Meet Coach Jesus Fugon

Coach Jesus Fugon

Born in Southern California, and growing up playing in South L.A, I experienced playing soccer with friends and teams from diverse backgrounds, from lower socio-economic families. Receiving advanced soccer training was difficult for me and my teammates because fees to join quality soccer clubs were so expensive and out of our reach.

I grew up knowing very talented players who could not continue to advance their careers, or even dream of soccer careers because of their parent’s lack of financial support. For too many, inability to pay high fees to participate in clubs meant that soccer lost out to the influence from neighborhood gang affiliations, which led to very challenging futures. These kids became victims of their circumstance.

Academia Futbol Central Los Angeles was created to give youth soccer players in underserved communities a chance - no matter their financial situation. At our academy players who have the skill and passion for the game receive professional training and can continue to develop their skills to play at the highest levels. If they have the desire and commitment to achieve, they have a home with us.

Club soccer is important for youth players to advance to the next level in their lives. It is very difficult for these talented players to be “seen” without participating in club soccer. Without significant money, a good club team is the only way to showcase their skills to scouts or recruiters and be exposed to opportunities to play at the college, university or even professional level.

We offer players a chance at something better for themselves. We have had skilled players progress through our program seeking refuge from the bad influences in their neighborhoods. As a coach, and someone who experienced similar situations, I have sat down and advised several players personally. I tried to lead them on a better path. Throughout their lives I hope they can draw from the discipline, hard work and respect they learned while playing for Academia Futbol Central LA.

We are very proud of all of our players. Some have gone on to play at or simply attend college which may seem like “the norm” for some people but it’s very difficult and rare for players coming from some of these harsh neighborhoods. From personal experience playing all over L.A, there is limited opportunity and some very difficult, very real problems our youth face while trying to pursue athletic dreams. They are ignored by “successful” clubs. Many do not have transportation to games or practices, not to mention cash for the fees for their participation to play.

As a coach and Director of Academia Futbol Central LA, I personally take the responsibility to help as many kids as I can. Sometimes by giving rides to players instead of having them take a two-hour bus to practice or games. We ask for and receive help from many of the other players and parents. Sometimes these players would miss events for something as small as a ride and we do not like to accept that fate here at Futbol Central. If we can help it, we don’t want our under-represented players to accept these circumstances.

We strive to bring a sense of camaraderie to all teams to ensure no player feels unwelcome or left out. No player with the potential and desire for greatness will be turned away at Academia Futbol Central LA and this has been the theme over the years which has built long-term friendships throughout our club. We make sure every single player that comes through our program understands; Here at Futbol Central we are not just another “club” we are a family fighting towards the goal of bettering our lives through the soccer.