Yuma, Arizona – Summer Soccer Prep Series

In our summer soccer series, we caught up with Armando Mosqueda, the head coach of Yuma High School.

As the new season approaches, Coach Mosqueda emphasized that the focus for 2025 is straightforward.

“When the culture sets in, kids start to engage,” he explained. “They begin to believe in what we’re teaching, what our coaches emphasize, and what our leaders communicate. That’s when ongoing success becomes possible.”

This year, the team is relatively young, but Mosqueda views this as part of a necessary journey, one that involves overcoming challenges while creating leadership experiences both on the field and in the community.

“We’re aiming to guide them on how to react in different situations—whether during a match or within the local community,” he added. “It’s about developing not just impressive athletes but also strong individuals.”

After a season filled with difficulties, he’s optimistic that his team will enter 2025 with a refreshed perspective, recognizing that their future success is in their own hands.

“We’re without labels this year,” Mosqueda noted. “We have the chance to forge our own path, and this season can be exactly what we aspire for.”

A key development this fall is a newly organized schedule where all public schools in Yuma County will compete against one another, which excites Coach Mosqueda.

“I remember playing against all the local schools as a player at Yuma High,” he reminisced. “Now, we’re back to that. That’s what football represents—community, competition, and that neighborhood rivalry.”

The team will confront familiar opponents like Cofa, Tibola, Summerton, and Gillarridge. For Mosqueda, this brings an opportunity to foster regional pride and unify local supporters.

“We have to take things step by step,” he remarked. “Every week presents a new challenge, and if we want to be the best in Yuma County, each game matters.”

Stay tuned for additional team highlights and in-depth interviews as the kickoff approaches.