Fútbol en América is a 5-episode series about how the “regular” people embrace fútbol in our communities.
Soccer as sport in America is growing rapidly and is not only the professional teams the only stream of passion for Hispanics, is the schools and private clubs, tournaments around the country who help the kids believe that soccer is a way to leave their communities and become professional athletes.
Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Chicago and Miami. Each episode with a particular touch of that community (their culture, traditions, philosophy, etc.). Tell the story of this Hispanic families who spend a lot of their time taking their kids to practices and games.
Explore the ups and downs that these fans have with their professional teams too from Liga MX, LaLiga or even the MLS.
CHICAGO: BETWEEN HITTING A BALL OR THE BOOKS
Synopsis: For many young students in this city, playing soccer proposes two clearly visible paths: being a scholar or being a professional footballer. We will get to know the stories that exist within the lives of the students of Chicago, who go through this complex dilemma throughout many years of their lives.
VIDEO
English: #Directamente: Finding the balance between school and soccer
Spanish: Chicago, entre el balón y los libros
TEXT
English: Football in America: In Chicago, talent balances soccer dreams and academics
Spanish: Fútbol en América: Chicago busca la dualidad entre el fútbol y la academia
NEW YORK: WHERE SOCCER NEVER SLEEPS
Synopsis: New York City is no stranger to the avatars of climate. When the cold completely takes over, the city continues to practice each and every one of it sports disciplines. And within this context, soccer found a fundamental ally to advance in its development: indoor soccer. One of the main trampolines that the MLS has in this area where it counts on two of the most powerful franchises in the United States.
VIDEO
English: Soccer thrives in the Big Apple
Spanish: #Directamente: 'New York, donde el fútbol nunca duerme'
TEXT
English: Soccer thrives in the Big Apple
Spanish: Fútbol en América: Nueva York, donde el fútbol sobrevive en la selva de concreto
DALLAS: THE INTERNATIONAL TAKEOFF
Synopsis: Dallas Cup, the event where many great player prospects passed through who later went on to triumph at the international level. One of the biggest hotbeds for football players in the United States and probably one of best promoted windows into the youth market of footballers in this country. Thousands are those who place their illusions on this tournament, betting on the future, but only a few of them are the ones who will make it.
VIDEO
English: Futbol in America, Dallas, the international takeoff
Spanish: #Directamente: 'Dallas Cup, el trampolín del fútbol mundial'
TEXT
English: Futbol in América: Dallas Cup's vital role in growing U.S. youth soccer
Spanish: Fútbol en América: Dallas es el trampolín internacional para jóvenes en Estados Unidos
LOS ANGELES: INHERITING THE AMERICAN DREAM
Synopsis: Founded in 2005, the academy has been home of young talent, whom later will become MLS professional players. Among them Daniel Villegas who was invited by the LA Galaxy to join their minor division at the end of the 2014-2015 season. Villegas who also played with the US’ U-15 National Team, dreams to be summoned either by the USMNT, as well as the Mexico’s National Soccer Team “El-Tri”, to represent his parents’ native country. Red Sharks USA has more than 40 players between the ages 16-20 training 3 times per week in Norwalk, CA. Operating as a nonprofit organization, the academy sponsors after-school programs in Norwalk’s educational district. About 90 % of those kids come from a Mexican household, 3 of them are Dreamers that look into soccer practice as the best way to overcome the adversity immigration legislation brings to millions in the US.
VIDEO
English: #Directamente: Los Angeles inherits the American dream
Spanish: Los Ángeles, donde el sueño americano está al alcance
TEXT
English: L.A. youth academy bringing together Latino heritage while growing U.S. game
Spanish: Fútbol en América: Los Ángeles, donde al balón no lo detienen las leyes migratorias
MIAMI: THE CITY WITH FANS WITH NO TEAM
Synopsis: Miami, the city of the supporters without a team. One of the territories with the most international investment in terms of soccer. The site of great international events. The one that played host to the glamorous Real Madrid – Barcelona Clásico, the ICC and the preseasons of many different teams from all over the world. Nevertheless, in this fertile business territory, a professional club has yet to arrive to compete in the MLS. We are going to figure out the motives of this phenomenon that is still looking to explode.
VIDEO
English: #Directamente: Miami: The city with fans with no team
Spanish: Directamente: Miami, la ciudad de los fans sin equipo
TEXT
English: Futbol in América: Miami ready to make mark thanks to David Beckham
Spanish: Fútbol en América: Miami, la ciudad con fans pero sin equipo de fútbol