A Facebook post by El Paso resident Alejandra Valles sparked outrage across the local youth sports community after she described a disturbing incident involving her godson at a recent soccer practice.
The post, shared in the El Paso Youth Soccer group, accuses a local coach of publicly humiliating a young player in front of his teammates, an act that parents and community members are now calling “emotional abuse” and “completely unacceptable.”
According to Valles, her godson was subjected to degrading treatment during a team practice while his parents were not present.
In her post, she claims the coach “not only degraded him but also encouraged his teammates to join in.”
She alleges that the coach had the players “kick the ball at my godson while repeatedly saying, who sucks now?!”
Valles wrote,
“No child should ever be humiliated like that — especially by an adult who’s supposed to be a mentor and role model,” “This wasn’t coaching; it was bullying. It’s cruel, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable.”
Alejenadra Valles
Valles added that after the alleged incident, the coach reportedly removed three players from the team “for no valid reason” and has since begun recruiting replacements. Her post ends with a warning to parents in the El Paso area:
“Please, do not join his team. Don’t risk your child’s confidence or mental well-being by putting them in the hands of someone who uses power to tear kids down instead of lifting them up. Our kids deserve coaches who build them, not break them.”
Alejandra Valles
The post gained traction among local parents, coaches, and soccer enthusiasts, drawing a wave of reactions and comments.
While many were shocked and angered by the allegations, others came to the coach’s defense, claiming their own experiences with him had been positive.
Amairani Nevarez, another parent whose children play for the same organization, Loma Claws, responded with high praise for the coach. Nevarez commented,
“My kids also play for Loma Claws and I gotta say we have the best coach ever,” . “My kids have come a long way since they started with this team. He will never put anyone down, but he will also not accept bullying in his team. So my respects to our amazing coach and his family as well as our whole team.”
Amairani Nevarez
Another parent, Miguel V. Sosa, echoed the sentiment, saying his own experience had been entirely positive.
My son is currently playing for LomaClaws. I have no complaints. This is a great team , great environment, and a great coach. My son has been in several teams and this has been the happiest he has been, and has grown as a soccer player, being a teammate, and overall his personality. I do know what happened with your godson. But at the end of the day theirs 3 truths , yours , his and the truth. The coach would never discourage a team player.
Miguel V. Sosa
Similarly, Jessica Chairez, who often attends practices because of her nephew, said she had “never witnessed their coach degrading or bullying any child.” Chairez added,
As a frequent attendee at Loma Claws games and practices due to my nephew’s involvement, I can attest that I’ve never witnessed their coach degrading or bullying any child, unlike what I’ve seen with other coaches. Actually thinking of adding my daughter to the team..
Jessica Chairez
However, others in the discussion showed sympathy for Valles and the child involved, emphasizing the importance of accountability in youth sports. Rocio Rodriguez wrote,
Come to us. KCC warriors 💕 nothing but love here
Rocio Rodriguez
And Jamie Rielle offered condolences:
“So sorry to hear that happened to him. 💔”
Jamie Rielle
The post has reignited a familiar debate in youth sports, where the line lies between “tough coaching” and “verbal abuse.”
