Summer 2023

Youth Soccer Program Shares Lasting Life Lessons B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S I n 2020, as the pandemic paused many daily activities, Duban Trujillo and Bonnie Broderick organized some casual family soccer games. Trujillo is an accomplished player who grew up in Colombia and trained with the FC Barcelona Coach Academy. As a coach at Stevenson School, he started hearing from par- ents who appreciated his teaching style. That feedback inspired Octobots Youth Soccer, an organization that teaches soccer basics and MRXIVTIVWSREP WOMPPW XS GLMPHVIR EKIW ½ZI XS “We didn’t mean to start a program, but people kept asking so we kept hosting trainings. They could see the passion in what Duban was doing,” Broderick says. School-year programs and seasonal clinics at the Monterey County Fairgrounds incorporate physical, cognitive, psychological and tactical lessons, so participants learn game skills along with teamwork and decision making. Students serve as referees to better understand soccer rules. Teams also include boys and girls of various ages and skill levels, which creates leadership opportunities for older and more experienced players. Trujillo draws energy and motivation from participants’ laughter. “I enjoy seeing the kids having fun, celebrating and reaching their goals. They’re enjoying the moment, and that’s the most important thing. They can have fun in a safe environment and NYWX FYMPH GSR½HIRGI ² LI WE]W For more information, visit www.octobotsfc.com or call 831/275-8328. SHORT CUTS COMMUNITY Bonnie Broderick and Duban Trujillo started Octobots Youth Soccer during the pandemic, to teach both the basics of soccer and interpersonal skills to children. 82 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 Photo: Kelli Uldall