Guillen soccer standout earns spot with El Paso Locomotive U15 Team
(GUILLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL Oct. 15, 2021) — Guillen Middle and Segundo Barrio Futbol Club standout Alex Galindo is already a star soccer player among his peers. Now, he’s taking his skills to the next level this year, having earned a spot on the Locomotive FC under 15 team.
The midfielder is practicing regularly, balancing both soccer with middle school, hoping someday he might make it into the professional ranks.
“It feels great to make the team,” the eighth grader said. “I hope to pass (the ball) to help score. I like how it feels to be on the field.”
The shy eighth grader humbly talks soccer – a family sport and way of life for him since he was 5 – not knowing his own talent. His Segundo Barrio FC director and coach Simon Chandler is quick to sing his praises.
“He has all the attributes to be able to play soccer at a high level,” said Chandler, EPISD Community Schools coordinator. “Alex is one of the most talented players we have seen over the past 10 years.”
The coach and former Hart Elementary teacher met Alex as a first grader at Hart Elementary when he taught second grade there. Chandler, who considers the Loco’s 14-15 team to be among the most competitive for his age group, encouraged Alex to try out knowing he needed a more challenging opportunity to nurture his talent.
“Like a lot of kids in the neighborhood, we knew he liked soccer and he was a good player,” Chandler said. “As he got older, his talent started to become more obvious. Aside from his technical ability, we also were impressed with his attitude and his personality.”
At this point, Chandler says it’s hard to know where Alex’s talent will take him.
“We are hoping that Alex will follow in the footsteps of former Hart student and ex-Segundo Barrio Futbol Club player Felix Casas, who recently signed with the Locomotive Football Club USL Academy,” Chandler said.
Alex has a mutual admiration for Chandler, who has a similar passion for the sport.
“He’s a great person and he helps a lot,” Alex said. “I’ve learned a lot from him.”