Futbolito Pacoima engages at-risk youth from the Northeast San Fernando Valley to play soccer, build character and develop life skills. Futbolito is a fast paced version of soccer played with 5 man teams on a basketball sized court with smaller goalposts and a smaller, heavier soccer ball.
In 2005, with the support of the LA84 Foundation, the organization established Futbolito Pacoima which turned a makeshift, alley-way activity into a constructive, supervised and safe competitive sports program. The coaches have extensive experience and work closely with parents and youth in order to create a soccer program that fosters community. Practices are held three times a week at housing developments, parks and schools in order to prepare for tournaments that are played on a bi-weekly basis. Through consistent practice, youth improve their physical health and participate in competitive sports during times where they were most at risk to be involved in juvenile gang activity and violence.
Futbolio Pacoima has a youth council to compliment where youth are able to voice their opinion and make decisions about the program. The youth council has been integral in promoting a stronger sense of athletic competition rather than personal competition among the players. Futbolito Pacoima is a positive and safe alternative for youth, a first step in drug, gang and other at-risk behavior prevention.
