New Mexico United and the Somos Unidos Foundation are excited to announce that Linnea Romero has been named just the second Executive Director in Somos Unidos Foundation history. Romero, who has led the Foundation’s programming efforts since 2021, takes the role with immediate effect.
“The Somos Unidos Foundation has been my pride and joy for almost three years now,” said Romero. “From community clinics to Academy matches, I have met and learned from so many amazing New Mexicans. I have a newfound respect and love for my home state because of the family this club and foundation have created.”
Romero was born and raised in Albuquerque, attending Sandia High School. She played collegiate volleyball at Pierce College in Los Angeles, returning to New Mexico at the end of her collegiate career.
Since 2021, Romero’s efforts have seen the Somos Unidos Foundation’s impact continue to grow. She has generated community-driving clinics and events for New Mexican kids and families, always with an eye toward impact and belonging.
See below for a letter from Romero to the United Family:
Dear New Mexico United Familia,
The Somos Unidos Foundation has been my pride and joy for almost three years now. From Community Clinics to Academy matches, I have met and learned from so many amazing New Mexicans. I have a newfound respect and love for my home state because of the family this club and foundation have created.
Play equity has always been on the forefront of my ambitions. Growing up playing club volleyball, and later in college, I learned so many important life skills. The character development, career development, growth, friendships, and opportunities through sports are what led me here. I want to continue to open those doors to what I was privileged to experience. The experience of a lifetime; being led by Chanel Wiese-Carl, who opened many doors for me. I am eternally grateful for the leadership and mentorship she provided me, and I promise to carry on her mission of ensuring every kid across New Mexico knows they can be an athlete, scholar or artist. They are big shoes to fill, but it is an honor to step into the role of Executive Director of the Somos Unidos Foundation. As David Estrada once said during a school visit, “soccer is better when it is shared,” – I look forward to sharing more soccer with all of you.
Our Academy is a rare one – one that is completely-scholarshipped for every kid, thanks to generous contributions from Community Members and Corporate Partners. In a footballing world where money dominates everything, the United Academy stands out, with no family wondering how they’ll cover the costs of playing the game they love.
Recently, the world took notice of this mold-breaking model: Trevor Noah (of Daily Show fame) produced and narrated an incredible series for Showtime TV and Paramount Plus called “The World According to Football.” The series is a five-part docuseries that focuses on the game as a reflection of the world we live in, and how some folks within the game are fighting to make the world a better place. Episode Two was focused on North America, and specifically about how the United Academy fights to make soccer equitable for all. If you have a Showtime or Paramount Plus subscription (or can borrow one from a friend) give it a watch! IMDb link.
As the New Mexico United Academy approaches the start of their season, I want to work with our community on our first fundraiser of 2024. The boys are taking off to a showcase in Las Vegas at the beginning of March, and we need your help to get them there! Please consider visiting THIS LINK to donate, and let’s keep the Academy free for every kid.
It’s an honor to lead this incredible organization. I’m so excited for what we will achieve together, as one proud, New Mexican community!
Somos Unidos,
Linnea Romero
Executive Director, Somos Unidos Foundation
