San Quentin’s soccer players have organized and started competing in hopes that someone would come in from the streets to coach and donate uniforms, cleats and soccer balls. Two players described to the San Quentin News the value of playing soccer behind prison walls.
“First and foremost, soccer teaches discipline,” said Alex Ruiz.
Jorge Heredia expresses how one can take what they learn from playing soccer and turn them into life skills. “Soccer teaches social and communication skills,” Heredia said. “It keeps you fit and reduces stress as well.”
“To play you have to learn to love it. When you love it, you even play in the snow, the rain or whatever the elements,” said Ruiz. “Soccer is like an art. You can use your hands and feet and do things with the ball that people can admire”
“Due to the increase of the inmate population and the limited job opportunities, soccer is a perfect outlet for the guys who do not have jobs here,” said Heredia.
Alex Ruiz played soccer since the age of four, when he lived in Peru, and credits his uncle Pepe Del Carpio for introducing him to soccer. He moved to America at the age of 14 and played soccer at Albany High School in California.
While Ruiz was playing soccer as an eight-year-old, a motorcyclist ran over his leg. Ruiz loved playing soccer so much, it only took him a few days to start back playing again.
