As the 2026 FIFA World Cup captures the attention of soccer fans across North America, more than 150 young players had the opportunity to train with one of the sport’s biggest stars without leaving California.
Three time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí traveled to Southern California for the 2026 U.S. Aitana Bonmatí Camp, a five day program that included four days in San Diego and one day in South Los Angeles. The camp brought together boys and girls ages 6 to 16 from communities across San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, while families also traveled from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Peru, Costa Rica and Ecuador.
For many Latino families, where soccer is deeply rooted in everyday life, the camp offered a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the world’s best players during a summer when the World Cup has placed the sport at the center of conversations across the country.
Throughout the week, Bonmatí led training sessions, answered questions from participants, signed jerseys and spent time with families. The camp focused not only on technical development, but also on teamwork, discipline, confidence and sportsmanship.
“It’s incredible to come so far from home and see this kind of support,” Bonmatí told California Latino News. “Seeing so many young players who love soccer and want to learn makes this experience very special. I hope they leave believing that with hard work and passion they can achieve their dreams.”
Organizers said the goal was to use the excitement surrounding the World Cup to inspire young players and make elite soccer experiences more accessible.
“We wanted every child to feel inspired, regardless of their level,” organizers told California Latino News. “Having Aitana here during the World Cup shows these kids that the biggest dreams are possible through hard work, humility and dedication.”
Among the participants was 13 year old Luis Sanchez, who attended the camp after receiving a full scholarship that allowed him to meet Bonmatí and train alongside her.
“I’ve watched her play for years, so meeting her was unbelievable,” Sanchez said. “She told us to keep working hard every day and never give up. I’ll always remember that.”
Organizers partnered with sponsors including Bimbo, Teleféric Barcelona, Gatorade, Adidas and Turisme de Catalunya to provide scholarships, uniforms, hydration, equipment and a professional camp experience for young players and families, helping reduce financial barriers for participants.
As California hosts matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, organizers hope the camp leaves a lasting legacy by encouraging more children to stay involved in soccer long after the tournament ends.
“This is about much more than soccer,” organizers said. “It’s about giving kids confidence, creating role models and showing them that no dream is too big.”
Organizers say they hope to bring the camp back to California in future years while expanding scholarship opportunities to reach even more young athletes across the state