Cool Kid Catalina Alonso shares her passion for soccer

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Our ABC7 Cool Kid for Thursday, April 7, is Catalina Alonso, who is passing along her love for soccer to younger children.

Catalina started a program called "Share the Love of the Game," but when she realized some of the children she worked with couldn't afford equipment, she approached the American Youth Soccer Organization to see if they could help.

"I decided, maybe I should ask them and they did. They donated a large amount of equipment and money for these students," Catalina said.

She learned how to get the community involved from her years of working on Girl Scout projects. Catalina quickly realized there was more she could do to help children learn about the game.

"I knew how to reach out and get the equipment and I also thought maybe I could give them some skill sessions as well," Catalina said.

After collecting donations and delivering equipment to the children, Catalina said she saw an immediate impact on the students and herself.

"I felt like I made a change for these kids. They were excited and they wanted this opportunity and it was amazing," she said.

Catalina feels soccer taught her lessons that helped her on and off the field. She said it's important to pass those lessons along to the students.

"I learned to be determined, to not shy away when someone says you're not good enough," Catalina said. "I don't want these kids to feel like that ever, especially in high school."

It's an experience that taught Cool Kid Catalina Alonzo the power of making a difference.

Know an amazing young person making a difference in the community? Learn how to nominate them to be an ABC7 Cool Kid at abc7.com/coolkids.