By Julie Thunder
The Carnitas is a local men’s recreational soccer team that is based in Cardiff and Encinitas (the name is a blend of the two communities). The team is a member of a County-wide league named “Huff’n Puff”, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the league’s over-50 age limit. They play two seasons each year, spring and fall.
Some of the team’s members have been playing together for over 20 years. Part-time goalie and team veteran of 11 years, Mike Cemper, said, “we are always on the lookout for new players. Our players are mostly from Cardiff & Encinitas, but some are from neighboring cities. We have various skill levels and widely varying ages, from 50 up to 65 and even older.”
They even have a sponsor – Cardiff’s own Schooner Station owned by Heather and Tim Ranz. Team fullback Kayvon Jalali joked, “we can’t disclose the amount of money our sponsor gave the team as our lawyer didn’t want us to jeopardize future earnings.”
Kayvon went on to say, “Seriously, our team serves multiple functions: better health and fitness for our players, creating friendships and fair play, as well as promoting a local sports bar that has great beer and pizza and shows major soccer games on their TVs.”
Mike Cemper added, “the guys are in it as much to win as for the camaraderie – we have a lot of fun.”
Anyone interested in joining the team can contact James at 760-505-5175 or Mike at 760-402-1100, or simply show up to their Thursday night kick-arounds at 6 PM, Cardiff Sports Park on Lake Drive.
Some of the team’s members have been playing together for over 20 years. Part-time goalie and team veteran of 11 years, Mike Cemper, said, “we are always on the lookout for new players. Our players are mostly from Cardiff & Encinitas, but some are from neighboring cities. We have various skill levels and widely varying ages, from 50 up to 65 and even older.”
They even have a sponsor – Cardiff’s own Schooner Station owned by Heather and Tim Ranz. Team fullback Kayvon Jalali joked, “we can’t disclose the amount of money our sponsor gave the team as our lawyer didn’t want us to jeopardize future earnings.”
Kayvon went on to say, “Seriously, our team serves multiple functions: better health and fitness for our players, creating friendships and fair play, as well as promoting a local sports bar that has great beer and pizza and shows major soccer games on their TVs.”
Mike Cemper added, “the guys are in it as much to win as for the camaraderie – we have a lot of fun.”
Anyone interested in joining the team can contact James at 760-505-5175 or Mike at 760-402-1100, or simply show up to their Thursday night kick-arounds at 6 PM, Cardiff Sports Park on Lake Drive.