Competition and friendship come together each Thursday as the NW soccer club competes alongside former students in a recreational coed league located in Veterans Park, in White Settlement. 

For the former students, the team allows them to stay connected with the college community after graduation and a chance to see friends they have made along the way.  

Many players said they first found out about this team after meeting with the soccer club. 

“I went to the soccer club on Fridays at TCC,” said Isabella Rodriguez, current NW student who is also one of the two women who play for the team. “After that, they invited me to come and join the team on Thursdays.” 

This team gives current club members and alumni a chance to stay connected through the game. The team provides a welcoming environment said Rodriguez. Players of all ages and all skill levels are involved in the team. 

For other players, the team has brought them friendships and bonds with others that have helped them since arriving on campus.  

“This is pretty cool because I’m from San Diego, so I didn’t have many friends, and they are pretty good friends to be honest,” said Yael Villalva, current NW student and team member. Villalva didn’t know many people when he first joined TCC, but the team changed that for him. 

Alongside the friendships, the team is looking to compete and have fun in the process. 

“I do think it is pretty fun, but we also want to win games,” Rodriguez said. “We’re not here just to mess around.” 

For other students, the team gives them something to look forward to each week. 

“Honestly, it means a lot,” said NW student, Juan Manriquez, who is also the team captain. “We come out every Thursday and just play, really, just for fun.”