In a quiet corner of Northern California, two young brothers are turning their passion into purpose—one goal at a time.
Ben and Dominic Arriero, ages 10 and 13, have already lived a soccer journey that many dream of. Students at Seven Hills Middle School and Forest Charter School, respectively, the brothers are more than just athletes; they’re a shining example of perseverance, grit, and the life-changing power of youth sports programs.
From the moment they could run, Ben and Dominic were chasing a soccer ball—often with each other, sometimes against each other, but always with an undeniable passion. “The love of the game was ingrained in them from a young age,” their father Daniel Arriero said. “They pushed each other in the backyard with a fervor that only siblings can.”
Their lives took a pivotal turn early on when they met Quique Setién, former head coach of FC Barcelona. Setién’s message of courage and self-belief struck a chord in both boys. “It gave them laser focus,” their parents reflected. “They came home that day with fire in their eyes.”
That fire would be tested. After excelling in recreational leagues, both boys sought a higher level of competition. They tried out for their local club’s competitive teams—but neither was selected. Instead of being discouraged, they dug deeper, practicing harder and pushing each other to the limit. Their perseverance paid off when they found their next chance at Placer United Soccer Club.
At Placer United, Ben earned a spot as the starting goalkeeper, while Dominic was brought in as a training player. With the unwavering support of their dedicated coaches, the club’s commitment to development, and the encouragement of their parents, the boys flourished.
Ben quickly established himself, backstopping his team to a NorCal State Cup Championship under Coach Lee Dunne, and returning the following season as a finalist with Coach Richard Spencer—affectionately known as Coach Dicky in their soccer community.
Dominic’s journey was equally inspiring. He captained his 2012 Silver team under Coach Sal Tinoco, leading in goals and earning promotion to the 2012 Gold team coached by Chris Lucas. His strong performances caught the attention of Sacramento Republic FC scouts, leading to an invitation to the prestigious Sacramento Republic Center of Excellence. He then tried out for the 2012 Olympic Development Program and loved the experience, embracing the opportunity to compete alongside some of the region’s top talent.
The brothers’ dedication culminated this past summer, when both were invited to train at Real Madrid’s official facilities in Spain. Representing Fundación Real Madrid, they trained with top coaches and competed against elite local academies. This experience not only honed their soccer skills but also instilled in them a sense of confidence and determination. “It was unforgettable,” says Dominic. “We were living our dream— we never gave up on ourselves, I never felt so alive.”