Community rallies to support youth soccer champions

During a recent city council meeting in Oxnard, community members rallied to support a local youth soccer team that has achieved significant success and is seeking funding to compete in national championships. Javier Gomez, a long-time youth mentor, emphasized the importance of investing in the future of children, drawing inspiration from the legacy of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. He highlighted the team's recent victory in Hawaii, where they were crowned Far West regional champions, and urged the city council to recognize the value of supporting youth sports as a means of leadership development and community pride.

Selena Zacharias, president of the Oxnard Harbor District, echoed Gomez's sentiments, detailing how the port contributed $26,000 towards the team's trip to Hawaii, which cost a total of $48,000. She called on the city to step up and assist the team in raising the remaining funds needed for their upcoming trip to Orlando, Florida, where they will compete in national championships against teams from across the United States.

Jess Ramirez, another community member, reinforced the call for financial support, stating that the team needs approximately $36,000 to cover travel expenses. He encouraged local businesses and residents to contribute, emphasizing the city's history of producing champions in various sports and the importance of maintaining that reputation.

Gabriela Renteria, a parent of one of the players, shared her pride in the team's accomplishments and the potential impact of their success on the community. She introduced Isaiah Garcia, the team's goalkeeper, who spoke about the transformative experience of competing in Hawaii and the financial barriers that many local families face in accessing sports opportunities.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to empowering youth through sports and the need for community support to help these young athletes achieve their dreams on a national stage.