JCPenny Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Mónica González & Gonzo Soccer {GIVEAWAY}

This is part of a sponsored collaboration with JCPenney and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Photo by Bob Levey/
Getty Images for JCPenney

I am ALWAYS on the lookout for great stories about influential Latinos - especially if they are making a difference in the lives of our children! So when I heard about how soccer great Mónica González and her company Gonzo Soccer Leadership Academy partnered with JCPenny to host a free soccer clinic for Houston-area girls ages 8-16 years old, I wanted to share it with you.

When I was growing up, I played soccer in grade school. We started out worst in the league, but we didn't care. We had a great time and my best friend's dad was our coach. Mr. Moncibais was awesome; he pushed us to do better and was proud of our accomplishments. We all loved soccer practice and enjoyed the games - even in bad weather! By the time I left the team five years later, we had improved so much to become number one in the league.

Those days were a blessing. They forged friendships and boosted my self-confidence. I can only imagine how it affects other children, but I feel fairly strongly that all children should have the chance to play on a team that they love.

My own daughter is athletic and very active. But as a homeschool mom, it can be a little harder to find sports opportunities for her. We've done a lot through our local YMCA, but now we're looking for a sports team closer to where we live. Because of her, I'm so appreciative of companies like JCPenny who recognize the importance of physical condition and host events where our girls can hear decision-making tips to help them become future leaders of their Hispanic communities.

Photo by Bob Levey/
Getty Images for JCPenney

In case you don't know her, Mónica González was one of the founding members of the Mexican Women's National Soccer Team and was the team's captain from 2003-2007. She's been a soccer commentator for ESPN and a studio analyst during the FIFA Women's World Cup. Mónica is currently a sideline reporter for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams on ESPN, a studio and match analyst for the 2013 FIFA Under-20 Men’s World Cup, and a contributor to ESPN W, ESPN’s digital platform for female athletes and fans.

Her organization, Gonzo Soccer Leadership Academy, provides young girls across the U.S. with premier soccer training along with valuable leadership and life skills.

The soccer camp gave Houston-area girls an opportunity to hear Mónica's inspirational story and learn valuable life lessons from her experiences. They also had the chance to learn her pro-soccer tips and tricks to use on the field in their own soccer games.

I'm sure these girls had a blast! JCP Salon was there also, to style the girls with the latest sporty hair trends. And the girls even got to go home with their own gift bags and personalized Xersion sports jersey!

Photo by Bob Levey/
Getty Images for JCPenney

Mónica González's Soccer Tips for New & Beginner Players

• Set goals. Why are you playing - for fun? To become a pro? Keep your goal in mind and create actionable steps to reach it. 
• Get as many touches to the ball as possible - the more you practice, the better you'll become. 
• Play at your level, and find a team or league that's just above your level. That way you'll be challenged to improve your game and reach the next level.

THE GIVEAWAY

JCPenny is generously offering a $50 JCPenny gift card to one MommyMaestra reader. (Just think - maybe you can use it to buy sports clothing for your kids!)

To enter to win, simply use the Rafflecopter below. 

¡Buena suerte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway