Youth Soccer

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Post Undefeated Weekend at 2025 ECNL Las Vegas Showcase

EL PASO, Texas (January 30, 2025) – Two El Paso Locomotive FC Academy teams posted undefeated weekends at the 2025 ECNL Showcase in Las Vegas over the weekend, gaining more valuable and competitive experience across the region as the Locos progress in their inaugural year in the ECNL.

“Having an unbeaten weekend is always a positive,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “Our ambitions are high, and we would love to win every game, but the ECNL is a tough league and any single result that is not a loss still provides us with positive development. In our minds, every game we play is another experience we can use for further growth. Congratulations to Coach [Alex] Pozo and Coach [George] Valenzuela, who coached with intensity and eagerness to win the whole weekend and led both the U17s and U19s to a successful showcase weekend.”

With scouts from 117 different colleges and universities, players from both teams had the opportunity to showcase themselves to prospective recruiting scouts while simultaneously continuing to bolster Locomotive as one of the strongest Academies in the region.

Additionally, the showcase provided an opportunity for younger players in the Academy to compete at a higher level and speed up their technical development.

“We achieved our goal to connect with college scouts and we are proud that some of our players have been contacted by top Division I and II programs,” Locomotive College Recruitment and U-17 Head Coach Alex Pozo said. “Equally important, we had two U16 players and seven U17 players make their debuts with the U19 age group, providing them a competitive environment as they continue to grow and develop as athletes.”

U17 (2008) Academy Results

Record 1-0-2, 0 GD

Game #1 vs XF – 1-1 D
Game #2 vs SLSG Illinois – 2-1 W
Game #3 vs Lobos Rush – 3-3 D

U19 (2006) Academy Results

Record 1-0-2, +1 GD

Game #1 vs Atlanta Fire United – 1-0 W
Game #2 vs KC Fusion – 1-1 D
Game #3 vs Ohio Elite Soccer Academy – 4-4 D

El Paso Locomotive FC’s Kenneth Hoban Receives Proclamation From the City of El Paso

EL PASO, Texas (December 17, 2024)– El Paso Locomotive FC defender Kenneth Hoban was officially recognized with a special proclamation from El Paso City Council at City Hall for his achievement of becoming the youngest professional signing in club history at 15 years old.

Accompanied by family, friends and members of the Locomotive organization, Hoban was presented with a proclamation by Mayor Oscar Leeser and District 3 City Council Representative Cassandra Hernandez that December 17 would be known as “Kenneth Hoban Day” to commemorate his accomplishment and showcase that the dreams of becoming a professional athlete can happen in El Paso.

“This is a big moment for me,” Hoban said after the recognition. “I did not expect this, and I’m truly honored to have been given the opportunity to be recognized by the City of El Paso. This is something I will always remember.”

Born and raised in El Paso, Hoban was Locomotive’s first official signing as preparations begin for the 2025 season under new Technical Director Ray Saari and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera.

Hoban is the first player in club history to go through each step of Locomotive’s Youth Soccer pathway, starting off in Locomotive’s grassroots soccer programs and working his way through the team’s Club Soccer, Academy and USL Academy U-20 teams, even signing a USL Academy Contract for the 2024 season at 14 years old.

Hoban was a standout defender throughout the year for Locomotive’s fully funded USL Academy U20 side, recently earning All-Tournament Second Team honors following his participation at the 2024 USL Academy Finals. He was a key contributor to the U20s second-place finish in the USL Academy League’s Cactus Division in which the team ended the season with a 7-2-1 record and +9 GD (22 GF/13 GA).

Hoban has also been a member of some of the U20s most notable appearances in recent years, including the Academy’s first USL Academy Finals in 2023 and the 2024 Dallas Cup Final.

“This is a big honor to celebrate Kenneth and the work that everybody in this organization has done to get to this point,” Locomotive Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “With the help of the City, Locomotive has achieved a lot, and this proclamation is one of them. I am very proud of Kenneth as he is an excellent player, but an even better person. He sacrificed a lot, but he put everything into becoming the best player he could to earn the opportunity to become a professional and he has now achieved that. This moment signals that dreams can come true here in our community.”

Addressing Hoban at the City Council Meeting, Leeser said, “A lot of us dream… and [Kenneth] achieved his dream. Congratulations and your future couldn’t be any brighter.”

El Paso Locomotive FC Youth Soccer Clubs Finish Strong at EPPL Finals

EL PASO, Texas (December 12, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC Youth Soccer Clubs came together at the Westside Sports Complex last weekend to close out their 2024 season in the El Paso Premier League (EPPL) Finals.

“The EPPL plays a crucial role in Locomotive Youth Soccer’s player development model, providing our families with accessible, affordable and competitive options here in El Paso while simultaneously creating a positive environment for our community to come together and connect,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “The EPPL plays a key role in improving the local youth soccer landscape, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game without having to travel hundreds of miles. Seeing so many Loco families and players come together for weekends like EPPL Finals makes our whole project worth all the time, effort and energy. We look forward to continuing to work with the EPPL to grow youth soccer in the Borderplex region.”

Locomotive had a total of 44 teams competing to close out the EPPL Fall season, with 10 teams winning their groups and six (6) posting undefeated records.

“We had a very positive season with multiple top-place finishes and several players earning individual awards, which makes all the hard work that was put in by our teams to get to this point worth it when you see them lift their trophies or take pictures with friends and families,” Sr. Coordinator, Youth Soccer Registration and Administration Desiree Castillo said. “As the EPPL continues to improve, we look forward to our continued development and competitiveness as we prepare for the 2025 Spring season.”

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Teams Put Up Competitive ECNL League Performances in Salt Lake City

EL PASO, Texas (December 10, 2024) – Five El Paso Locomotive FC Academy teams competed in their first away matches in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) in Salt Lake City over the weekend, with the young Locos posting an overall record of 6-2-0.

“This was our first ever away league gameday in the ECNL and our first trip to the state of Utah,” Locomotive Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “Needless to say, it was a completely new environment, completely new field conditions and completely new styles of play from our opponents, but our teams showed up extremely well and finished net positive in results. However, the ECNL experience was the most valuable takeaway from the trip. Great fields, great opponents and competitive games are what we need week-to-week. The Utah weekend was a great start to our ECNL run and we are looking forward to continue our journey towards reaching the playoffs with multiple teams in 2025.”

U13 (2012) Academy Results

Record 0-0-2, -3 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 0-2 L
Game #2 vs La Roca – 0-1 L

U14 (2011) Academy Results

Record 2-0-0, +4 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 3-0 W
Game #2 vs La Roca – 1-0 W

U15 (2010) Academy Results

Record 2-0-0, +4 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 2-1 W
Game #2 vs La Roca – 3-0 W

U16 (2009) Academy Results

Record 2-0-0, +3 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 1-0 W
Game #2 vs La Roca – 3-1 W

U17 (2008) Academy Results

Record 0-0-2, -4 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 0-2 L
Game #2 vs La Roca – 0-2 L

About the El Paso Locomotive FC Academy

Founded in 2020, the Locomotive Academy was created to provide unrivaled competitive opportunities for youth players in the Borderplex region. The Academy fields seven teams between 13-19, including a fully funded U-20 USL Academy program, and competes in three youth leagues: the Elite Club National League (ECNL), USL Academy League and the El Paso Premier League (EPPL). Through its league competitions and participation at various tournaments and showcases throughout the year, the Academy strives to provide players with direct exposure to numerous college and scouts while playing against some of the strongest youth teams in the country.

In addition to working with numerous colleges across the country, the Academy also grants players a pathway to train and play alongside the Locomotive senior team, giving the young athletes an opportunity to learn and develop alongside professional athletes and coaches through USL Academy contracts, the only youth soccer organization in El Paso to offer such opportunities. To learn more about the Locomotive Academy, head to eplocomotivefc.com/youth-soccer.

About ECNL

Founded in 2009 and sanctioned by US Club Soccer, the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is highly regarded for its top-level national competition, player development and college recruitment track record. As a result of grassroots collaboration and innovation driven by youth soccer leaders all around the country, the ECNL quickly rose to national prominence – and ultimately to be the top level of competition and player development in the country. Each step was fueled by a shared commitment to elevating the youth soccer experience. To learn more, visit theecnl.com.

“Youth Soccer on the Road” is presented by GECU.

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Compete Against Top National Youth Teams at USL Academy Finals

EL PASO, Texas (December 10, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC’s USL Academy U-20 team wrapped up another milestone weekend after competing at the 2024 USL Academy Finals, the second consecutive time the young Locos clinched an appearance at the national tournament.

Qualifying for the tournament because of their impressive season in the USL Academy’s Cactus Division in which they ended the season with a 7-2-1 record, the Academy Locos were drawn to face AC Connecticut in the Round of 16. The Locos would find a way back into their match after going down early on, but Connecticut would find the back of the net once more in the second half and hold on to their lead to advance to the next round.

“Though it was unfortunate to fall in the first round to AC Connecticut, who would go on to be tournament finalists, our Locomotive boys showed great quality throughout the week,” Locomotive Academy Director and USL Academy U-20 Head Coach Ivan Militar said. “I am proud of our performance, and we are very happy that we had the chance to represent our Cub and colors on a national stage once again. This group had a tremendous run in the USL Academy League this year and we are looking forward to repeating this in 2025.”

Following the loss to Connecticut, Locomotive would move on to the showcase phase in the next couple of days. Locomotive would go up against some of the country’s top youth teams including rivals San Antonio FC and FC Motown, as well as the LFE All-Stars, a team made up of youth players from several English clubs including the Premier League. The Locos would post a 1-1-1 record in the showcase round.

“We had some highlight moments and showed that our Academy is one of the best USL Academies in this country,” Militar said. “We were one of the youngest squads at the tournament, but the boys did not let that to be an excuse. We played against older opponents and competed head-to-head with them. I could not be prouder of our group for how they came out to perform.”

Following the tournament, two Locomotive players earned nods to the USL Academy Finals All-Tournament teams. Midfielder Damian Perez was named to the All-Tournament First Team and defender Kenneth Hoban – who was announced on Monday as the club’s youngest ever professional signing – earned a spot on the All-Tournament Second Team.

USL Academy U-20 Results

Tournament
Round of 16 vs AC Connecticut – 2-1 L

Showcase
Game #1 vs FC Motown – 3-0 W
Game #2 vs LFE All-Stars – 0-0 D
Game #3 vs San Antonio FC – 4-3 L

About the El Paso Locomotive FC Academy

“Youth Soccer on the Road” is presented by GECU.

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Players Damian Perez and Kenneth Hoban Selected to USL Academy Finals All-Tournament Teams

TAMPA, Fla. (December 11, 2024) – USL Academy announced on Tuesday the 2024 USL Academy League Finals All-Tournament Teams, honoring the top performers across the four days of competition at IMG Academy that concluded this past Sunday.

El Paso Locomotive FC midfielder Damian Perez was selected to the All-Tournament First Team and defender Kenneth Hoban – who was recently announced as Locomotive’s first signing for 2025 and the youngest in club history to sign a professional contract – earned a spot in the All-Tournament Second Team.

El Paso Locomotive FC Damian Perez (M) was named to the USL Academy Finals All-Tournament First Team.

2024 USL Academy League Finals All-Tournament First Team

GK – James Sneddon, Richmond Kickers
D – Jake Alb, Indy Eleven
D – Griffin Garnett, Richmond Kickers
D – Beckett Howell, Richmond Kickers
D – Lincoln Minzey, Indy Eleven
M – Levi Dewey, Indy Eleven
M – Daniel Istambouli, AC Connecticut
M – Damian Perez, El Paso Locomotive FC
F – Fynn Lahrsen, Indy Eleven
F – Nicholas Simmonds, Richmond Kickers
F – Leonardo Soltero, Real Colorado

El Paso Locomotive FC’s Kenneth Hoban (D) was named to the USL Academy Finals All-Tournament Second Team.

2024 USL Academy League Finals All-Tournament Second Team

GK – Ryan Hunsucker, Indy Eleven
D – Kenneth Hoban, El Paso Locomotive FC
D – Grafton Kahl, Richmond Kickers
D – Martin Rubalcava Lopez, West Coast Futbol Club
D – Maverick McCoy, Indy Eleven
M – Luke Fiscella, AC Connecticut
M – Dyllan Mendoza, San Antonio FC
M – Jack Ryan, AC Connecticut
F – Victor Aguilar, Indy Eleven
F – Cooper Hineline, Real Colorado
F – Elijah Tenger, Utah Red Wolves SC

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Excels at ECNL Phoenix Showcase

EL PASO, Texas (November 19, 2024) – The El Paso Locomotive FC Academy once again demonstrated why it is one of the strongest academies in the Southwest, putting up dominant and impressive results at the ECNL Showcase in Phoenix over the past weekend.

The young Locos had the chance to demonstrate their skills and talent to scouts from 130 different colleges and universities, a significant opportunity to continue the establishing the pipeline to higher education by helping Locomotive Academy players acquire scholarships to further their athletic and academic careers.

“I cannot emphasize how big, exciting and impactful these events are for our program and players,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “The teams had a fantastic display and everyone played meaningful minutes as we met our developmental priorities and came out to win. As we move forward in ECNL, there is no doubt that eyes are now on us. Winning our conference and making playoffs is our priority as we aim to help our programs continue to grow and improve.”

The Academy had four teams travel to the showcase: the U19s, U17s, U16s and U15s. The Locos combined for 12 matches played and recorded eight wins, three draws and one loss.

The U19 squad posted a perfect 3-0-0 record, conceding no goals while scoring eight to win its group.

See the full list of Locomotive Academy’s ECNL Phoenix results below.

U19 (2006) Academy Results

Record 3-0-0, +8 GD

Game #1 vs RISE SC – 2-0 W
Game #2 vs MVLA – 2-0 W
Game #3 vs Santa Rosa United – 4-0 W

U17 (2008) Academy Results

Record 1-0-2, +1 GD

Game #1 vs Germantown Legends – 1-1 D
Game #2 vs Westside Metros – 1-0 W
Game #3 vs Rebels SC – 1-1 D

U16 (2009) Academy Results

Record 2-0-1, +5 GD

Game #1 vs Lobos Rush – 4-1 W
Game #2 vs Rebels SC – 2-0 W
Game #3 vs San Juan SC – 1-1 D

U15 (2010) Academy Results

Record 2-1-0, 0 GD

Game #1 vs COSC – 2-0 W
Game #2 vs San Francisco Elite – 2-1 W
Game #3 vs Sporting California – 0-3 L

About the El Paso Locomotive FC Academy

About ECNL

No Place Like Home: A Conversation with George Valenzuela, Academy Registrar and U14 Boys Coach

EL PASO, Texas – Not everyone goes pro and George Valenzuela accepted that fact as he reached the end of his career at Adams State University, but he knew that whatever he did next had to be in the realm of soccer. Luckily for him, that opportunity would materialize years later in the city he called home.

Prior to returning to the Sun City earlier this year, Valenzuela had been working with two different Rush clubs in the Denver area where he learned a lot about managing youth teams. From ticket sales and marketing to community relations and recreational soccer programs, Valenzuela was acquiring a lot of knowledge he knew would be beneficial down the line.

“I knew that coaching and soccer was the world I wanted to be in and that if I wanted to be in this in industry, I needed to invest in myself,” Valenzuela said.

While out on a business trip in Florida with Rush, he would run into member’s from Locomotive’s front office at a coaches convention and learned more about the inner workings of a professional soccer organization. Intrigued with the project that was shaping up in his hometown, Valenzuela began to follow the club’s pages and several members working within to learn more about how things operated in hopes that one day he too could be a Loco.

He would eventually return to El Paso after seven years, determined to find his way through Locomotive’s door. However, he hit his first roadblock.

“I was hit with rejection and was told my qualifications were not where they needed to be, which sucked because this club is what I aimed for and I did not get the job right away,” he recalled. “So I worked a few odd jobs here and there to maintain myself while I kept trying to work my way in.”

One day, as if by luck, he bumped into Locomotive Academy Director Ivan Militar who was out playing pickup soccer with several members of the Youth Soccer department. Valenzuela would introduce himself and began chatting with Militar about potential opportunities. Militar noticed Valenzuela’s eagerness and told him that if anything came up, he would keep him in mind.

Valenzuela’s phone would ring a few weeks later. All Militar had to offer was part-time job as a coach for the U14 boys but he was ready to give Valenzuela the chance to lead the team should he wish to accept it. And he did, without hesitation. He left his other jobs and committed himself completely to working with the Locos, intent on shaping his boys team to be one of the club’s most competitive.

As time progressed, Militar picked up on Valenzuela’s ability to connect and manage his players with ease. His work ethic and drive stood out wherever he was at and his relationships with co-workers and families were quite strong despite how short his time with the club was. Militar began to wonder what Valenzuela would be like in the front office and with all the work that the Youth Soccer department handles, an extra set of hands would not hurt. Militar began to have conversations with his staff and club leadership and later approached Valenzuela with an opportunity to play a greater role within the organization. It was risky for Valenzuela to return to El Paso with no solid plan lined up, but his effort and sacrifice had finally paid off.

Now, two months into his role as the Academy Registrar for the El Paso Locomotive FC Academy, George Valenzuela could not be more grateful to the organization that gave him the opportunity to simultaneously oversee competitive and travel logistics for the Academy and continue to coach his boys team as he works towards his first U.S. Soccer Coaching License.

“This job has been the best experience I’ve had so far in my career and what better place to have done this than at home,” Valenzuela said with a smile on his face.

MORE ABOUT GEORGE VALENZUELA

Valenzuela has a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Adams State University and is currently working towards his maser’s in sports administration as well as his U.S. Soccer D Coaching License.

Valenzuela played collegiate soccer at Pine Manor College (outside of Boston) between 2017-18 and Adams State University (outside of Denver) between 2018-2022.

El Paso Locomotive FC USL Academy U20s to Play League Match at Southwest University Park

EL PASO, Texas (September 16, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that its USL Academy U20 team will play their league match vs Barca Residency Academy inside Southwest University Park on Saturday, October 5 at 7 pm MT. Tickets for the match are on sale now (click here) for fans to come out and support the next generation of talented El Paso soccer players.

“This match will be one of the most memorable events in Locomotive Youth Soccer history,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “We are grateful to the ownership and leadership of our organization that supported us in our planning and allowed us to make this event happen. It will be a special evening for our U20 team who will play in an environment like that of the senior squad and we invite everyone in the El Paso soccer community to come support our boys.”

Having hosted a USL Academy match for the first time last season, Southwest University Park will open concessions and the Locomotive team shop this time around to provide a greater matchday experience. The match itself is anticipated to showcase a lot of the quality talent being produced within El Paso and that of Barca Residencey Academy where notable Locomotive players like Diego Luna (2021-22) and Miles Lyons (2022-) got their starts.

Locomotive currently sits at the top of their USL Academy division with seven wins and one loss – outscoring their opponents 20-9 – and will hope by the end of the season to book a second consecutive trip to the USL Academy League Finals in Bradenton, Florida in December.

About the Locomotive Academy

Planting the Soccer Roots: A Conversation with James Ellis, Manager of Youth Soccer Development and Outreach

EL PASO, Texas – Having never left his home state of Virginia, coming to the city of El Paso was an exciting adventure in the eyes of James Ellis who aims to grow love for the game of soccer amongst local youth in the community.

Previously the Sports Director for the YMCA in Chesapeake, Virginia with additional experience coaching youth teams, Ellis has shown he can foster interest in soccer at a grassroots level and that in part stems from how much the sport provided him and his desire to give back through the game.

“Soccer was one of those things that gave me the opportunity to travel and meet new people who I now call friends, so I knew I wanted to do the same thing for other kids trying to go in that direction,” Ellis said. “I know the level of impact I could have through soccer and coaching, so it is nice to be out there to give back and make sure kids have similar or better experiences with the sport than I did.”

Ellis had always thought about the idea of moving to Texas, but never knew how or when that would happen until El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Director Ivan Militar presented him with that possibility.

Although they never crossed paths on the field at Old Dominion University (where they both played collegiate soccer), Ellis had massive respect for Militar as he was the one who gave him his first-ever coaching job in Virginia Beach. Reunited with his former boss, Militar eventually brought up a new youth soccer role with Locomotive that was being established and that immediately caught the interest of Ellis.

It would be a difficult cross-country move somewhere he was completely unfamiliar with but the role itself and the change in lifestyle excited Ellis. What Militar was offering him was a chance to drive major impact across a large region where soccer is highly popular.

“The opportunity to work at a professional soccer organization with the ability to make a big difference, as well as it being in a state that I heavily considered moving to, were reasons why I ultimately decided this was something I wanted to pursue,” Ellis said.

Coming up on two months in his new role, Ellis has gotten a greater grasp of the community he is working in and is making sure to reach out and establish relationships with local schools and families to inform them what Locomotive can provide for their children. He also oversees a small staff of coaches and works with them to help make sure they are simultaneously helping kids develop the basic skills of soccer and maximize their interest in the sport.

This work is done with the hope that as the kids grow up, they pursue soccer at a much more competitive level and integrate themselves into the Locomotive Youth Soccer pipeline. But for Ellis, his priority is to ensure that those introductory soccer experiences are as memorable as possible.

“A big part of my job is to make sure that people understand that what we offer aims to create positive experiences for kids,” Ellis said. “Whether it is me or the coaches, we want our interactions to be fun and genuine so that kids and parents are getting what they want out of these programs while also creating love and passion for the game of soccer.”

Youth Soccer

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