High School Nights - Toque - March 20, 2025

Downey – Toque Futsal Takes Over

On this Episode of High School Pick-Up Nights, we found ourselves in Downey, the new home of Toque Futsal. This program, launched by Val Mendez and company, is dedicated to offering some of the best futsal training in the region—and they have the accolades to back it up.

Just this month, Toque sent eight teams to the U.S. Futsal Northwest Regional Championship, bringing home six titles. Val would kill me if I didn’t mention that it should’ve been seven—if not for an unfortunate scheduling mishap by the organizers. But I digress.

No Fees—Just Street

Wednesday night wasn’t about Toque’s coaches or its impressive program. It was for the players. Local high schoolers showed up to play, and not a single dollar was needed to get on the court.

Let’s be real—it’s hard to trust a “FREE” event promoted on Instagram these days. But somehow, the callout on Toque’s page brought out the hungriest ballers in the area.

• Non-club players

• Kids trying to test their skills in a real game

• Players who love the sport but don’t have the money to pay for pick-ups

• Featuring a few of Toque’s best putting on a SHOW

Reggaeton, Fast Feet & Pure Street Pride

The rules were simple:

Win, you stay.

Lose, and the next two players rotate in.

No trophies, no medals—just pure competition. The reggaeton was bumping, and even though there was nothing at stake but pride, the pace was relentless.

A Colombian Baller, Two Friends & A Game That Needs to Be Free

From the start, we noticed one kid. Colombian vibes—you know the look.

A unique haircut, mullet-esque, with a design cut into the side. An oversized jersey from some past tournament, the kind of shirt that carries history. Baggy basketball shorts—not just a choice, but a statement, straight out of Bogotá’s microfútbol scene, where the extra fabric moves with every cut and feint. And on his feet? Bulky shoes, worn down and heavy. Not the flashy cleats or futsal sneakers most kids rock. One pair of shoes, made to last.

Sunday’s best, school uniform, and futsal battleground gear—all in one.

Skilled, but not flashy. Creative, but with room to grow. He had moves, but more importantly, he had hunger.

No one really knew him except two other guys he came with—one Guatemalan, one Ecuadorian.

His squad kept winning, so we had to wait until the night was over to talk to him. I asked how he heard about the event.

At first, he hesitated. His eyes dropped, his voice lowered. Then, after a brief pause, he said something that stuck:

“Es que no tengo dinero.”

“I don’t have any money.”

But this wasn’t some kid just looking for a place to play. He had been watching Toque from a distance for a while—following them, studying what they do. He called it a school. He respected it.

And when he saw the Instagram post about a free night, he finally made his move.

That night, he scored bangers, made dope passes, and got the respect of the other players.

Toque’s High School Night was another testament to what this game should be:

• Breaking barriers.

• Freeing the game.

• Feeding the hunger for Street-Ball

Big Shout out to Val and the Toque Staff , thanks for opening your doors not just to us, but for the hungry Soccer Community.