SOLEDAD — Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad recently held a soccer game on the playing fields of Facility B at CTF North between correctional staff and a team of inmates.
The Dec. 7 game, which was a rare occurrence on the CTF grounds, was made extra special as ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) sent a camera crew to make the game a part of a documentary showcasing the community’s love for soccer.
The CTF staff team fell behind 3-0 in the first half but mounted a comeback and tied the game at 3-3.
At the end of regulation time, the teams picked players to kick penalties to decide the outcome. The incarcerated team, which called themselves the Chivas, beat the CTF staff team 3-2 in penalties to claim the win.
Wil Landrum, public information officer at CTF and one of the event organizers, was pleased with how well the game went and how good will was shared by all who played and watched.
“I couldn’t imagine the event going any better,” Landrum said. “The staff and the population enjoyed being able to have fun together. These types of events will make a positive change to the way staff and the population see each other. Although the staff team lost the game, they are establishing a new culture for CTF.”
According to Capt. Justin Antonio of CTF North, the soccer game was a milestone for the facility.
“Today’s soccer game between staff and the incarcerated population was a true milestone in the history of the Correctional Training Facility,” Antonio said. “What happened here today was much more than a soccer game, it was a true testament to the sense of community that has been built at CTF over many years. The game was a true reflection of both staff and the incarcerated population’s willingness to work together toward common goals. I’m excited to continue to explore ways in which we can create a better environment for staff who work here while simultaneously promoting the rehabilitative efforts to our incarcerated population.”
Sabrina Lopez, another CTF staff member that played in the soccer game along with Antonio, felt the event was a success for everyone.
“My impressions of the event were that it was a great turnout, the atmosphere was exciting, and everyone was really enjoying it,” Lopez said. “Initially, I didn’t know what to expect going in the game, but I’m a huge sports fan so it was a joy to partake in the soccer match. The CTF staff came out to support as well as the population cheering for their respective teams, and that made it an overall memorable day.”
Comments were positive from the inmates that watched or played in the game. One incarcerated spectator said, “I’ve been down 45 years, and this is the best thing I’ve seen in prison,” while an incarcerated soccer player added, “I don’t feel like I’m in prison today.”
Comments were also positive from staff that played or attended the game.
“It was so much fun! I can’t wait to do it again,” said a staff soccer player, while a staff spectator asked, “When can we play softball with them?”
While information regarding the ESPN documentary is forthcoming, the film crew spent nearly two days at CTF Soledad interviewing the inmates at the North and Central Facilities.
