From the Pitch to a Full Circle: A Socceroos Connection in Oakland
The weekend delivered a memorable double-header for Oakland Roots’ left-back, Jesus De Vicente. Not only did the Spanish player score a spectacular “Olympico” goal – directly from a corner – in his team’s 2-0 victory over the Las Vegas Lights, but he also experienced a deeply personal moment that brought his footballing journey full circle.
De Vicente found himself in the presence of an Australian footballing icon, Maty Ryan. Ryan, who plays for Levante in Spain, is a player De Vicente has followed closely. “I was around for one of the practices and I was able to meet Matthew, Matty Ryan,” De Vicente shared. “He plays for Levante and I’m from Valencia, so it’s in the same city and I’m a Valencia [who Ryan played for] fan, so I know of him.”
The connection runs even deeper. “We live close by and my mum, she works with the medical services at his club. So they’ve worked together before,” De Vicente explained. This pre-existing link facilitated a chance encounter that left a lasting impression. “He’s such a great human being and professional and I’ve been able to talk to him and meet him. It’s fantastic. So that was just a great experience, and something that I’ll remember for a long time for sure.”
While the schedules of a US second-tier club and the Australian national team rarely align, De Vicente has had the opportunity to observe and learn from the Socceroos during their training camp. The dedication and sacrifice required to reach the pinnacle of international football, especially the World Cup, resonated deeply with him.
“It’s so difficult to be selected to a roster for a World Cup, and you just look at them and you’re like, respect, how much work they’ve been through, their families, and even as a professional too,” he commented. “Basically you just finish the season. They have no vacation, they have families, they have kids, and they come here to represent their country.”
The commitment to maintaining peak physical condition throughout a demanding career was particularly striking for De Vicente. “How much you need to take care of your body through your career, that’s something that you, for me, is what struck the most when I watched them and met them.”
Despite Spain being among the World Cup favourites, alongside powerhouses like Argentina and England, De Vicente has developed a surprising allegiance to the Socceroos, thanks to his newfound friendship with Ryan. “I’m obviously Spanish, but since I have this new friendship with Matthew, I want them to do well. We don’t play each other, so I guess I can root for both of the teams now.”
The World-Class Pitch: A Touch of Aussie Magic
The Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club facility serves as the training base for the Socceroos as they fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup. While the Australian players undoubtedly appreciate the top-flight amenities, they may not be aware of the distinctly Australian element woven into the very turf they train on.
This state-of-the-art facility, which once housed the NFL’s Raiders franchise before their move to Las Vegas, is meticulously maintained by a team led by Marc Logan. Logan’s company oversees the playing surface, and he expressed immense pride that his homeland’s national team chose their facility.
“I’m ecstatic that out of all the teams that are available to come into these … base camp training facilities, to have my own country practise here, it’s a great level of pride for me,” Logan stated. “It was like winning the lotto.”
The secret to the exquisite playing surface? A touch of Australian ingenuity. “There is a little bit of Australia in this field. We use a product called Mineral Magic, which is mined out of north-west Western Australia, and we put it in there,” Logan revealed. “Literally, the boys are playing on a little bit of magic. Aussie magic.”
Logan is a veteran of the turf management industry, boasting 40 years of experience, with 27 of those spent in California curating renowned golf courses and sporting fields. His expertise has transformed the Oakland Roots and Soul facility into a sought-after training ground, capable of hosting not only international football teams but also NFL franchises for their summer camps.
The challenge of maintaining a pristine pitch that can withstand the demands of various sports is something Logan and his team have mastered. They employ a rigorous approach to turf recovery:
- Clipping Yield Analysis: Meticulous measurement of grass clippings provides insights into the turf’s growth and health.
- Maximising Recovery: All efforts are focused on optimising the grass’s ability to bounce back after intense use.
- Tailored Input Formula: A specific formula is applied, taking into account the volume of play the fields endure, to ensure the appropriate nutrients and treatments are administered for peak condition.
The facility’s success is also attributed to its ideal location and climate. The blend of couch and rye grasses thrives in the consistent northern Californian weather. “This is the easiest place on the planet to grow grass,” Logan declared with confidence. “If I can’t grow grass here, I should get out of the business.” This combination of expert human touch and optimal environmental conditions ensures that the Socceroos, and all who train there, are playing on a truly world-class surface.
