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John Daley reporting One Utah soccer team is making great strides. They're considered at-risk for problems common to many teens. But, they're also pioneers in their youth league.
They hope success on the field now will translate into success beyond soccer.
These soccer players are learning some life lessons. Two years ago, Sandra Plazas, a former newspaper editor now working in PR, formed their team SLY Mundo Hispano, part of the Firebird club.
Most Hispanic players couldn't afford to play in the Utah Youth Soccer League, so many missed out on scholarhip and other opportunites.
Plazas found sponsors and formed the league's first all-Hispanic team.
Sandra Plazas/ Coach and Manager, SLY Mundo Hispano: "These kids are just great. I just love them."
But she established some tough rules.
Sandra Plazas/ Coach and Manager, SLY Mundo Hispano: "One of the requirements to participate in this team is you have to have good grades."
They're doing that and it's now a win-win-win situation.
Eduardo Alvarado/ SLY Mundo Hispano Player: "My parents are always telling me if you keep your grades up, you could do whatever you want, go to college, get a good job. That's what motivates me."
Homar Bustamante/ SLY Mundo Hispano Player: "You don't want to slough. You just want to keep your grades up if you still want to play soccer."
Josue Chaire/ SLY Mundo Hispano Player: "I think it's good. It gives us a lot of opportunities. We get a lot of chances to win."
Without help, parents couldn't afford the league. The team helps keep the kids out of trouble, hopefully on their way to college.
Maria Robles/ Josue's Mother: "I think it's a really good opportunity for the boys, because they have options and they can take it."
To top it all off, Mundo Hispano is state champ in their division. They celebrated today with their sponsors, Zions Bank and Merit Medical.
Sandra Plazas/ Coach and Manager, SLY Mundo Hispano: "Our goal is not just to play soccer. Our goal is to look at the future and do greater things with soccer."
From the looks of it, they're on their way. The team hits the field next weekend for a tournament in St. George.
