Name: Andrej Age 24
Background: Croatia, moved to France at Age 4
Favorite Team: PSG - Paris Saint Germain
Favorite Player: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite - “Kaka”
Why is soccer such a big part of your life? “Soccer is the biggest sport in Europe. As a child I wanted to pursue a career in soccer and I started at PSG. My biggest dream is to one day manage or coach a well-known team.”
Name: Eric
Background: Ivory Coast
Favorite Team: Barcelona
Favorite Player: Thierry Henry
Why is soccer such a big part of your life? “It’s second nature.”
Name: Alex Austin
Background: Haitian American
Favorite Team: Arsenal
Favorite Player: “Francesc “Cesc” Fàbregas i Soler but since he betrayed us and went to Barcelona, but now I’m on the search.”
Why is soccer such a big part of your life? “It’s right here in my heart. It’s a way of life and I’m never stopping.”
Houston St and Chrystie St Saturday afternoon soccer match - LES
Name: Victor Rios
Background: Peru
Favorite Team: Barcelona and Alianza Lima
Favorite Player: “I simply cannot make up my mind. There’s too much talent out there!”
Why is soccer such a big part of your life? “I play soccer because it’s my passion. I traveled around the world when I played professional soccer in Peru for San Martin, Cultural Geminis, and Academia Deportiva Cantolao. I also played in college for Union County College, Florida State, and Bloomfield College. It’s a sport that’s been played generation after generation in my family. I grew up around soccer and have been playing since I was 7 years old.”
Name: Victor Hugo Blanco Age 28
Background: Mexico
Favorite Team: America from Mexico
Favorite Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Why is soccer such a big part of your life? “Mexican people love soccer, it’s our passion. I love it.”
Name: Francisco Corral Age 12
Background: Ecuador
Favorite Player: Neymar da Silva Santos
Why is soccer such a big part of your life? “I feel like I can express myself through the sport.”