For the NB3FIT U13 soccer team, The Strikers, success this season is about more than what happens on the scoreboard. It is showing up in the friendships being formed, the confidence growing among players and the way teammates are learning to support one another on and off the field.
The Strikers are currently competing in the Northwest Rio Grande Soccer League this fall, with matches in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho areas. The season is giving players an opportunity to compete together, continue developing their skills and take on tournament opportunities along the way.
After six weeks together, NB3FIT Soccer Specialist Coach Autumn Quiver has already seen those relationships take shape.
“What has stood out to me the most is the genuine friendships that are being built and displayed both on and off the field,” Quiver said. “When mistakes are made, they are quick to comfort each other and move forward rather than criticize. When someone gets hurt, they immediately check on them and make sure they are OK.”
The players are also putting in the work. They come to practice ready to learn and improve, and that effort has helped the team start its season with a 2-0 record.
But just as important as developing soccer skills is creating an environment where youth have the opportunity to play.
For youth living in rural communities, access to grass fields and soccer facilities can be limited. NB3FIT wants youth to know those barriers do not have to prevent them from discovering a new sport or pursuing something they enjoy.
“We provide a space where youth can explore the sport without feeling like they need to have prior experience or access to expensive facilities,” Quiver said. “We utilize the resources available to us and show our players that there is always a way to make things work.”
Through a partnership with the Tamaya Wellness Center, the team practices on a grass baseball field. Coaches paint a soccer field onto the outfield, giving players the opportunity to practice on a regulation-size field while learning field markings, positioning and the rules of the game.
Developing strong relationships is intentionally built into each practice. Coaches incorporate team-building activities that encourage communication, trust and teamwork.
Each practice also ends with “Team Time,” when players come together for check-ins and questions that allow them to share what is happening in their lives and learn more about one another.
“Creating these moments is important to us because we want our players to know that we care about them as individuals first,” Quiver said. “Their growth, relationships and well-being matter to us far beyond the score on the scoreboard or our team record.”
That connection has become visible in the small moments. Players notice when a teammate is missing. They check on one another when someone gets hurt. Practices are filled with varying personalities and a lot of laughter.
Quiver believes creating that environment makes the team stronger on the field, too.
“When players feel valued, supported and connected to one another, they are able to work together and grow as a team,” she said.
As the season continues, Quiver hopes the youth walk away with much more than improved soccer skills.
“I hope they gain a genuine love for the game, a sense of belonging and friendships,” she said. “I also hope they see their coaches as another source of support in their lives, people they can count on both on and off the field and who believe in them.”
For now, there is plenty of soccer still to be played and plenty of room for the team to grow. Quiver is looking forward to seeing who the players become along the way.
“Playing sports is about more than just staying active,” she said. “It is an opportunity for them to build relationships, learn from one another and connect with other youth from different backgrounds and experiences. I hope they embrace these opportunities and carry these connections with them beyond the soccer field.”
Roster | Strikers
Keshawn Reano — Kewa Pueblo
Kimimila Himel — Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North & South Dakota
Rodriquez Mackall — Pueblo of San Felipe
Emma Ansera — Pueblo of San Felipe
Shiyanna Masawiestewa — Pueblo of Santa Ana
Albert Quiver — Kewa Pueblo/Pueblo of San Felipe
Dunte Elleby — Colorado River Indian Tribes of the Colorado River Indian Reservation, Arizona and California
Aubrey Quiver — Pueblo of San Felipe
Tinpsila Gourd-Mackin (Captain) — Spirit Lake Tribe, North Dakota
Joseph Stansbury (Captain) — Hispanic/Latino
Logan Meese — Navajo Nation
Mateo Brown — Pueblo of Jemez
Francisco Brown — Pueblo of Jemez
