We Speak Soccer
The Journey of Francesco Sanchez: A Young Winger Chasing Big Goals Through Skill and Heart
Francesco Sanchez is a rising young talent whose passion for soccer runs deep and personal. A standout left winger for BVB IA LV 2012 Black NPL, Francesco blends speed, creativity, and a fearless attacking mindset every time he steps on the pitch. Inspired by legends like Lionel Messi and motivated by the thrill of competition, he brings a flashy, aggressive, and smooth style that makes him a constant threat in the final third. Whether he’s dribbling past defenders, whipping in crosses, or celebrating big wins with his teammates, Francesco plays with heart, hustle, and a clear vision for the future.
What first got you interested in playing soccer?
My grandpa got me interested in soccer because that was all we used to watch together.
How old were you when you started playing, and what do you remember about your first game?
I was 11, and I remember not being very good, but I got a few touches on the ball and instantly wanted to play more!
Who has been your biggest inspiration in soccer and why?
Lionel Messi. He’s the best in the world, and I want to be just like him!
What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I play left wing. I love using my speed and dribbling to beat defenders, making crosses into the box, and getting chances to score. It’s fun being part of the attack and helping my team create opportunities!
Describe your playing style in three words.
Aggressive, flashy, and smooth.
What’s been your favorite memory on the field so far?
Winning the league in the fall and getting to celebrate with my teammates!
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big game?
I wake up early, eat a good breakfast, and watch soccer to get locked in.
What’s your favorite soccer drill or practice routine?
Scrimmages—because it feels like a real game and I get to go up against top players.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Yes, I always listen to music to help me focus and lock in.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
I train two times a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays. We do drills, work on passing and shooting, and scrimmage. It’s fun, and I always give it my best. On other days, I might practice on my own or stay active to keep improving.
How do you stay motivated during tough times or after a tough loss?
I remind myself that bad games happen to everyone. I think about how much I love the game and try to learn from my mistakes. My teammates and family always support me, and that keeps me going.
Who is your favorite professional player and what do you admire about their game?
Messi. I admire how he dribbles past defenders like it’s nothing and still scores. He makes it all look so easy, and I want to play like that one day.
What’s your favorite professional team to watch?
F.C. Barcelona.
What’s the best advice a coach has ever given you?
“Wide eagle, and small eagle.” It means when we’re attacking, we spread out wide like a big eagle, and when we’re defending, we close in like a small eagle.
What’s one skill or aspect of your game you’re currently working to improve?
My touch on the ball.
How do you balance soccer with school, work, or other commitments?
I stay organized and get my homework done before practice. It can be tough sometimes, but I use my time wisely and try my best at both.
What’s your proudest accomplishment in your soccer journey so far?
Winning the league against some really tough teams!
Have you ever had a setback or injury, and how did you overcome it?
Yes, I had a setback when a bone in my thigh was loose. It hurt a lot, and I had to go to the chiropractor. I couldn’t play for a while, but I stayed patient and followed the doctor’s advice. Once I recovered, I worked hard to come back stronger.
What does being part of a team mean to you?
It means everything. It’s like having a second family. We support each other, work hard together, and stick together no matter what. It’s not just about winning—it’s about being there for each other.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that motivates you?
“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.” – Lionel Messi
What do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer?
I like to play video games, scroll on my phone, or ride my electric bike.
What’s your go-to snack or meal after a match?
After a game, the parents usually give us chips—so that’s our go-to snack!
If you could play a match anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Spain, for sure! My favorite team is F.C. Barcelona, and I want to play for them one day.
Where do you see your soccer journey taking you in the next few years?
I see myself getting better and better. I want to keep training, make big plays, and hopefully join a really good team. My goal is to play at a high level and see how far I can go!
What advice would you give to younger players just starting out?
Never give up and have fun! Don’t worry if you mess up—everyone does at first. Keep practicing, listen to your coaches, and believe in yourself. The more you play, the better you’ll get.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.
We Speak Soccer
Chasing Excellence: How Elaari Figueroa Turns Ambition Into Action on the Soccer Field
Elaari Figueroa is a rising star for Albion SC Pre-GA 2014, where she shines as a versatile wing and striker. Known for her creativity, speed, and relentless drive, Elaari has already built a reputation as a soccer player who thrives under pressure and brings energy to every match. Inspired by legends like Neymar, Messi, and Lamine Yamal, she is developing her own fearless style of play that is head on, relentless, and aggressive. Balancing the demands of school, training, and competition, Elaari continues to chase her dream of one day representing the U.S. youth team. This is not just another athlete profile. It is the story of a young competitor determined to make her mark on the game of soccer.
What first got you interested in playing soccer?
In 2022, after breaking my forearm, I decided I wanted to learn how to play soccer.
How old were you when you started playing, and what do you remember about your first game?
I started playing at 7 years old. I remember going on vacation and missing the practice before our first game, but when I returned, my coach still started me. I had to learn the game quickly while playing in that very first match.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in soccer and why?
I like Neymar Jr. because he’s really creative and his dribbling is amazing. He makes soccer look fun, and I want to play like him one day. The way he tricks defenders and does cool moves makes me want to practice more.
What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I play left wing, right wing, and striker. I like it because I get to be creative and play with a lot of freedom.
Describe your playing style in three words.
Head-on, relentless, and aggressive.
What’s been your favorite memory on the field so far?
In last year’s San Diego Summer Challenge, my team was down 0–3 until the second half. We fought back and tied the game with less than three minutes remaining, pushing it to penalty kicks. I scored the winning PK, and my teammates rushed around me to celebrate.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big game?
I practice juggling, and I’m currently at 404. My goal is to reach 1,000 by the end of the year. I also focus on eating well, staying rested, drawing, and playing FIFA 25 on my Nintendo Switch.
What’s your favorite soccer drill or practice routine?
My favorite soccer drills are 1v1, shooting at goal, ball mastery, and passing. I love practicing these because they help me improve my skills and have fun with the ball.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
My pregame ritual is to drink plenty of water, eat a bowl of pasta for dinner, and go to bed early.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
From Monday to Thursday, I train for about two hours during school with the soccer instructors at Method Sports Academy. On Monday evenings, I attend a private TopBallers U12 Elite Academy session. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have double team practice because I’m rostered on two teams (2015 and 2014). Friday mornings are for speed and agility training, and Friday evenings I join the TopBallers U11 Elite Academy private session. On weekends, I play in tournaments or league games with my club, select teams, or as a guest player.
How do you stay motivated during tough times or after a tough loss?
Even after a tough loss, I keep practicing harder because I want to get better.
Who is your favorite professional player and what do you admire about their game?
Lamine Yamal, Messi, and Neymar are my favorite players because they’re super creative and fast, and they can do awesome tricks with the ball. I love how Messi always finds the perfect pass, Neymar can beat anyone with his dribbles, and Lamine Yamal plays really smart and confident. I want to play like them one day.
What’s your favorite professional team to watch?
San Diego FC and Barcelona.
What’s the best advice a coach has ever given you?
The best advice a coach has ever given me is to just be free on the pitch.
What’s one skill or aspect of your game you’re currently working to improve?
I’m working on talking and communicating better with my teammates on the field so we can play even better together.
How do you balance soccer with school, work, or other commitments?
I’m working on staying focused on the things that are most important to me.
What’s your proudest accomplishment in your soccer journey so far?
My proudest accomplishment is playing up two years and getting to play 11v11.
What does being part of a team mean to you?
Being part of a team means doing my best, playing my part, and always supporting my teammates.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that motivates you?
“There’s no pressure when you’re making a dream come true.”
What do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer?
I like to travel, draw, play video games, and hang out with my family and friends.
What’s your go-to snack or meal after a match?
I enjoy Korean BBQ after a game.
If you could play a match anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to play a match on the moon.
Where do you see your soccer journey taking you in the next few years?
I see my soccer journey taking me to new challenges and opportunities. I want to keep improving my skills, play at higher levels, and hopefully one day be part of the U.S. youth team. I also want to keep having fun, learning from my coaches and teammates, and enjoying every game along the way.
What advice would you give to younger players just starting out?
My advice is to remember there’s no pressure, so play freely and enjoy the game.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.