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Benjamin Chach coaches a team of Guatemalans whose love for soccer has kept them together since childhood, when they played as classmates in their native region of Quiché.
“We met playing soccer, and by the twists of fate, we reunited here, in the United States,” said Chach, whose team, Los Vagos, is one of the 10 teams that make up the Latino League, which plays indoors at the Champions Sports Center.
On a field slightly smaller than a regulation soccer field, enthusiastic athletes chase the ball during the winter months. After the winter season ends this month, activities will move outdoors to fields located in the South End of New Bedford.
“Our little town is called San Andrés Sajcabajá, and most of us are from there,” said Chach. “Some were classmates, others were friends, and some were relatives.
“Coming to play soccer is the perfect excuse to come and share with friends,” said Miguel Mateo, another leader of the group.
“Soccer gave me values,” says Marlon, who proudly displays a jersey with his name written on the back and the shield of the Guatemalan Professional Soccer Team on the front.
“For me, it’s more than a passion,” added Chiri, who travels from Providence to New Bedford several times a week to play for Los Vagos.
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org
