Carlos Bonilla was going to quit soccer. It was a matter of priorities. Ever since his father had been deported from the United States the young Bonilla had been forced to support himself. 

 

He’d traded a kid’s life for a 9 to 5. 

 

What Bonilla didn’t know is that he’d soon reconnect with the game and become the poster child for Alianza de Futbol, a program that targets the Hispanic soccer market and offers life opportunities for players who may not otherwise find them.

 

Alianza de Futbol finds players just like Bonilla – talented but locked out of the U.S. Soccer system for reasons both economic and cultural – and offers tryouts around the country.

 

Of the more than 3,500 kids who tried out in 14 U.S. cities this year, the top 20 have found their way to the national event this week at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

 

Bonilla is among them.  

 

“This is a big opportunity for players here,” said Bonilla, who was selected for the national event after he flew from his home in Washington D.C. to make one of the final tryouts in Miami. “So many Hispanic players come from out of the country and it makes it hard to go forward and play college or professionally here. Most of the players here played in ODP but didn’t go far because of money issues. 

 

“This is big for us, and we’re thankful for it.”

 

The 20 players in Carson this week range from 1991s to 1995s. They spend the week training with a high level coaching staff, that includes a member of the U17 Mexican National Team, as well as playing friendlies against outside competition.

 

A match against Development Academy squad Pateadores SC this week resulted in a 2-2 tie and immeasurable respect on both sides.

 

“This is really high level soccer. The players here are very talented,” Bonilla said. 

 

Scouts have taken notice and descended upon the Home Depot Center to get a glimpse – which is exactly the point.

 

“This is about giving kids life opportunities,” said Alianza de Futbol organizer Aki. “What we have in the U.S. is a pay to play system – the higher you go, the more you pay, and that keeps so many kids out.

 

“Our program doesn’t cost these kids anything; it’s all about giving them the chance to showcase their skills and hopefully go on to do something special in life.”

 

And many have.

 

In three prior national events, Alianza de Futbol has helped 25 players sign professional contracts and countless others receive pro trials and college opportunities.

 

Many of the current 20 will get the same chance – mostly with Mexican clubs. 

 

If there’s a gap that Alianza de Futbol has yet to bridge it’s the lack of domestic opportunities for their Hispanic players, particularly at the college level. 

 

But, then, I guess that’s the point of the program, isn’t it?     

 

 

Cristobal Benitez (Haines City, FL), Jovanny Bonilla (Liberal, KS), Jonathan Hernandez (Washington D.C.), Virgilio Martinez (Phoenix, AZ), Martin Lugo (Lawrenceville, GA), Christian Valadez (Carrolton, TX), Carlos Bonilla (Washington D.C.), Santiago Lara (Englewood, NJ), Enrique Fragozo (Santa Cruz, CA), Kevin Partida (Sparks, NV), Sergio Segura (Fresno, CA), Diego Arrelano (Los Angeles, CA), David Garcia (San Jose, CA), James Naples (Livermore, CA), Jonathan Lama (Naples, FL), Alexis De La Rosa (Tolleson, AZ), Charlie Michel (Garland, TX), Jose Luzanilla (Holtville, CA), Antonio Valdez (Houston, TX), Eddie Madrigal (Ontario, CA)