USL Monterey Bay FC

MBFC's Jerry Ayon, Ryan Dieter, Michael Gonzalez Visit Frank Paul Elementary School in Salinas

Published on April 24, 2024 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Monterey Bay FC News Release


SALINAS, Calif. - Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) midfielder Jerry Ayon joined forwards Ryan Dieter and Michael Gonzalez on a visit to Frank Paul Elementary School of the Alisal Union School District in Ayon's hometown of Salinas, California on Tuesday, April 23.

"My experience at Frank Paul Elementary was great," said Ayon. "What stood out for me was the kids' smiles and excitement just being able to meet us. I feel that it's important to get out into the community because it makes us feel more connected with them, but also for the kids. Who knows, we could be the ones to make an impact on their minds by giving them inspiration to keep going and not give up."

With several classes set up on the school's black top, the Frank Paul Elementary students patiently awaited the arrival of the three players with personalized MBFC signs in hand and ready to make some noise. When Ayon, Dieter, and Gonzalez made their entrance, the students erupted into loud, heartwarming cheers, including chants and songs led by elementary school teacher and MBFC supporter Noah Jensen. The players introduced themselves with their paths to professional soccer before answering rapid fire questions from the students, participating in a dribbling competition and signing autographs.

"Today was a very exciting and rewarding experience for me," said Gonzalez. "From the moment we got there, just seeing how happy the kids were and energetic. I know when I was a kid in elementary school wanting to meet a professional soccer player was a dream of mine. One thing that I'll always remember from today was how I was just as excited to meet the kids, if not more, as they were to meet me. I was happy to be able to give advice on how I've gotten to where I'm at today, and hopefully I've helped them and planted a seed for them to strive and work towards their goals. I think it's so important and beneficial to go out and connect with our community like this because it brings everyone closer together."

"It was a great experience at Frank Paul Elementary," said Dieter. "I loved the sense of community I got while being there and really enjoyed answering the kids' questions. Everyone was nice and welcoming which made it easy to have such a good time. Something I realized in the moment was that the kids had no idea that this was as cool for me as it was for them - if not even cooler. I'm sure it meant a lot to the kids to have us come and talk to them, but for me, I really appreciated having so many people interested in me being there. I loved knowing that I could potentially be someone that these kids look up to for their future, just as I had looked up to the role models in my life."

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