The Mini Maestros Program is a total success!!
With the MLS Next and Elite Academy programs successfully covering the U11s through U19s age categories, Chula Vista FC decided that it was time to launch a program for the younger ages, U05s through U10s. And this is how the Mini Maestros program was born.
To make sure the project was going to work, Academy Director, Jose Hector Diaz, appointed B2010 MLS Next coach, Isaac Valencia, to run it. Coach Valencia said: “The club & I share similar visions for working with the younger age groups to eventually form an academy that can provide an environment where the players are developing the foundations of soccer in a fun and competitive way. By kicking off the mini-maestro league, we can start to form weekly training sessions and matches for the players. We had the facility (Futbol Training Center) and resources to put this together. But just needed someone to get it started and manage it. Coach Valencia added: “So far, the program is going very well. Since more players than we anticipated registered, we had to create extra group trainings for the players that registered after the league had filled up. There is a good mix of players between those who are new, transitioning from recreational programs, and players who are already in club soccer.”
Helping Valencia are coaches Isaq Moalim (B2015 and B2014), Mathias Medel (B2012 EA Assistant Coach) and Jose Antionio Lizaola (G2013 Head Coach). Coach Lizaola said: “I am very thankful to have the opportunity to help Coach Isaac and our other Chula Vista FC coaches with the Mini Maestro Program.“ Lizaola continued: “These boys and girls are not only talented soccer players, but they are also committed to improving their game and technical skills by working very hard. This helps them build up their confidence so they can also become strong-minded players.”
The current Mini Maestros season runs through December 16th. But Chula Vista FC is already planning to do another season starting in January 2024. The club is also looking to expand the program to the West side of Chula Vista where they can offer something similar for the families located in that area. Keep an eye in our social media for next season’s signups!!
By the way, we really want to thank our former standout player and Futbol Training Center coach, Jaime Verdin, for coming up with this catchy Mini Maestros name for the program.
