From the 626 to China: Soccer Creating Opportunities Around the World
This summer, we had the incredible opportunity to travel more than 6,000 miles from the San Gabriel Valley to China for a 10-day international soccer and cultural exchange experience.
We want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the City of Pico Rivera and Council Member Eric Lutz for inviting us on this trip and helping create this incredible opportunity for our athletes.
We also want to give a very special thank you to Mr. Green and the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, who played a major role in helping establish this relationship and making the trip possible. Their support helped fund the experience and allowed our athletes to participate in an opportunity that extended far beyond the soccer field.
The mission of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation is centered around the shared history and relationship between the people of the United States and China. The Foundation works to promote friendship and understanding between the two countries by celebrating their common aviation heritage and inspiring younger generations to continue building relationships and creating opportunities for cooperation.
That mission strongly connected with what we hope to accomplish through 626 Futbl. While our relationship began through soccer, the trip became about something much bigger: bringing young people from different cultures together through a shared love of the game.
You can learn more about the Foundation and its mission at Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.
From the 626 to China
Our journey took us through two provinces in China: Hunan and Xinjiang. We began in Hunan Province, where we visited the city of Changsha, before traveling to Xinjiang Province and the city of Urumqi.
The main purpose of the trip was to compete in a series of international friendly matches. Four of our 626 Futbl athletes were invited to travel and represent Pico Rivera and our community in China. I also had the opportunity to make the trip and coach the team throughout the experience.
For our athletes, this was an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, experience a different style of soccer, meet players from another part of the world, and represent their community on an international stage.
Connecting Through Soccer
Throughout our time in Xinjiang, our players competed in three friendly matches against local high school teams.
While the matches were competitive, some of the most memorable moments happened after the final whistle. Players from both sides exchanged jerseys and contact information, took photos together, danced, and spent time getting to know one another.
What started as a soccer match quickly became something much more meaningful. Young athletes who lived thousands of miles apart were able to connect through something they all understood: the game of soccer.
It was a powerful reminder that sports can create connections that go beyond language, culture, and geography.
An Opportunity to Speak
Another special moment during our time in Xinjiang came when Coach Pablo Salazar and 626 Futbl player Ronnie Garcia were each selected to give a separate speech in front of provincial leadership.
Being given the opportunity to speak was an unexpected and incredibly meaningful part of the trip. Coach Pablo and Ronnie each had the chance to share their own thoughts and experiences, representing not only themselves, but also the 626 Futbl community and the athletes who made the journey to China.
Both speeches focused on the same message: gratitude and appreciation for the warm welcome we received throughout our time in Xinjiang. We spoke about how welcomed our group felt from the moment we arrived and how grateful we were for the invitation and the hospitality shown to us.
For Ronnie, being selected to speak was especially meaningful. As a young athlete from the 626, he was given the opportunity to represent his teammates and community on an international stage. Standing in front of provincial leadership and sharing his appreciation for the experience was a moment that he will carry with him for years to come.
For Coach Pablo, the opportunity was equally meaningful. As the coach leading the group, it was a chance to personally express our appreciation for everyone who welcomed us, hosted us, and created an experience that went far beyond soccer.
Having both a coach and a young player from the 626 give separate speeches was a special representation of what this trip was all about. It wasn't simply about competition—it was about building relationships, sharing experiences, and showing appreciation for the people who brought our communities together.
We were honored to have the opportunity to speak and incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we received throughout our stay.
Experiencing China
One of the things that stood out to us throughout the trip was the incredible hospitality we received. Our hosts welcomed us throughout our stay and gave us the opportunity to experience different parts of the cities, learn about the culture, and see places we may never have had the chance to visit otherwise.
One of the biggest highlights was visiting Heavenly Lake in Xinjiang. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful natural scenery, the area was breathtaking. The landscape reminded us of places like Yosemite back home in California.
For our players, being able to experience something like this firsthand was unforgettable. It was one of those places where a picture simply cannot capture what it feels like to actually be there.
We also explored different parts of Urumqi and Changsha, experienced local food and markets, and had the opportunity to learn more about the communities we were visiting.
Representing the 626
Another exciting part of the trip was seeing our group featured by multiple Chinese news outlets.
Our players and coaches were featured in several stories covering the China-U.S. youth soccer exchange, our friendly matches, the friendships formed between the players, and our experiences throughout Xinjiang.
Seeing our organization and our community represented internationally was an incredible experience. But more importantly, it showed what can happen when young athletes are given opportunities to travel, compete, learn, and represent where they come from.
For four players from the 626, being able to travel across the world and represent their community was an experience they will never forget.
More Than Soccer
Looking back, this trip represents so much of what we hope to accomplish through 626 Futbl.
We believe soccer can be a vehicle for opportunity. It can introduce young people to new cultures, create lifelong friendships, build confidence, and open doors that extend far beyond the field.
This trip was a perfect example.
We are incredibly grateful to the City of Pico Rivera, Council Member Eric Lutz, Mr. Green, the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, our hosts in China, the families who supported our athletes, and everyone who helped make this experience possible.
Most importantly, we are proud of the four athletes who represented our community and embraced every part of the experience.
From competing against players on the other side of the world to exchanging jerseys, exploring a new culture, and making new friends, this trip created memories that our players will carry with them for years to come.
From the 626 to China, we’re excited to see where soccer takes us next.
Read the Coverage
Our trip was featured in several Chinese news outlets: