Chapter 2: The Birth of AB Futbol Training (ABFT)

As I reflect on the origins of AB Futbol Training (ABFT), I'm taken back five years when this soccer program came to life. My own journey in soccer had brought me to playing in Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where I completed my playing NCAA DII career in 2010. It was around this time that my girlfriend, who is now my wife, was studying at Arizona State University (ASU). I made the decision to move to Phoenix to be closer to her, my brothers, who were already living there, and the rest of my family.

Upon my arrival in Phoenix, I continued to engage with the sport I loved. Invitations to join games where my brothers played were abundant, and I began to network with more people in the local soccer community. Even though I had transitioned away from competitive soccer, I continued to train as if I were still playing at a high level, hoping that opportunities in the sport would arise.

As I continued playing in local tournaments, often winning championships alongside my two brothers, and participated in leagues like UPSL and PASL for many years, the sport remained a significant part of my life. However, as time passed, I began to shift my focus more towards my career path, work, and my relationship with my girlfriend. Although I still played in the Sunday league whenever I could, the enthusiasm waned. Sometimes, only a handful of players showed up, and on other occasions, when the full squad was present, confrontations led to game cancellations. The joy I once found in these games started to diminish, and I began to lose interest as the competitive level was not what I was used to anymore. Nonetheless, I continued training, not for competition, but to maintain my health and because it had become a lifestyle habit that I had grown up with.

One key element that played a role in the birth of ABFT was my dedication to sharing my training experiences on social media. I regularly posted videos of my training sessions, showcasing my commitment to the sport. It was during this time that a father, who had recently moved from San Luis, my hometown, to Phoenix reached out to me. He inquired whether I could train his son. Initially, I declined, explaining that I didn't have the time to take on coaching responsibilities.

However, this persistent parent didn't give up. He continued to reach out, persistently asking for my guidance for months on end. Finally, one day, perhaps it was a stroke of kindness, or perhaps I was just in the right mood, I committed to training his son for a single session. Little did I know that this decision would mark the birth of AB Futbol Training on February 13, 2019.