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The original vision of Real Arizona Futbol Club was to give an economical opportunity for all skill levels of young athletes to participate in an organized sport. In 2017, a handful of players from ages 5 to 10 and a few volunteer coaches came together to practice as a soccer club. A few weeks later, the group celebrated their Saturday match as an opportunity to gather in red and black uniforms, strategize as a team, build comradery, hear cheers from the sidelines, and establish friendships while playing a sport they enjoyed.
With 5 seasons now under the belt of the Real Arizona FC organization, the original mission for the team still thrives. The players have not only grown in technical skills, but physical strength, maturity, responsibility, and respect. Real Arizona FC started solely as a recreational team. Although the younger teams continue to learn the game of soccer and teamwork, the older groups have put their collective expertise into action and have reached a competitive level that offer a serious challenge to any opponent they face.
The Real Arizona teams continue to push their limits as they build on technical, tactical, and conditioning skills. A goal of Real Arizona is to boost self-esteem, character, and endurance, but more importantly to generate an athlete armed with leadership, integrity, perseverance, and an appreciation of the hard work required to be a team player. With this, Real Arizona strives to encourage each athlete to become a lifelong enthusiast of wellness and physical activity and to believe they can be a vital part of their community both on and off the soccer field.

Rafael Rodriguez
Founder, President, Coach
Coach Rafael Rodriguez, the Founder/President of Real Arizona Futbol Club is not a coach by experience, but by circumstance and passions for the game of soccer. With 4 boys of his own, he had a desire to spend quality time with them, growing their character and teaching them to be a vital part of a team.
After being in two other soccer clubs, he decided to start a club of his own to give opportunity to more kids and families. His zest for the game led him to build the Real Arizona team in 2017 with a handful of players. With some coaching classes under his belt, Coach Rafa combined his commitment, determination, and love for the sport of soccer to build and inspire a group of players to become a competitive team on the pitch.
He manages the club, coaches the 2011 boys team and coaches a U13 Recreational indoor team at a local facility. For Coach Rafa, it is not just about the number of goals scored, but the lessons learned, the character built, the integrity instilled, the endurance and strength gained, and the pride in the heart of a player both on and off the field that make his vision a reality.

Eric Rodriguez
Vice President,
2010 Girls, 2013 Boys Coach
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Eric – Soccer Coach | Mentor | Arizona Native
Born and raised in the Valley of the Sun, I’m a proud Arizona State University graduate with a lifelong passion for soccer. I’ve been coaching club soccer for over a decade, and I’m incredibly proud to have led our 2010 girls team to a State Cup Championship. My coaching journey also includes junior high soccer, where I guided Verrado Middle School to a state championship title.
Soccer has always been more than a game to me — it’s a vehicle for growth, discipline, and character. My mission as a coach is to not only develop skilled athletes but also to help shape strong, confident individuals off the field.
When I’m not on the pitch, you’ll find me spending time with family or tuning into a good UFC or boxing match.


Jose Sanchez
2011 Boys head coach, 2010 Girls Assistant Coach,
Playing career:
Benfica Soccer Academy-
2013-2020
Ottawa University Men’s soccer- 2020-2023
Park University Men’s soccer- 2023-2024
UPSL: Sporting Arizona FC 2024
Coaching Career:
Dysart High school boys JV head coach
2022-2024
Dysart High School Varsity Assistant Coach
2022-2024
Real Arizona 2010 girls & Real Arizona 2011 boys
2024-current


Jhury Abigail Spencer
Goal Keeper Trainer
“My name is Jhury Abigail Spencer. I am passionate about both soccer and architecture—two disciplines that have deeply shaped my life. I pursued my studies in Architecture at the International University of Ecuador and Arizona State University.
I’ve been involved in soccer from a very young age. My position on the field has always been goalkeeper, a role in which I trained under professional coaches. I began playing soccer during elementary school, but it was during high school and university that I truly stood out and reached my most memorable achievements.
Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to play for several clubs in both Ecuador and the United States, including El Remolino, Colegio Nacional Vilcabamba, Las Palmas, Cebollitas, Ciudad de Loja, Rebel Tacos, All Stars, among others. These clubs gave me the chance to win more than 20 trophies. Beyond the victories, I’ve collected unforgettable memories, valuable training sessions with excellent coaches, and friendships that have taught me life lessons—lessons that have helped shape me not only in my career but also in my growth as an athlete.
Soccer and architecture have been the foundation of my personal and professional development, and they continue to guide my path with passion, discipline, and dedication “.
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