Everything is free to players’ families in La Liga Puro Futbol, from uniforms to equipment to shoes. Concerned about violence and crime in the community, Oscar Zepeda thought a free soccer league for youths as young as age 4 might get both children and their families involved in a constructive activity and moving in a positive direction.
After state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Gurnee, saw the success, she thought a similar league could do the same thing in Waukegan. She took the necessary steps to provide funding through the state. With all teams consisting of both boys and girls together as teammates, Zepeda said age groupings are 4 and 5; 6 and 7; 8 and 9; 10 and 11; as well as 12 and 13. Teams are made as competitive as possible with each other. Once they start playing, other things melt away, he said.
District 187 Superintendent John Price said getting families involved with a positive activity for their children was the primary reason the schools funded the league. Price said he asked Zepeda how the Puro Futbol newspaper could help.