After an intense series of matches, National CORE resident Anthony Mendoza has emerged as the winner of the Jack Downer Street Panna one-on-one soccer tournament, sponsored by the Empire Strykers.
Anthony, 14, spends his days on the Corona del Rey soccer field, dedicated to his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. This victory marks a significant step toward that goal.
Competing against 20 participants from National CORE’s Inland Empire properties, Anthony came out on top.
Panna, a popular form of street soccer, is a one-on-one or a two-on-two competition played on a small pitch or in a cage. Players win by outscoring their opponents or passing the ball between their legs – called a nutmeg. This exciting competition was organized in collaboration with Hope through Housing, promoting health, wellness and camaraderie among participants.
Christine Alcala, services coordinator at Corona del Rey, praised Anthony’s performance.
“This is a young athlete with an amazing future ahead of him,” she said.
As the tournament winner, Anthony received an official signed MASL game ball and a lifetime subscription to two-time Superball Panna World Champion Jack Downer’s soccer training app, Street to Stadium. Downer is a player on the Strykers’ team.
The second-place and third-place winners also earned prizes, including signed jerseys and soccer balls.
This victory is just the beginning for Anthony as he continues to chase his dreams on and off the field!