Christian Isquierdo of LeftFoot Coaching Academy Wins Trip to South Africa with 4 Students

Christian M. Isquierdo is a Minnesota Thunder Academy girls coach who teaches private soccer lessons through a organization called LeftFoot Coaching Academy. This Spring, one of his student’s mother, Cheryl Moeller heard about a contest sponsored by Coca-Cola and the Live Positively Campaign.

“Cheryl nominated myself and her daughter Emily for the contest with an online essay contest,” Isquierdo told IMS. The soccer coach explained that if he won the contest Coke would send him and four of his students to South Africa to experience the World Cup, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Winners would attend a World Cup game and take in the culture of South Africa and would also meet up with other winners of the contest and attend soccer clinics.

“We used my academy, LeftFoot Coaching, to nominate three other kids to be part of that pool for the contest,” said Isquierdo. ” The four girls range from 13 to 16 and they all exemplify the Live Positively campaign. The other three girls are Haley Jerabek, Lilly Marcelius, and Maia Lundstrum.

Christian Isquierdo

“Whether it’s their contributions to the community, education, teammates or their overall attitudes, these are young ladies who exemplify this type of attitude,” continued Isquierdo. “There’s a couple of things I’ve always taught my kids: You can compete on the field but once you finish the game, have an apple juice or an ice cream with the other team. You never know if your competitor could end up your best friend.”

“You could imagine how surprised I was when Coca-Cola called to tell me that I was one of eight winners,” said Isquierdo. “It was a dream come true! You put your heart and soul into something and then you finally get rewarded in a way that’s very unique. I know that doesn’t happen very often.”

Haley Jerabek

Isquierdo explained that he and his students balance their soccer commitments with education and volunteer work with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and the Special Olympics. Moeller said, “Winning this trip has been a defining moment in my soccer career.” Jerabek said the experience, especially training with international coaches at the Coca-Cola International Soccer Camp, “is a dream come true that will transform our lives.”

Emily Moeller

LeftFoot Coaching Academy stars will join four other teens and coach from The Matrix Soccer Club of Riverside, CA, along with 250 teens from around the world, who were selected to participate in professional soccer training at Soccer Camp. The Soccer Camp will take place at TUKS Village at the University of Pretoria from June 15 to 20. In addition, the winners will experience South Africa’s exciting wildlife through a visit to Johannesburg’s premier nature reserves and will also attend a live FIFA World Cup™ match between South Africa and Uruguay.

“Our reaction to being selected is one I’ll never forget,” said  Isquierdo. “Although, from the moment that we were nominated I believed we were going to win! Faith, dedication to principles and daily positive thoughts definitely work!”

Maia Lundstrom

“On the field, our team takes great pride in our passion for soccer – but it also takes leadership and academic determination to be good role models in our communities and at school. We are so proud that Coca-Cola selected us because we “Live Positively.”

Haley Jerabek (15) is from Dayton, MN and attends school at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School.  Maia Lundstrom (13) is from White Bear Lake, MN and attends school at Hill-Murray High School. Emily Moeller (14) is from Eagan, MN and attends school at Dakota Hills Middle School. Lily Marcelius (16) is from Minnetonka, MN and attends school at North Junior High School.

Lilly Marcelius

Isquierdo’s LeftFoot Coaching Academy players are members of the Minnesota Thunder Academy, Minneapolis United, and the Eden Prairie Soccer Clubs.

Christian Isquierdo  has agreed to write for IMS during his trip to South Africa. Watch for Isquierdo’s South Africa FIFA 2010 World Cup reports right here at Inside Minnesota Soccer.