Abilene youth soccer coach brings FIFA Club World Cup experience back home

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While the world’s top soccer players took center stage at the FIFA Club World Cup, an Abilene youth soccer coach got a close-up look at the international tournament and is now bringing that experience back to the Big Country.

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Jay Albarado, the pre-ECNL teams director for Sting West Texas Soccer Club, was selected as a volunteer for the FIFA Club World Cup in Arlington. Working behind the scenes, she helped media members from around the world while experiencing one of the biggest international sporting events up close.

“So the experience itself is, to say it’s been amazing is probably still an understatement for me,” Albarado said.

Albarado said her role gave her the chance to interact with a wide range of media outlets covering the tournament.

“So I got to work with the media… I’ve got to meet people from Portugal… Argentina… and news stations from all over the world,” she said.

Albarado said one of the most memorable parts of the experience was seeing different cultures come together through soccer. She believes events like the Club World Cup can give young players role models to look up to and help inspire the next generation of athletes.

“Being a youth coach myself… it’s been great,” she said.

On the field, Albarado said the level of competition stood out, with close matchups throughout the tournament.

“The games, man… almost all the games have been nail biters,” she said.

Now back in Abilene, Albarado said she hopes the excitement from the world stage helps build local interest in the sport.

“I’m hoping that it just continues to grow… to get soccer up there in that top three or top five… I’d be satisfied with that,” she said.

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