SOCCER IS MORE THAN A SPORT …

As we begin another season of BVBIA – El Paso soccer, with new players, new coaches, and renewed excitement, it’s worth pausing to remember why we encourage children to step onto the field. Soccer is more than a sport; it is an experience that shapes young people in meaningful ways.

Physical Activity and Mental Sharpness: Soccer demands movement, energy, and quick decision-making. Children learn to think on their feet, adapt to changing situations, and remain active in ways that support their overall health and development.

Building Social Connections: The game creates a human network. Teammates become friends, families connect, and children learn how to communicate, cooperate, and build relationships that often last well beyond a single season. Just as importantly, soccer helps children build meaningful relationships with their coaches. These bonds offer guidance, trust, and mentorship, giving players another caring adult who believes in them, supports their growth, and helps shape their confidence both on and off the field.

Character Development: Soccer teaches qualities that matter in life: respect, teamwork, empathy, resilience, self-control, and joy. These traits help children grow into confident, capable individuals who understand the value of working together and supporting one another.

A Healthy Emotional Outlet: The field provides a safe space for children to release frustration, reset emotionally, and find comfort through movement and play. It becomes a place where they can breathe, express themselves, and feel supported by family and friends.

Creativity, Confidence, and Growth: Soccer gives kids room to explore. They learn to take risks, face challenges, recover from mistakes, and celebrate even the smallest victories. It offers a place to dream big or small. While not every player will go pro, no one stomps on dreams here. Instead, we build them. We provide a safe space where children can imagine their future, believe in possibilities, and feel encouraged to chase what inspires them.

Winning as a Byproduct: While we all enjoy winning, we recognize that it is the byproduct of hard work, determination, and a supportive environment. Our focus remains on developing players, teaching them to compete with heart, train with purpose, and grow with confidence. When development leads, winning follows naturally.

Above all, soccer should be fun. Joy is the essence of the beautiful game. Coaches play a vital role in this, serving as mentors, modeling passion, and passing on the enthusiasm that once inspired them. Each season is an opportunity to pay that forward.

As the final whistle blows each weekend, regardless of the score, let’s remember why we love this sport and why we share it with the next generation. The purpose behind the game is bigger than any result. It’s about growth, connection, and joy.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support BVBIA – El Paso. Your trust lets us create a place where kids can grow and feel confident in who they are, both on and off the field.

Nancy Mankamyer

Nancy Mankamyer, Director of Soccer Operations for BVBIA El Paso, is a Colorado Springs native and the second youngest of seven children of Jack (deceased) and Marty Mankamyer. Raised in a deeply sports‑oriented family, she grew up immersed in the game. Nancy played competitive soccer for the Chargers Soccer Club—founded by her father—and was a member of Air Academy High School’s 1993 5A State Championship team. She later returned to Air Academy as a coach, eventually leading the varsity girls to the 4A State Championship in 2012. Nancy has coached competitive soccer since 1998 and holds a USSF “B” License. Over the course of her career, she has served as Director of Coaching at multiple clubs, bringing a player‑centric, development‑driven approach to every environment she leads. She currently serves as the Director of Soccer Operations for BVBIA – El Paso. Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters—one a certified referee and doctor of physical therapy, and the other an elementary school teacher and club soccer coach—continuing the family’s legacy of service, education, and love for the game.

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