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Players from the New Mexico United soccer team came down to Socorro on Wednesday, Oct. 1, to share their love of the game with local youths and teach them some soccer skills. NM United is a professional team in the United Soccer League Championship Western Conference. The NM United team is currently third in the Western Conference this 2025 season.
The Somos Unidos Foundation connects the New Mexico United team to New Mexicans through community outreach programs like these soccer clinics. The foundation works to create pathways to soccer, and also positive outcomes and progress in general, for all New Mexicans.
“This is part of our holiday tour. So, every winter, we pick six cities with our fabulous partner Presbyterian. And so you guys are stop number two, and we recruit within the community for a free soccer clinic to empower kiddos of the power of movement and how sport can be accessible for everyone. And that’s our goal.” Executive Director of the Somos Unidos Foundation Executive Director Phia Smith said.
The Somos Unidos Foundation formed a partnership with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, which operates Socorro General Hospital, to organize this soccer clinic in Socorro for kids from six to 12 years old. However, the SHS Warriors soccer team players were invited to join as well and made that their practice for the day.
“They can come out and learn skills from the New Mexico United players. And it’s put on through the Somos Unidos Foundation. And it’s all part of what New Mexico United and Presbyterian are doing to promote community in our state and bring us all together a love of sport and wellness and movement and fun.” Presbyterian Healthcare Services Community Engagement Manager Rachel Gomez said.
New Mexico United first team assistant coach and academy team coach David Estrada led the clinic which lasted from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Plus there were six New Mexico United players in Socorro that day to teach the kids. Three players from their academy team were present: Matteo Franco, Issiah Vasquez and Nicholas Castorena. From United’s first team, three players made the trip as well: Marlon Vargas, Carlos Moguel Jr., and Socorro’s own Kyle Hofmann.
“It’s special to be back in Socorro, it’s been a while, and see the fields I used to play in AYSO years ago, parents coaching me. And I think it is important for kids to see, you know, no matter where you’re at, how old you are, how tall you are, whatever it is, there’s higher levels to reach, if that’s what you want to do. Hopefully I’ve inspired someone today.” Hofmann said.
Hofmann and the other players each manned different stations set up to practice specific soccer skills. The kids rotated through the stations for about an hour and got the opportunity to learn from each of the NM United players.
Learn more about the Somos Unidos Foundation and their programs on their website:
