Alianza 2014, english version

2014 Edition

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14

SOCCER TIPS

TO SUCCEED ON AND OFF THE FIELD

NIS

M A WE DRE !

G I B DEN & A F RA

THE PASSION TO BE THE BEST

THE DREAM

OF BEING A PROFESSIONAL

THE JOY

OF THE GAME

ALIANZA DE FUTBOL RETURNS FOR ITS ELEVENTH SEASON!

Since 2004, Alianza de Futbol has provided Hispanic soccer players with opportunities to find success on the field and in the classroom. And now, LeadDog Marketing Group Inc. is proud to join the team as the new owner and operator of the United States’ longest running and largest Hispanic amateur soccer tournament.

Last year, Alianza featured Julio Morales, one of many young players discovered in the 7UP Sueño Alianza nationwide tryout. Julio now plays for Chivas de Guadalajara and represented the Mexican U20 National Team at the U20 FIFA World Cup last summer in Turkey. This year, we are proud to introduce Dennis Flores, who like many 7UP Sueño Alianza success stories, is living his dream. Thanks to his talent and hard work and the platform that Alianza provides, Dennis was signed by newly crowned Liga MX Champion Club Leon where he shares the pitch with Mexican legends Rafa Marquez, ‘Gullit’ Peña and Luis Montes.

Contents

And this year, for the first time, Alianza is pledging to make at least seven players professional soccer dreams come true by offering guaranteed contracts from one of the Liga MX teams.

ONE DREAM, TWO PLAYERS: RAFA AND DENNIS

12

14

In 2013, we launched Alianza U presented by Verizon to help Alianza players attend college. In 2014, dozens of players will earn membership to a service that matches their soccer and academic abilities with appropriate colleges, coaches and scouts and drastically improves their chance to earn scholarships and financial aid and play soccer in college. The program continues to feature live seminars and online resources offering valuable information to help more young people attain their dreams of higher education.

Our national sponsors, Verizon, 7UP, Kellogg’s, RAM, Allstate and Telemundo, share our passion to see Hispanics succeed in life and in soccer. Without them and you, this would not be possible.

TIPS

TO SUCCEED ON AND OFF THE FIELD

From May through September, Alianza returns with tournaments and tryouts in eleven major U.S. cities. At the 7UP Sueño Alianza tryouts, players from around the U.S. will compete to earn professional tryouts and/or contracts. To bring this to life, top scouts from Chivas, America, Pachuca, Mexican Football Federation, MLS and U.S. Soccer as well as U.S. colleges will be looking for the next Dennis Flores. Could you be the next player to live the dream?

With passion for the Alianza community, Brad Rothenberg and Richard Copeland Founders of Alianza de Futbol Alianza de Futbol is a LeadDog Marketing Group Property

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RAFA: ANOTHER WORLD CUP

22

THE ALIANZA TERRITORY

6

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2014 EDITION

DIRECTORY

NEW YORK 440 9th Ave 17th Floor New York, NY 10001.

SAN FRANCISCO 501 Cesar Chavez St. Suite 115 San Francisco, CA 94124.

MÉXICO CITY Praga 44, Piso 7 Col. Juárez México DF CP 06600.

Alianza de Futbol Hispano, a property of LeadDog Marketing Group Inc. Photography: Armando Martínez, Germán Alegría, Christian Palma, Refugio Ruiz, Jorge Martínez y Jorge Nieto

ALIANZA TERRITORY

2014 TOUR DALLAS

3-4

PHOENIX

17-18

STATES

CITIES

Houston Sports Park

MAY

24-26

NEW YORK*

1,083 42

Reach 11 Sports Complex

MAY

HOUSTON

PARTICIPANTS FROM

Samuel Garland Park

MAY

San Francisco

Denver

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

JUNE

7-8

Los Angeles

Phoenix

DENVER

Riverside Soccer Complex

JUNE

14-15

Dallas El Paso

11

ATLANTA

JUNE

21-22

Houston

Venues

Wade Walker Park

230,100

27

Participants **

* Only

7UP S

ue単o

Alianz

a

270+ 5,000+ $100,0 00+ AMS

ADULT TE

PLAYERS

6

Days of tournament

IN PRIZES

**Approximate

MORE THAN 7,000 ASPIRING PLAYERS

7

years of Sue単o

7

guaranteed professional contracts

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@alianzadefutbol

2014 TOUR

We are excited to begin our 2014 season, which runs from the first weekend of May through September. Yes! Five months of soccer hype and high emotions thanks to our annual nationwide tour. Our three main events, RAM Copa Alianza, Kellogg’s Copita Alianza and our scouting program 7UP Sueño Alianza, provide a platform for participants to showcase their skills and passion for soccer. Making this year even more spectacular is the fever of World Cup Brazil and the hope that Mexico, the United States, Honduras or Costa Rica bring home the trophy.

Maryland SoccerPlex

Naperville Polo Grounds

JUNE

D.C.

28-29

CHICAGO

JULY

26-27

San Bernardino AUGUST Soccer 2 Complex -3 /9

New York

-10

ÁA N LOS GEL ES

Chicago Washington DC

Atlanta

Regions of the country where Alianza de Futbol players and teams come from

Morgan Hill Sports Center

Westside Soccer Complex

29,594 Total teams**

35 14

7UP SUEÑO ALIANZA PLAYERS THAT HAVE SIGNED PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS

7UP SUEÑO ALIANZA PLAYERS THAT HAVE BEEN CALLED UP TO YOUTH NATIONAL TEAMS

EL PASO*

SEP.

6-7 FINA LS

MX

SEP TEMBER

2014

ICO

1,435

FRA SA N NCI SCO

X ME

Players

AUG-SEP

30-1

* No 7UP Sueño Alianza

1,000+ 18,000+ 4 to 18 teams

players

years old

7

Passion

THE BEST OF 2013 Check out the champion photos below…

WHO WILL REPEAT?

DALLAS Falcons ATLANTA SRP

CHICAGO Atletico Nacional

WASHINGTON D.C. Chalcatenango

EL PASO Municipio de Juárez

8

2014

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DALLAS MAY 3-4

ATLANTA JUNE 21-22

SAN FRANCISCO

PHOENIX MAY 17-18

DC JUNE 28-29

AUGUST/SEPT 30-1

HOUSTON MAY 24-26

CHICAGO JULY 26-27

EL PASO SEPTEMBER 6-7

at its finest!

CALENDAR

DENVER JUNE 14-15

LOS ANGELES AUGUST 2-3/9-10

The most important amateur soccer tournament in the Hispanic community IS BACK. IN THIS, our 11th season, the reigning champions will defend their titles against teams looking to record their name in the history of RAM Copa Alianza.

This year, the tournament kicks off in Dallas on May 3, and the 2013 RAM Copa Alianza Champion Falcons have been waiting all year to defend their title as the best amateur team in Dallas.

More than $100,000 in prizes are at stake for the 270+ elite teams from the best leagues in our ten cities, including teams from Mexico.

Since the tournament’s inaugural year, we have seen great matches and classic rivalries and, above all, the passion and desire to claim the title of top amateur team in the U.S.

SAN FRANCISCO Ensenada Baja California SAN FRANCISCO (SUPER GROUP) Reno FC PHOENIX FC Razteca

LOS ANGELES Trigueros FC

HOUSTON Independiente FC

DENVER Chivas Denver

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This season, Kellogg’s Copita Alianza showcases the great emotions, spirit and passion of the upcoming generations whofllood the fields with enthusiasm and joy.

KELLOGG’S COPITA ALIANZA is in its sixth year, and once again celebrates soccer, passion and dedication. Above all, it’s the atmosphere that makes this tournament one of the best in the U.S. for family fun and amazing soccer.

The tour begins in Dallas on May 3 and ends in El Paso on September 7, stopping in 10 cities. You’ll have a front row seat to cheer on these young stars of tomorrow.

Kellogg’s Copita Alianza rounds up more than 20,000 youth players and more than 1,100 teams. The fun runs deep, but the competition is fierce.

The teams in the championship game receive jerseys and medals, but only the champion team will bring home the coveted Kellogg’s Copita Alianza Trophy.

We are ready for another year and can’t wait to see these little warriors have a blast and leave it all on the field. Do not miss the chance to play, win and cheer!

20,000 MORE THAN

PLAYERS

TEAMS

MORE THAN

1,100

FROM

U8 TO

U18

AND WOMEN’S OPEN GROUP

10

AGE GROUPS

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Because no passion is too small!

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2014 CALENDAR

@alianzadefutbol

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DALLAS MAY 3-4 PHOENIX MAY 17-18 HOUSTON MAY 24-26 DENVER JUNE 14-15 ATLANTA JUNE 21-22 DC JUNE 28-29 CHICAGO JULY 26-27 LOS ANGELES AUGUST 2-3/9-10 SAN FRANCISCO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 30-1 EL PASO SEPTEMBER 6-7

YOU MAY THINK you have an IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, but making it come true is what Alianza is all about. Rafa Marquez, spokesman for Alianza de Futbol Hispano, is a great example of this. Marquez has won titles in France, Spain and Mexico and played for the world’s best team, Barcelona, when they won the UEFA Champions League.

As he gears up for his fourth World Cup, Marquez’s philosophy that anything is possible resonates with his two new teammates at Club Leon, Dennis Flores and Miguel Palafox. Thanks to 7UP Sueño Alianza, Flores and Palafox are one step closer to their dreams.

FLORES DREAMS BIG

“You dream... and sometimes your dreams come true.” RAFA MARQUEZ when asked if it was possible for Mexico to make it to the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Dennis Flores attended the 2012 7UP Sueño Alianza scouting event in San Francisco where he demonstrated his skills and passion, earning himself a home and professional career with Club Leon. Flores convinced his coaches he had what it takes to compete in his first Copa Libertadores tournament.

“I’m here, a step away. Now, it is up to me. If Gustavo Matosas [Leon’s coach] gives me a chance, I will take advantage of it,” shares Flores. “Being so close to accomplishing something I’ve dreamt of my whole life motivates me to work harder every day.”

Matosas is supportive and admires Flores’ style of play. Matosas’ faith showed when he included Flores in the lineup for a friendly match in the U.S. and for the Copa Libertadores tournament, where Flores has played against some of the best players on the continent.

Flores dreams of being a legend like his idol, Marquez, who he is now honored to call a teammate. “It pays to dream big,” says Flores. “Alianza de Futbol helps us make those dreams a reality.”

MIDFIELDER Pasadena, California 20 years old 7UP Sueño Alianza Generation: 2012

PALAFOX FOLLOWING GIANT STEPS

Another young talent scouted by Club Leon at the 7UP Sueño Alianza is tasting the sweetness of professional play. At the national finals in September 2013, Miguel Palafox was invited to trials with two teams, including Leon FC. He still finds it hard to believe he’s playing with the champions.

“It’s a dream to be with Club Leon. I arrived at the perfect time,” says Los Angeles native, Palafox. “Now I want to earn a spot on the U20 team. I am very motivated, especially because every day I have the opportunity to see the first team train.”

Palafox began to live his dream when he was invited to the 7UP Sueño Alianza National Finals. He never dreamed that just a few months later he would be celebrating his first title win as part of the Leon family.

“Without Alianza de Futbol, I would not be here. I’d probably still be home kicking the ball without direction. Alianza gave me the opportunity to play with Leon, and that means so much to me.”

Alianza, 12

DENNIS FLORES

the door to your dreams

Process:

1

REGISTRATION at www.alianzadefutbol.com

from March 14.

2

AGE GROUPS: U19: born between 1994 & 1997, U16: born between 1998 & 2001.

3

THE BEST 40 will go to the finals in Mexico in September.

4

AT THE FINALS, there will be 20 scouts from the best teams of Liga MX, US Soccer and the Mexican Federation of Football at the finals.

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TEAMS

New to 2014

America

Atlas

Chivas

Leon

Pachuca

Pumas

Queretaro

Santos

Tigres

Xolos

CATEGORIES

1994-2001

7

(U19 y U16)

PARTICIPATION FROM

1,000+

guaranteed professional contracts

RAFA MARQUEZ

Monarcas Monterrey

CITIES in 42 states

DEFENDER Championship title with Monaco, Barcelona (Liga and Champions League) and Leﾃｳn

MIGUEL PALAFOX

FORWARD Los Angeles, CA 19 years old 7UP Sueﾃｱo Alianza Generation: 2013

50+

SCOUTS ON THE 2014 TOUR

2 35

COACHES WILL OVERSEE THE ALIANZA TEAMS: 1 FROM U.S. SOCCER AND 1 FROM FEMEXFUT

7UP SUEﾃ前 ALIANZA PLAYERS HAVE SIGNED PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS

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7UP SUEﾃ前 PLAYERS HAVE BEEN CALLED UP TO YOUTH NATIONAL TEAMS OF MEXICO, UNITED STATES AND HONDURAS.

13

7UP Sueño Alianza

Discovers Professionals

35

Julio Morales

“In less than a year, I debuted in MLS with Chivas USA, competed in the under 20 World Cup in Turkey, and now, I debuted with Chivas de Guadalajara in Copa MX. Everything has been so huge and fast — very fast— so I give 100 percent every day to continue developing.”

“What a coach like Jose Luis Real [Chivas’ Head Coach] wants to see are players who leave everything on the field, sweat through their jerseys, and have a good attitude. That’s the most important thing -attitude. I feel so grateful to be here because a lot of people noticed me. I thank Alianza for the opportunity. I will not let you down.”

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PLAYERS HAVE SIGNED PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS SINCE 2008

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Kristoc Gabriel Camacho FORWARD San Jose, CA 20 years old Current team: Chivas de Guadalajara 7UP Sueño Alianza Generation: 2011

“Being in the 7UP Sueño Alianza National Finals is one of the best experiences I’ve had. Playing in front of scouts from different clubs and national teams and having television camera crews recording us really makes you feel like you’re just a step away from reaching your goal to play professionally.”

“I chose Xolos because they are the closest to my home in California, l have always liked how they play, and they treat me well.”

“There are many Mexican American players, like myself, on the first team who play for the US national team. This means that they provide their players with many opportunities. But there is something else very special about the team that I truly enjoy: even the first team players treat you like a friend.“

MIDFIELDER

Santa Rosa, CA 14 years old Received invitations from Monterrey, Morelia, U.S. Soccer, Chivas USA and Queretaro Current Team: Xolos Tijuana 7UP Sueño Alianza Generation: 2013

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These four players prove that when you have a goal, you must do everything in your power to achieve it, including sometimes moving away from home.

PLAYERS REMAIN ACTIVE

@alianzadefutbol

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IT WAS A SPECIAL FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND who mentioned to these four friends that 7UP Sueño Alianza tryouts were coming to a town nearby.

Along with their cleats, socks, shorts and shirts, Julio, Kristoc, Jesus and Carlos also packed their dreams in their duffel bags. Today, they are a testament that dreams do come true. Julio, Kristoc, Jesus and Carlos dared to show up, dared to pursue their dreams, and now, they are on the verge of accomplishing them.

Just like the 7,000 players from 754 cities in 42 U.S. states who came to our tryouts in 2013, these players went through all the filters, including the 2013 7UP Sueño National Finals held in Los Angeles. Thanks to their performance during the three days of training and showcase matches, they attracted the attention of some of the best scouts in North American soccer. Kristoc received five invitations. Carlos and Jesus each received four. Julio attended the 2010 tryouts, after which he decided to accept a tryout invitation from Chivas de Guadalajara, where he eventually stayed.

Each one of these players dreamed of taking their skills to the next level. Although it has not been easy, Alianza de Futbol has given them a choice very few have.

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Jesus Vazquez

“I am very grateful to my family for their support and Alianza for the platform they provided.

Without them, these doors would have never opened; they have many connections.”

“I decided to play for Tigres because my parents and I agreed it was the best fit. The University of Nuevo Leon is a great school, and Tigres emphasizes education. So, I found it to be the best choice for me.”

“After three weeks of trials, I got the news that they were going to offer me a contract.

Since then, my life has changed tremendously, and the best thing that has ever happened to me is having the opportunity to train with players like Carlos Salcido and other idols of mine who have played in the World Cup.”

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PLAYERS HAVE RECEIVED NATIONAL TEAM CALL-UPS FROM THE U.S., MEXICO AND HONDURAS

Carlos Saldaña DEFENDER

Santa Maria, California 19 years old Received invitations from Tigres, Pumas, U.S. Soccer and Xolos Current Team: Tigres 7UP Sueño Alianza Generation: 2013

I’m doing well; I have had a good experience since I arrived at Chivas in November 2013 to attend two weeks of trials. On January 2, 2014, I signed my contract.”

“I was selected at the 7UP Sueño Alianza National Finals and also received an invitation from Xolos. After visiting, I ultimately chose Chivas because of their program and the awesome goal-keeper coaches who force me to play at a higher level.”

“I want to thank Alianza for the opportunity they have given me. I hope that this program continues because it has opened many doors for me and friends alike.”

GOALKEEPER

Vallejo, California 17 years old Received invitations from U.S. Soccer, FMF, Xolos and Chivas de Guadalajara Current Team: Chivas 7UP Sueño Alianza Generation: 2013

Jonathan Gonzalez

“Alianza benefits everyone.”

The United States Men’s and U15 National Team coaches, Jürgen Klinsmann and Hugo Perez, praise the work of Alianza.

MIDFIELDER

Santa Rosa, CA Date of Birth: 13/04/1999 Current team: Monterrey and US U15 Boys National Team

IN SEPTEMBER 2013, the U.S. Men’s National Team Coach, Jürgen Klinnsman, attended the 7UP Sueño Alianza National Finals to motivate the players who made it through the local tryouts.

His visit pushed the players, which showed in their high level of play in the following trainings and games.

Aside from sharing memories and anecdotes from when he played professionally, Klinsmann praised Alianza de Futbol for its work to help teams, including the U.S. National Team, find talent.

“Alianza benefits everyone -club teams and naHUGO PÉREZ tional teams, but especially the players,” said Klinsmann.

His colleague Hugo Perez, who works with Klinsmann as the head coach of U15 U.S. National Team, coached the U 19 and U 15 national teams at the 7UP Sueño Alianza National Finals in Los Angeles. He witnessed firsthand the great talent of all the players, but two especially caught his eye -Jonathan Gonzalez and Luis Arreola, both of whom he has invited to the training camp for the U.S. U15 Boys National Team.

“Alianza really benefits Latino players with dual citizenship. They have the opportunity to be scouted and invited to play for club or national teams,” says Klinnsman.

Luis Arreola

FORWARD

Wheeling, IL Date of Birth: 03/30/1999

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Jürgen Klinsmann with 2013

7UP Sueño Alianza Generation

He was the standout player from the 2013 7UP Sueño Alianza National Finals. A total of 16 teams, including the Mexico and United States National Teams, invited him to official tryouts. But he had to make a choice, and he decided on two: the U.S. U15 Boys National Team and Monterrey.

“I’ve been called up around ten times, and they continue to do so. I am very happy because Monterrey has treated me really well, and that is the team I want to play for,” says Gonzalez, who was a starting player for the Monterrey U15 team that made it to the quarterfinals of the national tournament. “I thank Alianza because it is an organization that has helped me in all of this,” added the player, born in Santa Rosa, California.

Current Team: US U15 Boys National Team

After Jonathan, he was the second most coveted player at the player at the 7UP Sueño Alianza National Finals, but he has decided to focus on one team: the U.S. U15 Boys National Team. It was not an easy decision. Although he had the opportunity to stay with Chivas de Guadalajara, had he done so, he would have to give up his chance to play with his home country’s national team, and he did not want to do that. The idea of camps and matches around the world attracted him more.

“I chose the U.S. National Team because it was the best team that offered me an invitation, and if I do well, it will open the doors for me to go to Europe where the level of soccer is really high.” However, he has not ruled out going to Mexico. In the coming months he will travel to Pachuca, who also opened the doors to him.

“I am very happy, I thank God for my talent, my family and Alianza for their support.”

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THANKS TO ALIANZA U presented by Verizon, three talented students have realized their dreams of going to college KEVIN, EDSON AND JOEY LOVE SOCCER. But that’s not all. Their love for the sport is even helping them attend a university. In addition to providing guidance. They are attending college on a scholarship with the guidance provided by Alianza U presented by Verizon.

This group of talented players brings together two very important things: education and soccer. And both must remain on an equal playing field for these student athletes to maintain the scholarships that have been granted to them.

“This is an extension of our mission to be successful both on and off the field,” explains Brad Rothenberg, founder of Alianza de Futbol Hispano.

“We want to provide information on how to apply to college as a way to reward their soccer talent and efforts.”

Through Alianza U presented by Verizon, players attend seminars led by college recruiters in each of the 7UP Sueño Alianza cities. There, the players and their families receive advice that allows them to understand the opportunities available to them, and most importantly, how to access these opportunities and attend a university. In addition, students learn how to receive a scholarship and about the recruitment process in general.”

“There are university-level athletic scholarships waiting for you, but you have to be persistent and follow the requirements to obtain one. Of course, it is important to be a talented soccer player, but it is more important to have good grades,” says Rothenberg.

Meet the players who are living their dream of playing soccer while earning a college degree and get more information on how to make your dreams of a college education come true at www.alianzaU.com.

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Connecting Soccer to Education

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Joey Chica

California State University, Dominguez Hills Alianza means a lot to me. Everyone who is part of Alianza treats you like family. Just knowing that Alianza scouts were present served as added motivation to play better and perhaps receive an invitation to play with them and gain more experience.

In August of this year I will be attending California State University, Dominguez Hills. The coach at CSUDH spoke to my coach and invited me to a soccer camp. I think it will be a great opportunity to have fun and obtain a college degree.

Doing so was my decision. I felt that at a university, I could have the opportunity to play and study, and this would be better for me. I know for some guys going to school is an afterthought, but not for me.

My parents were born in El Salvador and came to the United States because of the war. I was born here, and my brother graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, which is another reason why I decided to attend college.

His advice: I would tell all players to make their dreams come true. Things will happen only once in your life, and we have to enjoy every minute of it.

And with Alianza, many of you can realize your dreams.”

Kevin Partida

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Currently, I am in my second semester at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and I owe a lot of it to Alianza U. They provided me with the information I needed to be recruited. At each event they would bring in experts to speak about college.

I attended the 7UP Sueño Alianza tryouts in San Francisco, and there I was invited to go to Tijuana, where I stayed for two weeks and earned the respect of the coaches. They offered me a place on the team, but I preferred to return home to continue studying and earn a college scholarship. Many people asked me why I did not accept the offer from Tijuana. I told them that getting an education while playing soccer would be more helpful for my future.

In February 2013, I found out I had been accepted, and it was great to know that I was not going to live like many students – stressed out about my student debt. I was also very happy that I was going to have the joy of playing soccer at a very high level.

His advice: Assess the future well. Do not just think in the moment, but consider the consequences of the decisions you make and be very sure that you will not regret it later.”

Edson Cardona Santa Clara University

I found out about Alianza de Futbol Hispano thanks to my father. He was the one who took me to the tryouts, where, thankfully, everything went well. I was selected as one of the top four players at my tryout.

I could not play in Mexico, but I was grateful to have had the opportunity to tryout in front of so many scouts and showcase my talent and skill.

The Alianza U seminars helped me receive a college scholarship. And although it was difficult at first to combine soccer and education, I was able to achieve it, motivated by the experience of being at a school I love while playing the sport I love.

Last season I injured my tibia, but I’m almost 100 percent recovered. It was a life-lesson: soccer can end at any moment, whereas an education is something that will last forever.

His advice: Take advantage of opportunities presented to you.

I think I made the right decision to pursue an education, and God has given me the ability to play soccer well and have the opportunity to be at a great university.”

19

1

Think about what you want to study and identify universities that offer courses and degrees that interest you. Focus your research on no more than 10-20 schools.

2

Soccer is very important, but your education comes first. There are millions of dollars in academic scholarships that go unused. Look for H them!

IT W 9 9 9 1

ÁLEZ, Z N O G ICA PEARANCE INRE DAME MÓN D CUP AP F NOT WORL GRADUATE O MEXICO,

3

Do your research, and try to meet college coaches. If you get a chance to try out for a team, do it! Chances are they will invite you back!

4

While on your college search, focus on more than just soccer! Ask yourself these questions: What kind of college do you want to attend?

Do you want to live in a big city or small town in a rural area?

Do you want to be a part of a large campus population or do you prefer a small campus environment? It is important to consider the little these details to make your experience ultimately worthwhile.

5

Make arrangements to visit college campuses. Make appointments with university coaches.

Show interest, take notes, ask questions, and be curious. Your attitude can take you far.

14

FOR SUCCESS

ON &OFF

THE FIELD

6 RAMÓ WORLD CU N RAMÍREZ 1994 AND P APPEARANCES , IN 1998 WITH MEXICO

For your final selection: 3 Identify schools you would like to attend.

3 Wait for acceptance letters.

3 Choose the ones you liked.

3 Make personal visits.

3 Keep in mind that you will not only be playing soccer, but also pursuing an education and creating a memorable college experience with friends.

7 20

Do not forget that the higher your grades are, the more financial support, like academic scholarships and options, will be made available to you.

Rafa Marquez, Ramon Ramirez and Monica Gonzalez share their best tips to help you achieve success as a soccer player and as a student.

T IPS

alianzadefutbol.com

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@alianzadefutbol

21

1

Be humble. Humility is what has kept me firmly planted on the grounded.

2

Get inspired by the best! In my case, Hugo Sanchez is and was my greatest idol for all of his accomplishments during his career.

He was a leader and my source of motivation. I always dreamed of being like him.

Z 2, AREAQRAUNE CES IN 200 RAFACUM P P PA MEXICO WORLD 2010 WITH D N A 6 0 0 2

Para triunfar en la academia

Tip 1. Piensa qué quieres estudiar y busca las universidades que te ofrecen lo que quieres. Concéntrate en 10-20 universidades únicamente.

Pursue a task with strong willpower and believeTip that 2. El futbol es muy importante para todos nosotros, you will achieve whatpero youtuset educación es más importante. Hay millones de dóyour mind to. Always tryentobecas académicas que ni se usan, ¡Búscalas!. lares excel and not sit idly by. Always seek excellence. Tip 3. Busca a los entrenadores de las universidades, ellos quieren conocerte y si puedes ve con ellos y pruébate con el equipo que quieres jugar. Ellos quieren invitarte.

3

Tip 4. Investiga información más allá del futbol y más allá de la universidad. ¿Qué tipo de universidad quieres?, I am very ambitious una ciudad grande, pequeña o en un área rural? and do not like¿En to watch ¿Grande the games from the bencho pequeña? Es importante que consideres esto que puedas acoplarte mejor a tu universidad or stands. Do the para same.

Tip 5. Conoce las universidades por ti mismo. Haz cita con entrenadores y con las universidades. Demuestra interés, toma notas, pregunta, sé curioso. Tu actitud te puede ayudar mucho.

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Tip 6. Para tu selección final: 1- identifica las escuelas que quieres. 2- espera las cartas de aceptación. 3- elige la o las que te gustaron. 4- has visitas personales. 5- toma en cuenta que no todo es futbol.

Tip 7. No lo olvides: entre más altas sean tus calificaciones, mayor será la beca académica que podrás obtener

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Have fun and learn from every training and game.

Monica and Ramon both had brilliant careers on the women’s and men’s national teams of Mexico, and now they are ambassadors for Alianza U presented by Verizon. They provide useful information for student-athletes to advance in applying to college and pursuing an athletic and/or academic scholarship.

Rafa Marquez, who will be participating in his fourth World Cup, shares the tips that have helped him reach his success and that have also allowed him to maintain a high performance level throughout his extended 18 year professional career.

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Para triunfar el futbol Neverenforget your roots. I always re-

member the magic of the streets of my hometown: Zamora, Michoacan. My Tip 1.-best Ser childhood humilde. Lamemories humildad are es loplaying que me ha mantenido con los pies firmes sobre la tierra. soccer with my friends and making our Tip 2.-goals Inspirarse de los mejores.

En itmirained, caso Hugo Sánwith stones.

Even when we always had a good time.

Be persistent and respect your career choice.

When I started playing professionally, some of my teammates would go out to parties. But I preferred to rest in order to use my energy on the field and play at my full potential.

rafamarquez.org

More victories and more smiles WHAT DOES 2014 HAVE IN STORE

1,000

Children are fed every day by the Rafa Marquez Foundation and receive the daily care of the NED Program.

(Nutrition, Education, Athletics)

N UTRICIÓN E DUCACIÓN D EPORTES

Making his mark once again, Rafa continues to shine.

HE WILL PLAY IN HIS FOURTH WORLD CUP in Brazil this summer, and it is one he is approaching with great ambition and a desire to win. It is no secret that his career has been a flourishing and long lasting one. It is one for the books of Mexican soccer legends. His level of playing has transcended boundaries, setting high expectations of current players and paving the path for aspiring ones. His story is not only important at the national team level, but C=50 R=148 also at the club level. 2013 was a great year for Marquez, M=0 G=198 who has been the only Mexican player to ever win three Y=100 B=63 titles in three different leagues: France with Monaco, Spain with Barcelona, and Mexico, K=0with Club León.

But beyond his achievements and goals on the field, PANTONE 376 C FunRafa’s most important mission is his foundation: dación Futbol y Corazón A.C., which will celebrate its ninth anniversary providing underserved children the tools to pursue a better future.

“More than 1,000 kids are cared for throughout our three facilities where we implement our NED Program (Nutrition, Education, Athletics). These facilities serve as afterschool centers and are equipped with a dining room and both education and sports centers. Children receive nutritious meals, participate in educational workshops, work on computers, and partake in cultural and sporting activities,” explains the Club Leon defender, who returned to El Tri when many had lost hope and helped the team qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. His leadership has earned him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of his coaching staff. But most importantly, it has captivated his fans. It is his leadership that has earned him the title of captain of the Mexican national team.

“Being named team captain of the national team is an honor, but seeing all the happy children is a feeling that is touching in a different way. Being with them is very important to me. It is wonderful to receive their love and gratitude.“ To date, the Foundation has four facilities in Zamora, Michoacan; Tonala, Santa Isabel, and Torrero, Jalisco.

He visits them all regularly. And as part of a strategic partnership between Rafa and LeadDog Marketing Group Inc., the Foundation is expected to grow thanks to the collaboration and fundraising efforts in the U.S. and Mexico.

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C=59 M=0 Y=100 K=7

R=108 G=179 B=63

PANTONE 369 C

538

PATIENTS are treated through homeopathy year after year, and more than 1,000 CONSULTATIONS are offered through the program SONRISAS SANAS (Healthy Smiles).

Anima a Tu Campeón Dentro de cada niño existe el potencial de ser un campeón.

Es por eso que Kellogg’s® y Alianza de Futbol Hispano® han unido fuerzas para sacar a los campeones que tus hijos llevan dentro, ayudándolos a desarrollar todo su potencial, gracias a un gran desayuno y deliciosos snacks que los prepararán para un divertido fin de semana de futbol.

Dale el apoyo a tus estrellas para que alcancen todas sus metas con Copita Alianza y Kellogg’s®.

®, ™, © 2014 Kellogg NA Co.