A grassroots soccer program is changing the game for girls in Boyle Heights

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

The sun is setting and lights are shining down on the Mendez High School soccer field in Boyle Heights. Balls are scattered across the large green turf as Barrio Futbol Academy players set up for practice. It’s the first of two try-outs of the spring and players are running drill after drill. 

For young female athletes in the neighborhood, experiences like these have not been easy to come by.

While searching for a girls’ soccer team in Boyle Heights for her stepdaughter, Eden Carriedo, 31, noticed opportunities were limited for young female athletes, so she created Barrio Futbol Academy. 

“There were very few girls’ teams to pick from,” Carriedo said. She went on to say that the ones that did exist were too expensive for many families. 

Competitive soccer clubs can cost upwards of thousands of dollars a year, and that doesn’t include tournament fees and travel. But Barrio Futbol Academy focuses on affordability. 

The goal is simple: to remove financial barriers so more girls can play. But what started as a single team last spring has become something much bigger.  

Barrio Futbol Academy players participating in a passing drill at Mendez High School field.

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Victor Sauceda

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Boyle Heights Beat

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“I was a single coach, but I expanded it to the formal nonprofit that it is now,” Carriedo said. In the early days, the club offered pickup games every other week at Ramon Garcia Park, but after growing into their first year as a competitive team, they continue to offer select free practice and futsal sessions, a type of indoor soccer that’s played on a smaller court. 

For many players, the academy offers more than just a chance to compete. The young players of Barrio Futbol Club all carry aspirations and goals of their own.

“I hope to gain a lot more confidence,” said 13-year-old Camila Alonso. 

Fellow teammate 12-year-old Leilanie Gomez hopes to build her skills. “Definitely to get better … like new tricks and things that I haven’t done before,” Gomez said. 

Building more than a team 

More than just creating a team, the academy has built a strong sense of community, connection and belonging. At practices, players not only train but also form connections and build confidence together.

“My favorite thing about this team is that I always have my teammates, the parents, and the coaches that are always pushing me to be the best that I can be, even when I don’t feel like I’m doing my best,” Gomez said. 

This sense of community is not only felt on the pitch but also on the sidelines. 

“I feel like everybody gravitates to each other, because they know that it’s a team effort overall,” said Linda Rosas, 31, parent. 

Parents of the athletes say that the program makes the families feel connected and supported. 

“I absolutely love my Barrio family, the community, everybody, is just great. Everybody embraces everybody,” said parent Sandy Alcala. 

Breaking financial barriers

Youth club soccer in the United States can cost families anywhere from about $1,472 to nearly $10,000, depending on the level of play. However, this range doesn’t include travel and gear expenses, which could potentially bring the total price to $20,000 annually per child, according to data reported by Girls Soccer Network. These high expenses often put competitive soccer out of reach for many families, highlighting the reality of the country’s pay-to-play system.

“I think that the mission of Barrio is to do everything we can to break down the pay-to-play system,” Carriedo said. 

Eden Carriedo, 31, Founder and coach of Barrio Fútbol Academy.

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Victor Sauceda

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Boyle Heights Beat

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At Barrio Futbol Academy, this is demonstrated in how the program is run day to day. The club attempts to keep costs as low as possible by only asking families to cover what is necessary.

“When I say accessibility, I mean that we do not charge a dime more than what is necessary,” Carriendo said. 

The program’s affordability has made a noticeable difference for families in the Eastside and Boyle Heights.

“I think it’s important that we keep providing that because it keeps girls out of trouble. It keeps them engaged, it keeps them going,” Alcala said. “And it keeps the parents motivated to want to keep bringing them, knowing that it’s not costing them an arm and a leg.” 

The mission to provide affordable, competitive soccer has also received support from local businesses, including Picaresca Barra de Café and Purgatory Pizza, who both sponsor the Barrio team.

“Those two [businesses] I asked first because I was comfortable in those spaces, “ said Carriedo. “It’s important that the communities that sponsor this team are from the community.”

A Barrio Futbol Academy player prepares for the ball.

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Victor Sauceda

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Boyle Heights Beat

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Lasting impact

For many families, the impact of Barrio Futbol Academy goes far beyond just the game itself. The program is helping players build life skills that extend into their futures.

“I think that the clubs help the kids build confidence and build structure and build communication skills,” said parent Tesia Gomez.

Carriedo hopes those lessons stay with players long-term.

“I would love nothing more than for homegrown athletes out of Boyle Heights to maybe one day play in a World Cup,” she said. “But also be a female CEO that cites her time in sports.”

This story was produced under The LA Local’s Youth Journalism Program. To learn more or to get involved, click here.