Girls Wanna Play: How a Latino Soccer Club in LA Fights Despite Recent Threats

Girls Wanna Play: How a Latino Soccer Club in LA Fights Despite Recent Threats

Author: My Cultura, Futuro and iHeartPodcasts August 8, 2025 Duration: 28:09

Professional men’s soccer or “futbol” has always had great Latino players, but only 7% of female professional soccer players are Latinas. That’s not how things look at the Downtown LA Soccer Club. Most of the girls playing for this non-profit are Latinas and that’s intentional. The club is trying to overcome the barriers young Latinas often face: like financial burdens and gender stereotypes. In this episode, we meet their star player and her coach, as they fight for their club to remain a safe space. Their rent is up nearly four times, and some of the club’s families have been affected by the increase in ICE raids.

Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa.

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For decades, Latino USA has offered a vital and nuanced soundscape, chronicling the multifaceted lives of Latino communities across the United States and beyond. Guided by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, this Peabody Award-winning program digs deep, moving beyond headlines to share intimate narratives and investigative reports that reveal the cultural, political, and social currents shaping our world. As the longest-running radio show of its kind, it has built a legacy of trust and depth, exploring everything from personal identity and family legacy to immigration policy and artistic innovation. Each episode feels like a necessary conversation, one that illuminates the hearts and minds of a dynamic population whose stories are often filtered through someone else's lens. Here, those stories are told with authenticity and care. Produced by My Cultura, Futuro and iHeartPodcasts, this podcast is an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the complex tapestry of contemporary society. The weekly installments are more than just reporting; they are documentary pieces that capture the ongoing impact of Latino voices. For those who wish to engage further, the Futuro+ membership offers additional content and behind-the-scenes perspectives, supporting the independent journalism at the core of this essential program.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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