farm Road in Oklahoma City, near NW 122 and Meridian Avenue.
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For Hernandez and others in the Hispanic community, the opportunity to play soccer is a blessing.
"In Mexico, we don't have places like this,” Hernandez said. "We have two rocks in the middle of the street, and that's our goal. When cars go by, we have to move out of the way. It means a lot to us to be able to play here.”
It means a lot to the Hispanic community in more ways than one. Although soccer is far down on the rung of popularity to most Americans, the "beautiful game” is by far the most popular sport in the world, and is a way of life for many Hispanics. At the indoor soccer arenas, friends, family and fans will often pack the stands for big match-ups involving top teams such as Pumas and La Clicka.
"Everybody just comes and brings everyone,” said Tony Delacruz, a goalie for Bad Boyz. "Sometimes there's not a lot to do in Oklahoma City, so they all come here.”
For young men like Delacruz, a 21-year old who has been coming to Let's Play for more than 10 years, the arenas also offer an opportunity to stay off the streets.
"Growing up in the south side of the city, places like this kept me out of trouble,” he said.
Count mothers everywhere as thankful.
"It's entertaining for them,” said Maria Hernandez from the stands at ISA, while watching her son Salvador's team. "It's good, because the families can support them, and they can avoid drugs and everything.”
Of course, the arenas' accommodating hours don't hurt the situation. At ISA, Hernandez described an environment where the doors are always open, whether it be for organized games or scrimmages between friends.
"This is a perfect place,” Luis Hernandez said. "Sometimes we'll be here until like three in the morning, and nobody says a thing.”
With upcoming winter seasons sure to push more soccer players indoors, Lutz and Faily expect the crowds and participation to increase. The problem now is finding time and space to accommodate everyone. At ISA, plans are in the works to add a third field, and Lutz also hopes to buy more land for expanded parking.
"We're just so full, we can't add any more teams,” Lutz said.
Related Topics:
Special Interest Groups, Hispanic and Latino Issues
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