As he finished his match and walked off of the field, he found a scouting agent waiting for him.
Freshman Bayron Herrera plays for the Rayados Fort Worth Soccer Academy.
Herrera played in Barcelona, Spain, against Monaco two weeks ago.
“My best performance was when I was playing in Houston against a Houston team,” Herrera said. “We were playing against them to go to the next stage and advance when scouts looked for me and said they would keep in touch, so I could join the Monterrey Academy.”
Herrera is the team’s goal keeper.
“I got into soccer because I thought it would be fun,” Herrera said. “We’ve won tournaments in Dallas and Colorado, and we’ve gone to Spain.”
Herrera said playing a professional team made him nervous.
“I was nervous and scared,” Herrera said. “I really enjoyed it, they had a different style than what we play, but I got to learn new things.”
Herrera’s mentor is his dad.
“He practices with me and motivates me,” Herrera said. “I have the discipline I have because of him.”
Herrera was homeschooled two years ago because he would have to travel to Dallas every Monday and Wednesday for soccer practice.
“My dad helps me practice here in Seminole now,” Herrera said. “We now go to games in Dallas on the weekends.”
Herrera said it would be easier if he had a home team to play for.
“It would be better if Seminole had a soccer team,” Herrera said. “It would be very interesting, and I think we would be a good team.”
Being able to travel for his sports means being able to collect the necessary money for travel and expenses.
“We stayed in Spain for a week,” Herrera said. “The club usually pays for it, but if they need a little more money then our parents pay.”
Similarly freshman Daymond Wall Arauz plays soccer in the Denver City United soccer league.
“I play both wings,” Wall Arauz said. “I like it a lot because it eases me out, and it’s fun because I know how to play.”
Travel expenses can add up with travel to practices and trounaments.
“I’d say my parents spend a lot of money in gas,” Wall Arauz said. “I go to Denver City three days a week, and this Friday we’re going to Austin for a game.”
Wall Arauz’s goal is to turn pro. He said he looks up to players on Real Madrid.
“I want to be professional,” Wall Arauz said. “I want to make good money and be financially free and enjoy.”
For Herrera the love of the game has added up to some memorable moments.
“My best memory was when I saved a ball from coming into the net from the opposite team,” Herrera said, “and all of my teammates were very happy and excited.”
loving the sport.
“People should enjoy soccer because of the passion other people have for it,” Herrera said. “It is what it means to the people when they play.”
When Herrera got on that plane to Spain in February, all the practice, expenses and travel had made his trip possible.
