At Monterey County Juvenile Hall, 14 young men are currently taking part in a 10-week, eight-session program led by a Quakes Community Coaching Course coach. What unfolds on the field goes far beyond drills and technique. Each session blends structured training with meaningful conversations about leadership, accountability and personal growth—planting seeds that extend well beyond the game itself.
“It’s deeply important to us to invest in grassroots soccer, particularly in communities where there is both a strong passion for the game and a clear need for support,” said Robert Davis, President of the Quakes Foundation. “That includes areas like Salinas, where we have a longstanding presence. Through our partnership with the Twinning Project and Monterey County Juvenile Hall, we are able to provide meaningful programming for youth navigating challenging circumstances—offering them an opportunity to invest in their futures while experiencing the positive impact of the game.”
Through this model, soccer becomes a vehicle for transformation. Participants aren’t simply learning how to play or coach, they’re also building confidence, responsibility and character. The goal is not to create athletes or coaches, but to shape individuals equipped with life skills that endure.
Shea Salinas, Quakes Club Ambassador and Head of Youth Partnerships, helped guide the program’s kickoff earlier this year.
“The goal of the program is to teach these young men essential life skills through soccer,” Salinas said. “By learning what it takes to be an effective coach, they strengthen their critical thinking, communication, planning, and leadership abilities.”
Leading this cycle is Josue Salgado, a Gilroy native and current varsity boys soccer coach at Christopher High School. After completing QC3 with Salinas in late 2025 and helping guide his team to a CCS final appearance, Salgado now brings his experience into a space where the impact reaches far deeper than the scoreboard.
“Working with these young men has reinforced my belief that everyone deserves opportunity and support,” Salgado said. “The growth, resilience, and character they’ve demonstrated is something I will carry with me.”
For those closest to the program, the impact is unmistakable. Michael A. Palmer, Facilities Manager for Monterey County, has seen the transformation firsthand.
“From the outset, our goal was to build confidence, encourage pro-social behavior, and teach patience through a coaching framework,” Palmer said. “Anyone who has played sports can point to a coach who helped shape their path. I’ve seen Coach Josue become that figure for many of these participants. They are motivated to make positive changes, and this program has given them the confidence to lead in meaningful ways.”
By creating a consistent, supportive environment, the program empowers these young men to rediscover their potential, both on the field and in their lives. Their journey will be honored at a graduation ceremony in Salinas on April 6, marking not just the end of a program, but the beginning of something greater.
