With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than 60 days away, excitement is growing in the Bay Area.
In the South Bay, Juan Pablo Oliveros, a coach originally from Colombia and now a San Jose resident, is shaping the next generation of local soccer players.
Oliveros’ dream began at local traffic lights, where he delighted drivers with his ball-handling skills to help put food on his family’s table.
It was this resilience that led him to start JP Smiles Academy in 2023.
Oliveros and his team guide more than 100 children, helping them not only develop their soccer talents but also strengthen their personal values.
The mission of JP Smiles extends far beyond the soccer pitch.
The academy’s reading club helps kids improve their reading skills in both English and Spanish, with stories woven around the world of soccer.