Game Changers - Soccer Champion Eric Carlo Moncada
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
At just six years old, Eric is discovering something powerful: the confidence he builds on the soccer field doesn't stay there. It follows him into the classroom, where he now feels brave enough to raise his hand. It shows up at home, where staying out of trouble means more time doing what he loves. And it connects him to teammates who are becoming real friends.
Carlo joined DSAL's Saturday soccer program a little over a year ago, and what stands out isn't just his growing soccer skills - though those have improved significantly - it's his attitude and character development that make him shine.
He brings a positive, can-do mindset to every practice and game, always willing to support his teammates and coaches. When given feedback, Carlo listens carefully and applies it, pushing himself to improve both during sessions and at home where he continues practicing on his own.
"This program has helped me feel better about myself and more confident. It's also helped me get closer to my teammates at DSAL."
For young children, building confidence through sports creates a foundation that extends far beyond athletics. Carlo's coaches see it in how he approaches challenges, how he encourages others, and how he perseveres when things get difficult. But perhaps the most telling evidence shows up in his classroom.
"I feel more brave now when I raise my hand."
That simple statement captures something profound about youth development. The confidence Carlo builds while learning to control the ball, work with teammates, and push through challenging drills translates directly into academic courage. Raising your hand in class requires the same kind of bravery as trying a new soccer drill in front of others - the willingness to take calculated risks, make mistakes, and keep trying until you succeed - that practice increases skill, and skill increases confidence.
Carlo is thriving academically, putting in real effort and seeing results.
"I am doing good in school and I try really hard."
The connection between physical activity and academic success isn't coincidental. DSAL's Soccer Programming provides structure, teaches focus and discipline, and builds the kind of confidence that helps young people engage more fully in all areas of their lives.
"I love playing soccer because it is super fun. I run really fast and I get to play with my friends."
His speed and enthusiasm are infectious, and he's become someone who helps newer or shyer players feel included. When a quieter teammate joined the program, Carlo noticed and reached out.
"At DSAL I met a new kid who's a bit shy. He is quiet, but he plays good. We play well together in class. I'm making lots more friends here."
This kind of peer support - recognizing when someone is hesitant and making the effort to connect - shows emotional intelligence beyond Carlo's years. It's the kind of behavior that builds team culture and creates an environment that feels welcoming to everyone.
For young children, learning to build and maintain friendships is a critical developmental skill, and soccer provides natural opportunities for connection. Shared challenges, celebrations of success, and the simple joy of playing together teach collaboration, empathy, and communication.
"The program helps keep the community safe because more kids are not fighting, even in class."
Even at six years old, Carlo understands that having positive outlets changes how kids interact with each other. When children have structured activities they enjoy, when they're learning teamwork and respect, when they're building friendships through play - conflict decreases. It's a sophisticated observation for someone so young.
At home, the benefits continue. Carlo connects his good behavior directly to the reward of playing more soccer - a natural incentive system that reinforces positive choices.
"I feel happy and proud of myself. I stay out of trouble at home and I get to play more soccer."
That pride is well-earned. In just over a year, and at only six years old, Carlo has grown as a soccer player, as a student, a friend, and a young person learning to navigate the world with confidence and kindness.
His dedication extends beyond scheduled practice time. Carlo takes what he learns at DSAL and practices at home, showing the kind of self-motivation that predicts long-term success in any endeavor.
"I like being able to play with everyone else and being able to push myself even at home."
Carlo's story demonstrates what quality youth sports programming accomplishes in the critical early years of development. By creating a positive, supportive environment where young children can take risks, build skills, make friends, and discover their own capabilities, programs like DSAL's Soccer lay groundwork that benefits children across every aspect of their lives.
The confidence to raise your hand in class. The courage to try something new. The social skills to befriend a shy teammate. The discipline to practice at home. The pride of steady improvement. The joy of running fast with friends.
These are the building blocks of healthy development, and Carlo Moncada is gathering them all - one soccer session at a time.
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