Pasion Por el Futbol

The backside of Churchill Downs Racetrack is more than just a stable area, it's a community. Coming from regions all over the world, hotwalkers, grooms, exercise riders, trainers and their assistants care for the racehorses daily. For them, horse racing is more than just a sport, it's a way of life.

During the early morning hours, it's all about the horses and getting them race-ready, caring for them like their own children. But as the sun sends its final rays soaring over the first turn, many join together for another passion they share-soccer. It is a way for them to make friends, build community and provide an outlet to take care of their mental and physical health.

Out of their love for the sport, an annual soccer event was born: The Backstretch Recreation Men's and Women's Soccer Tournament, that currently attracts more than 100 players and over 300 spectators.

Before the tournament officially begins, the call goes out for captains, often natural leaders in the community, to organize their teams. One such example is Juan Salvador Chacón, affectionately and respectfully known as "Don Juanito." In past tournaments, he organized men's and women's teams and is a huge advocate for the women's soccer tournament's growth. The soft-spoken Guatemalan man inspires those around him with beautifully worded speeches of motivation and gratitude. "I love to help organize teams to give the players a fun distraction to get their minds away from just work," explains Don Juanito.

After the workday is done, players in their uniforms and shin guards join friends and family lugging coolers and camp chairs into the Churchill Downs' infield for the start of the games. It's a chance to show off their talents, connect with their childhood experiences and practice a healthy sport for both mind and body.

During the tournaments, two games usually take place simultaneously on different fields within the infield. Spectators celebrate the players' victories and mourn their losses with a deep sense of community, sharing a passion for a sport many of them have loved their whole lives. While the adults sit under umbrellas or a few shade trees, many of the children play their own game of pick-up soccer in the space between the two fields. Some little ones even have uniforms matching those of their parents. The whole community comes together to celebrate their talent and share time together.

Aracely Hernandez has participated as both a player and a captain of a women's team. She has enjoyed soccer since she was a little girl. "These invitations are so important for so many people. Personally, they have helped me connect to my childhood and given me a chance to make new friends as an adult," she describes.

Mauricio Reyes organizes a team every tournament and has taken home the championship five times in his career. "This tournament has allowed me to continue playing a sport I've been playing in Guatemala since I was 13 years old.
As an exercise rider, playing sports is so beneficial as it allows additional exercise for my legs," he says.

Although the players all know each other, for the most part, and work together every day of the week, they are fiercely competitive when it comes to soccer. The captains and players dream of winning the final, to take home the coveted four-foot-tall trophy and bragging rights. The winners are congratulated with cheers, confetti and homemade signs. Beaming, they receive their team trophies and individual medals, pausing so that family and friends can take photos.

This large-scale event is put together with the help of employees from Churchill Downs, as well as many outside entities who choose to get involved.

Maintenance crews at Churchill Downs work hard to prepare the fields for play while LouCity & Racing Foundation generously paints the infield. Wagner's Track Kitchen brings delicious food and snacks to the tournament on their food truck, serving pupusas, tacos dorados and empanadas, catering to the tastes of the soccer fans.

With enthusiasm and support, the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) sponsor team t-shirts, allowing backside workers to participate regardless of economic status. Many teams can also choose to order their own uniforms, based on the style of professional teams, and secure sponsorships from other entities such as trainers, businesses or even the local barber.

For the tournament to be successful, it also relies on the tireless dedication of volunteers who assist on game day. For years, Scott Ferguson and his team have worked as referees, keeping the players in check, and taking the time to get to know them personally.

Another invaluable contributor to the tournament is Gwen Davis of Davis Innovation, a professional photographer, who donates her talents by photographing the games. The players love to see their sporting abilities captured in Gwen's stunning photos.

The 2024 winners of the men's tournament were Los Primos with captain Marvin Cano while the women's tournament winners were The Stars with captain Aracely Hernandez and representative Juan Salvador Chacón. This year, things were a bit different as the winners were in for a big surprise.

The local Racing Louisville Football Club (RLFC) is a professional sports team that plays in the over 15,000 capacity Lynn Family Stadium near downtown Louisville. To celebrate the winners of the Backstretch Tournament, RLFC generously arranged a halftime recognition for the winning teams at one of their games, and LouCity & Racing Foundation donated 163 tickets for the players and their family and friends to attend.

On the day of the game, players arrived donning their team uniforms and carrying signs celebrating their win. During halftime they excitedly stepped onto the field as their image was displayed on the big screen. Don Juanito expressed, "It was a beautiful moment to be recognized at the game. I felt so proud of the team and realized the importance of that moment to all of us. Some players even cried; I will never forget that experience."

Aracely gushed, "It's one of the best things that there could be at Churchill Downs. Thank you to everyone, to all the people who take the time to do all of this. Thank you."

Read More: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2024_Fall/#page=121

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