As the FIFA World Cup reaches its final week, millions of fans are celebrating the sport’s biggest stage around the globe. In Houston, one Spring ISD student is making his own impact on the soccer community—not only through his love of the game, but through service, entrepreneurship and academic excellence.
At just 9, McNabb Elementary student André Carrillo has built a growing audience through his YouTube channel, La Cancha Gamer, where he combines his passion for soccer, video games and storytelling to connect with soccer fans across Houston and beyond.
What started as a childhood dream has evolved into something much bigger.
Through interviews, game-day coverage, soccer challenges and conversations with current and former professional players, Carrillo has become a familiar face in Houston’s soccer community. His channel has opened doors to opportunities with the Houston Dynamo organization and allowed him to meet athletes that many young fans only dream of meeting.
But public recognition isn’t what motivates him. His goal is simple: use his platform to help other children.
“I want to make money to help kids,” Carrillo said. “Maybe buy equipment for them or even have a team where kids can play for free.”
According to his parents, Rebeca Martinez and Jonatan Carrillo, Carrillo regularly uses money he earns or saves to purchase soccer gear and prizes for other children. Whether it’s cleats, shin guards, jerseys or other equipment, he enjoys helping young players experience the same joy he finds in the game.
He has also made it a tradition to surprise young soccer fans with tickets to professional matches, giving children and families the opportunity to experience the excitement of live soccer.
“It makes me feel good because I can share with friends and other people,” Carrillo said. “We can become friends, play together and have fun.”
Long before he was interviewing players, Carrillo was simply a young boy who loved soccer. When he first expressed interest in creating a YouTube channel, he wanted to do something different.
“When André told us he wanted a YouTube channel, we asked if he wanted to create content in English or Spanish,” Carrillo said. “He told us there were already a lot of English-speaking creators. He wanted to create content for Spanish speakers.”
Today, that decision has helped him connect with soccer fans and families throughout Houston, Latin America and beyond.
While André’s audience continued to grow, his parents remained committed to ensuring his education came first. They say finding the right school district has been just as important as supporting his passion for soccer.
“Spring ISD has played an important role in his growth, encouraging his academic success while supporting his interests beyond the classroom,” Carrillo said.
While Carrillo’s soccer accomplishments attract attention, his family says academics always come first. A strong student who enjoys mathematics and learning new concepts, he balances school, content creation and community involvement while maintaining a focus on his education.
His journey has not been without challenges. Carrillo admits that speaking in front of cameras and hosting live videos can be intimidating.
“A lot of times I’m nervous doing live videos,” Carrillo said. “Sometimes I feel shy.”
Those experiences have helped him build confidence, strengthen his leadership skills and step outside his comfort zone.
His journey has not been without obstacles. Born with significant medical challenges that required specialized care during his first year of life, André overcame uncertainties that once left his family wondering what the future would hold. Today, he is thriving as a student, aspiring athlete, content creator and role model for other young people.
Away from the camera, Carrillo continues to sharpen his skills by training with Tigres Soccer Academy and HTX Soccer, as he pursues his dream of playing professionally one day.
His impact extends beyond the soccer field and social media. At McNabb Elementary, teachers say the same determination and enthusiasm he brings to his passions are evident in the classroom.
“André is a kind, hardworking student who leads by example every day,” said Vivian Llorente, McNabb Elementary School bilingual teacher. “His love for learning is matched only by his passion for soccer, and it’s been incredible to watch him channel that enthusiasm into both academic success and creative pursuits. We are so proud of all he has accomplished and can’t wait to see where his talents take him next.”
As the FIFA World Cup comes to a close on Sunday, July 19, André Carrillo’s soccer journey is only beginning. Through his growing platform and commitment to giving back, he is proving that the sport’s greatest impact isn’t always measured by goals or championships, but by the opportunities it creates to inspire and serve others.
Click here to support André, YouTube: La Cancha Gamer, Instagram: lacanchagamer