OAKLAND, Calif.— OAKTOWN FC host East Oakland’s very own Jonathan “Jonny” Orozco.
Jonathan Orozco has been following Oaktown FC even before he signed for The Oakland Roots. Since the beginning of the formation of OAKTOWN FC, Jonny has been intrigued with the work of OAKTOWN Futbol Club (OTFC).
Supporting from Afar
Upon arrival, Jonathan watched the community pick up games from the sidelines and chatted with one of the founders of Oaktown FC about the goals, mission, and purpose of Oaktown FC and the East Oakland community.
Orozco after signing with the Oakland Roots.
Giving Back to the Community
Jonathan was very pleased to see that people from the community were giving back in a positive and productive way through the sport of Futbol. Building community, growing the sport, and having the youth of East Oakland stay active are cornerstones that Jonny and Oaktown FC aligned on its invaluable resource to youth from the same community Jonny grew up in. Orozco noted that he grew up just four blocks from where OAKTOWN FC has their community pickup games in Brookfield Village off of 98th in East Oakland. Orozco stated he would have loved something like this growing up, given that he started playing club soccer at 14, but prior to that only played in the streets.
A Unique Pathway as Inspiration
Jonny’s path is one of inspiration for many youth players coming out of East Oakland. Having attended Madison Park Academy as a middle schooler, and later attending San Lorenzo High School, Orozco went on to play at Las Positas College, a junior college in Livermore, prior to attending and playing for San Francisco State. Throughout his Journey, Orozco admits to not knowing what to do, even taking three years off before getting back on track and finishing up his education while also having the opportunity to play at the Division II level.
Coach Daniel noted that, given Orozco’s path, “not everyone needs to play for a prestigious club soccer program in order to play in college or even pro. There are many pathways.” This pathway is one that OAKTOWN FC aspires to widen for youth players from East Oakland.
Orozco captaining San Francisco State University
Orozco’s Message
While speaking to the group of high school aged players, Orozco touched on the importance of coachability, training, and tactical understanding of futbol as the biggest difference coming from playing in the streets. He also emphasized the importance of having an education, something that Orozco was able to attain through his desire to play soccer.
As the Oakland Roots 2020 season looks to kick off at the end of the month, Jonny will have an entire club and community of East Oakland rooting for and supporting #98 from inside the stadium, East Oakland, and Brookfield. Orozco is an example of what East Oakland should be proud of. He is East Oakland Pride, “El Orgullo”.