The mission of the OC Catholic Sports League is to infuse the passion for sports and faith to produce competitive fun and fellowship. Fellowship is one of the main reasons why many join and stay in OCCSL. Complete strangers join teams hoping to share their love for the sport and be welcomed like Jesus did when he preached to the masses. For many this idea is understood and amplified in a sporting setting. Each team has a captain that understands and believes in the fundamentals of what makes the league special. They willingly lead a group of people teaching and demonstrating the proper conduct Jesus expects of us on and off the field.
An example of this is the story of the three Ramirez brothers who lead their team, New Creation, in the 9th season of OC Catholics Soccer League. In a recent interview with Hector Ramirez he explained to us why he enjoys the league and why he supports it, hoping that many more young adults will support it as well.
Hector initially joined the league with DDG (David defeats Goliath), playing his first season with them and meeting amazing people for an entire season that runs from December to late May. The season consists of 10 games allowing for teams to mesh and create a consistent atmosphere every Saturday they meet to play. Hector says enjoyed the experience so much and agreed with the principles of the league that he invited his two other brothers, Art and Jacob, the following season. They, too, say they also found pleasure playing here because they felt the league’s rules fostered what real soccer should be, fun, respectful and a giving an opportunity for all to play.
The rules and regulations inspired from our 10 Commandments and FIFA rules allow for a safe and fun opportunity for both men and women to play on same pitch. After playing another season with DDG all three brothers decided they would make their own squad and add to the mix of teams already playing, a total of 19 different teams have played in the league over the past 9 years!
Art, short for Arturo, says he believes this approach of reaching out to Young Adult Catholics through sports is a great way to bring individuals together and keep them off the streets. Jacob agrees and adds how the league has brought his already close family closer allowing them to spend more time together.
All three brothers are happy that the Diocese of Orange has added this new approach to a ministry and age group that is difficult to address. Thanks to this league they all feel that their perspectives as individuals has changed for the better and has reinforced the importance of giving respect to all at a personal level. The only complaint they had about the league is they wish the season were longer.
GAME RESULTS
KCSWLA – DDG (KCSWLA WON BY FORFEIT)
CRUSADERS 3 – 2 HOLY WATER
ST.JOACHIM 2 – 2 IRVINE CATHOLICS
SAN ANDRES 10 – 5 HOLY CROSS
FAITHFUL UNITED 2 – 0 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
NEW CREATION 6- 2 SANTA BARBARA
UPCOMING
Jan. 9 (week 3)
7:45 a.m. – Crusaders vs. Irvine Catholics FC
9:30 a.m. – Faithful United FC vs. Santa Barbara
11:15 a.m. – St. Joachim vs. San Andrés
1:00 p.m. – Holy Cross vs. Holy Water
2:45 p.m. – New Creation vs. David Defeats Goliath
4:30 p.m. – KCSWL vs. Knights of Columbus
Jan. 16 (week 4)
7:45 a.m. – San Andrés vs/ Faithful United FC
9:30 a.m. – Irvine Catholics vs. KCSWL
11:15 a.m. – David Defeats Goliath vs. Crusaders
1:00 p.m. – Holy Water vs. New Creation
2:45 p.m. – Santa Barbara vs. Holy Cross
4:30 p.m. – Knights of Columbus vs. St. Joachim
Jan. 23 (week 5)
7:45 a.m. – Knights of Columbus vs. Crusaders
9:30 a.m. – Santa Barbara vs. St. Joachim
11:15 a.m. – Irvine Catholics FC vs. New Creation
1:00 p.m. – David Defeats Goliath vs. Holy Cross
2:45 p.m. – Holy Water vs. Faithful United FC
4:30 p.m. – San Andrés vs. KCSW