Two Omaha cousins, Luis and Adriel Sosa, stepped onto a global stage recently when they were chosen to escort players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City. The selection came from the Soka League, a free youth soccer program that provides local children with access to the sport despite equipment and transportation hurdles.
A Milestone for Local Youth Soccer
Luis, who plays as a striker, and his brother Adriel, a goalkeeper, were among 22 players from the league who earned the honor of walking onto the pitch during the Austria‑Algeria match. Their participation was not just a personal triumph but also a vivid illustration of how community‑driven programs can bridge gaps that often keep talented youngsters off the field.
The Bigger Picture of Youth Sports
Joe Marinkovich, executive director of the Football for the World Foundation, which runs the Soka League, noted that access to soccer isn’t always easy for the kids the organization serves. He emphasized that the foundation’s mission is to remove barriers such as cost and logistics so that children can experience the sport’s developmental benefits.
Jim Swanson, director of student and family support for the CUES school system, chaperoned the students to Kansas City and highlighted the broader value of youth athletics. According to Swanson, sports teach lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, and how to handle both victory and defeat — skills that extend far beyond the field.
Dreams of the Next Generation
When asked about his future, Adriel declared, “soccer is my heart,” a sentiment echoed by his brother Luis, who also harbors ambitions of turning professional. Their aspirations reflect a growing pipeline of talent nurtured by grassroots programs that prioritize inclusion and personal growth.
Community Support Behind the Scenes
The Soka League operates under the umbrella of the Football for the World Foundation and receives logistical support from the CUES school system, which helps coordinate transportation and supervision for events like the World Cup escort. This collaborative network illustrates how schools, nonprofits, and local families can join forces to create opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.