Where are they now: Carlos Ortega (Kinetic 2012 – 2015)

Carlos (pictured standing second from right) was one of the first pupils to try out for the Kinetic Academy when it was founded. Although unsuccessful in his first try out he was undeterred and tried out again the following year when he was accepted.Carlos worked really hard and loved the experience so much, he went onto study and train to become a football coach. Carlos is another of the success stories to come out of the Kinetic Academy and one that is still being told as he now gives back to a new generation of Kinetic hopefuls. Here’s Carlos’ story.Kinetic: How did you first get introduced to Kinetic?Carlos: I was first introduced to Kinetic via my high school PE teacher. This was Kinetic’s first year as a football academy and they were trialling 15 and 16 year olds to be part of their programme. I was unsuccessful that year but the door was always open and I trialled again the following year and was accepted.K: What was your standout moment in your time with Kinetic?C: Without a doubt my standout moment with Kinetic was winning the shield at the Gothia youth World Cup. This was a part of James’s U18s team that he managed that year at the tournament. It was a great moment.K: What was the most important life lesson you learnt while you with Kinetic?C: Life is all about opportunities and Kinetic taught me to make the most of everyone that is given to me and never give up.K: If you could give another potential Kinetic pupil a piece of advice what would it be?C: Because of what I do now I talk to Kinetic pupils every day and always tell them to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.K: What are you doing now and what does a typical day look like for you?C: I am back with Kinetic as a sports coach and I deliver PE in schools that they work with. I am also part of the academy recruitment team for Crystal Palace FC.My typical day will start with my arrival at my school at 8:30. I will get everything in order then for my first lesson of the day. I go on to complete the rest of the day delivering my sessions for children in years 1 to 6.The school day finishes at 3:20 and I then have an after-school club that takes me to 4:30. After this I make my way home and relax. However, if I have work to do for Crystal Palace this will see me going to a game and watching for potential players that are good enough to get a trial at Crystal Palace’s academy.And that pretty much sums up a typical day for me!K: Thanks so much for sharing your story Carlos. We are so glad you persevered to secure your spot within the Kinetic Academy as both Kinetic and our pupils are benefiting from your experience and coaching. It is great to have you back as a member of the team.