‘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

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.

"Now, there's a ton of Mexicans,” Hernandez said. "We're even seeing an increase in players from countries like Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.”

With the rapidly growing Hispanic population in Oklahoma — the Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce estimates more than 300,000 Hispanics now live in the state — soccer business is booming at OKC Indoor Soccer Arena (ISA), a division of Let's Play Sports; and Hat Trick Indoor Soccer Center, Oklahoma City's two major indoor facilities. At ISA, manager Will Lutz estimates that 50 percent of his players — out of 300 teams — are Hispanic. When he took over 24 years ago, that number was less than 10 percent. At Hat Trick, owner Rasool Faily has 35 to 40 Hispanic teams that play on Sunday evenings alone — his biggest night of the week.

"We love them playing here, and they love coming here and playing,” Faily said. "Our 10-year anniversary (was) this October and it's all because of the support of the Latino community.”

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.

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