SSUSA highlights two young women participants from Chicago! Alma Velazquez and Jasmine Alamilla have been awarded the chance to go to Russia for the FIFA World Cup to be SSUSA delegates in “FIFA Foundation Festival”!
Alma Velazquez: I PLAY to stay out of trouble!
Following her older brothers footsteps, Alma began playing soccer at a very young age, Not only admiring the sport, but also finding discipline in it she fell in love with everything soccer had to offer. In school, Alma has achieved a 4 year GPA average of 3.8/4.0. She has also has been a leader for her fellow classmates and the captain of her varsity soccer team. Alma’s story goes beyond just soccer with a deep heritage in Mexico. Bouncing back and forth from Mexico, she made the jump in 2006 to begin a life in the United States. She overcame many challenges including learning English while simultaneously trying to make new finds at a school where youth new each other for many years prior.
At home things were easy either. Alma’s first home consisted of a tiny space in the basement with her and the rest of her family. But Alma’s family had something special. They had hope and they were persistent. While all working hard for one another, they were soon able to being their next chapter of their lives in permanent and able housing.
“I love to play soccer cause it destresses me and helps me stay discipline and occupies my time with positive people”.
Alma’s motivation and her discipline paid off. She along with 3 other Street Soccer USA participants will have the opportunity to represent the organization at this years “FIFA Foundation Festival” at World Cup in Russia.
Congrats Alma!
Jasmine Alamilla: I PLAY for Motivation!
Jasmine Plays to motivate! Jasmine comes from a family of 3 sisters and has used soccer to inspire her younger sisters to be go getters. She began her soccer career 2 years ago, and has grown to love the game. Similarity to her teammate Alma, Jasmines motivation also extends past the soccer pitch. In Jasmines family, alcholism has been a distruptive addiction that has disrupted family life countless number of times.
“I’ve never had that close bondage with my father either for the same reason, however, it does not stop me from learning, growing, and working hard, everyday and making the best out of every opportunity given to me”.
Jasmine see’s past the problems and hardships she has faced, and is constantly looking for new outlets.
She has achieved a 4.0/4.0GPA average throughout her High School career and anchors the defense in goal at SSUSA. After school and soccer, Jasmine works nights at a grocery store. Her hard work has also given her a spot at this years “FIFA Foundation Festival” at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Congrats Jasmine!
