Chapter 1: Founder, Abdel Becerra
My name is Abdel Becerra, and my soccer journey began in the hustling town of San Luis, Arizona.
I am the proud founder and owner of AB Futbol Training (ABFT), a program designed to nurture young soccer talents.
Growing up in a neighborhood for organized sports were scarce, but my love for soccer became my driving force for change. I realized the immense potential the game held in shaping young lives in our community.
My early years were surrounded by the world of soccer, thanks to my family's deep-rooted passion for the sport. My father was a coach, and my mother played a crucial role in organizing cheerleading squads and forming one of the town's first organized soccer teams. My two older brothers were incredibly talented soccer players, often making headlines in local newspapers and representing our region in prestigious tournaments.
But, believe it or not, I didn't start off as a soccer enthusiast. In my younger years, I was more fascinated by cars and had dreams of becoming a professional race car driver. I was quite adventurous too, learning how to drive at an early age and even sneaking off with my parents' car on a few occasions, only getting caught when a neighbor spotted me in action.
As I tagged along with my family to soccer tournaments and witnessed my brothers' achievements on the field, something magical happened. I scored my first goal at the age of seven, and the cheers of my parents and teammates ignited a deep love for the game within me. While I may not have been the most technically skilled player, I had an unshakable determination and competitive spirit, which were further fueled by living with two incredibly talented brothers. They instilled in me the values of hard work and unwavering dedication.
Soccer soon became my ticket to adventure and exploration. It took me to distant lands, from Europe to Canada, and crisscrossing Mexico and the United States all the way up to earning my college education through the sport and playing professionally. Soccer provided me with invaluable life lessons, unforgettable experiences, countless opportunities and friendships.
Now, I stand ready to give back. My journey in soccer has equipped me with knowledge, wisdom, and a treasure full of experiences that I'm eager to share with every young athlete and their parents. Just as others had once influenced my life, I am determined to inspire and guide the next generation of soccer enthusiasts, instilling in them the same love and passion that has shaped my remarkable journey.