It was a typical sight for Bonnie Garcia Elementary Assistant Principal Jessica Villarreal. Every day at about 12:30pm, she would look out her office window into the school’s courtyard and see third grade students spending their recess period playing soccer. Having served as an assistant soccer coach at Los Obispos Middle School prior to becoming an assistant principal and played the sport herself in school, she had an idea to take the children on a field trip and embark on a learning experience they’d never forget.

She took to Google to find out how to reach Peg Energy Stadium and the Laredo Heat soccer team by first contacting Peg Energy. She soon found herself meeting via Zoom with Fabian Arciga, Laredo Heat’s Youth Academy Head Coach. It wasn't long before she had successfully arranged for the entire third grade class at her school to tour Peg Energy Soccer Stadium, and meet the coaches of the Laredo Heat soccer team for a soccer training field day.

The coaches were happy to meet the excited young soccer aficionados as they arrived. They took the children through a tour of the entire stadium including the field, locker rooms, and grandstands. Afterwards, it was time to enjoy the sport they love as they plunged into several soccer training activities. The students were divided by classroom and took turns at different training stations across the stadium’s main field, as the Laredo Heat coaches led them through drills aimed at sharpening their soccer skills. The children diligently worked through each activity with smiles and laughter throughout. 

For Mrs. Villarreal, the lesson was one about dedication and discipline. “They’re learning about what it’s going to take to be a player here in the city,” she said, “and so we want to show them the discipline, dedication, and love it takes for any sport they have in mind to try out.” 

Rodrigo Marina, Youth Phase Lead for the Laredo Heat Soccer Club, encouraged parents to teach their children to pursue whatever they truly enjoy. “Whether it's reading, school, soccer, basketball, or volleyball, just make sure that they're passionate about it,” he said, “encourage them to love it, so they can continue developing, and then hopefully get an education through it.”

The children thoroughly enjoyed their field trip, and the coaches were only too happy to impart their knowledge to what could be the next generation of athletes.