Raising Their Game: Wilfredo Galindo

After establishing his first competitive team in 1998 for the kids in The Mission, coach Wilfredo would constantly reassure his players that someone on the team would graduate from college. Astounded by his motive, his players would respond, "Coach, no one in my family has ever graduated from college." Wilfredo would let them know that they would be the first, they would be the example in their families for generations to come.

Galindo recalls people questioning him "wasting" his time and fields on kids that, in their eyes, don't even have the motivation to graduate from high school. Comments like these would light a fire in him and he knew he had to be the one to fight for these kids, to get involved in more schools, and make sure he found them opportunities in work and on the soccer field. "I quickly realized that what I am doing is working, so I went on the create more teams and find more opportunities for the kids in The Mission." From his team in 1998, 9 of the players were the first in their families to graduate from college. Others on the team went on to careers in architecture and in the medical field. 

Wilfredo’s story has continued to grow over the years. There’s much more to come from this man and his community! For now, catch up on the first part of Wilfredo's story here!

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