The 'Field of the Gods': Home to a Soccer League in the Crater of an Extinct Volcano
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
MEXICO CITY — Estadio Azteca has been adorned with the coronations of Pelé and Maradona. It is just days away from hosting its third different World Cup. Yet, the Mexican field known as the 'Field of the Gods' is not the iconic Azteca. That nickname belongs to a soccer field nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, just south of Mexico City. The Teoca volcano serves as a spectacular backdrop for an amateur league organized in the town of Santa Cecilia Tepetlapa, in the Xochimilco borough. Dozens of families from the 10,000-strong town—a predominantly lower-middle-class community—gather every Sunday to immerse themselves in Mexico's national obsession. 'For us, it's a way of life. Being here on Sundays is part of our routine, and there’s a fantastic atmosphere at all the tournaments,' said Jorge Becerril, a league representative, in statements to The Associated Press. 'There are no altercations here; people just come to socialize, and the teams come to compete.' The Teoca League has 10 teams, each representing a single family. Because of these deep roots, there is no age limit. Different generations compete side by side, from patriarchs to teenagers. 'The core of each team is a family. When a player steps aside, their child takes their place, then their grandchild, passing the baton from generation to generation,' explained Becerril. Although women currently do not play on the field, they remain the vibrant heart of the league from the sidelines. 'Soccer is my passion. I'm not good at playing it, but watching it brings me a joy I can't fully explain,' said Isabel Madrid, wife of one of the league players. 'Outside of the birth of my children, this is what has captivated me the most. I always look forward to Sundays to watch my husband play.'
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
