| Story was published in the Porterville Recorder on June 12, 2012.
The coach who deserves a great deal of credit — if not the most credit — in turning around Mexico’s youth boys national soccer program is now looking to take his talents to the United States and is right here in Porterville. Cesar Javier Vega is now in Porterville and will be in the area for the rest of the month. He’s being hosted by Porterville’s South Valley Chivas Academy and was at Summit Charter Collegiate Academy working with players in the South Valley Chivas program on Monday. |
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| And while he plans to offer his coaching expertise to this area and the Valley for the rest of June, he’s looking to become a coach on the national level here in this country. And professional teams are already showing interest. | Cesar Javier Vega works with Chivas Academy players at Summit Collegiate Charter Academy on Monday |
| Esmaldo Hernandez said he and his brother, Gilbert, who direct the South Valley Chivas Academy, said they will take Vega to meet with representatives from Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders and the Premiere Development League’s Ventura Fusion, which is owned by the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS.
The PDL is essentially the lowest level minor league for collegiate and up and coming players who have aspirations of playing professionally, including in the MLS. Among the teams in the league is the Fresno Fuego. Esmaldo Hernandez said during the meeting on Saturday in Ventura County, the representatives will talk to Vega about where he could potentially serve on the professional level. “I feel kind of privileged to be with him,” Esmaldo said. He also said the presence of Vega can do nothing but help the development of soccer in the area and in the Valley. “It helps us to make more friends and more opportunities for the Valley,” he said. Vega, who speaks limited English, said he came to this area as a result of his friendship with Esmaldo. Vega recruited Esmaldo’s son, Alexis, to play in the Mexican National Youth program. Alexis has gone on to be a starting midfielder for the Fresno Pacific men’s soccer team the past two seasons. Vega, who played for Uruguay in the 1986 World Cup, was among those who were brought into Mexico’s youth program after its 20 and under and 17 and under men’s teams failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2001. Vega played a huge role in developing the players in the program that went on to win the 17 and under World Cup titles in 2005 and 2011. Vega served as an assistant coach on both teams. While Vega is open to any coaching opportunity in the U.S. on the youth, college or pro level, his first love is working with the youth, which leads to the obvious potential of Vega serving in the U.S. Youth Soccer program. Vega said he sees the potential for the U.S. to equal the success that Mexico has had on the youth level. As far as the talent in this area and in the Valley, Vega said he likes what he sees in ages 10-13. He went to watch games in Bakersfield and he said he saw 10-13-year-olds who could potentially rise as high as the pro level with the proper training. He was candid when talking about the older youth players, saying he also saw talent, but that the players lacked training and discipline. Since arriving on Thursday, Vega said he’s enjoying his time in the area. “I feel comfortable,” he said. “The people are helpful. They’re accepting.” Vega hopes to conduct at least two camps in the Valley and is also willing to work with individuals and teams who are interested. “He’s willing to work with anybody,” Esmaldo said. Those who are interested in working with Vega can call the Chivas hotline, 784-7407, or call Vega, (559) 359-5275. |
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