Behind The Scenes: Esquivel Reflects On National Team Camp Experience
The United States Men’s Futsal National Team began preparations for the next World Cup in 2028. A new futsal court grand opening, interim head coach, and some new faces set a theme for a fresh start as the program looks to build on a disappointing 2024 CONCACAF campaign. For Sammy Esquivel of OLe Futsal Club, that first experience began with a text message invitation after a lifetime of hard work and dedication to futsal.
Esquivel wasn’t going to let the chance pass him by and a trip to Sterling, VA was on the books. In the futsal offseason, Esquivel found himself shifting focus towards more intense training. “I trained for the time that I could with my brother Lito, trained at the courts, and at the gym running a lot.” Sammy found himself rediscovering the balance in life to prepare for the biggest challenge he’d face yet.
It’s a good thing he prepared as he did: “Individuality of every player was insane.” he said of his peers “Obviously the players in FCS know how to play futsal at a decent level, but what sets this level apart is how fast it is.” With a camp mindset focused on a new cycle, training the “futsal way” was a strong driver preached by the coaching staff. “Everything was: We have to do this, we have to do this to prepare for the World Cup.” Looking back on the level of play, Sammy was also impressed with the players court awareness, knowing when exactly to make their move. He also spoke about the types of experience. From a blend of training sessions, watching film, and even watching the current World Cup live with teammates. All within a very positive mindset across the camp participants.
Physicality isn’t the only component to a quality futsal player, it’s the mental game too. Often referred to by fans as one of the most passionate players within OLe Futsal Club, it’s hard to imagine Esquivel shying away from any challenge. That doesn’t mean that those challenges don’t exist. “I’ll never hide from saying I was nervous.” laughed Esquivel “From the moment I got the text, to the moment I got on the plane, to the moment I first stepped on the court for my first training.” But a player that makes a call up doesn’t let that stop them: “As soon as we started doing our first warmup for the first drill, the jitters went away, reminding myself ‘you’re here for a reason’ and just relax and have fun”
Fun didn’t stop on the court as Esquivel was able to give back to the local community within Stratton Woods Park, not far from the headquarters of US Soccer’s presenting sponsor: Volkswagen. Not only the chance to spend time with youth, but pay homage to the roots of futsal, outside on the streets via a court unveiling. Something that fueled the futsal spirit for the OLe standout.
Coming out of such an amazing experience, Esquivel had simple advice for any players who have national team aspirations: Just play! “You have to put the time in, so many people in general want something but don’t work for it” he stated “I’ve never seen more players with such high work ethic. They’re training twice a day, working full time jobs and playing with their clubs. It’s simple, take the time and be willing to sacrifice the time”
On the matter of time, Sammy sets sights on the upcoming season. “I’ve told everyone close to me, I’ve never been this motivated and pumped up as I am right now.” The energy seems to be contagious as well “Ever since I came back, we've been in our group chat and going out and just playing, playing, playing.”
As a player on many people’s radar already, Sammy Esquivel enters the league with more motivation, drive, and experience than ever. Will he lead a talented squad to a successful first year in FCS? Fans can only imagine the possibilities until their first match of the season on November 23rd against Midwest United.