Together We…Play Beach Soccer
Surfing, Bob Marley and soccer are just a few things that describe LA Metro’s Athletics and Events Project Specialist, Christopher Fernandez. Christopher’s five years with Think Together has been filled with building relationships and ensuring students have the confidence to excel on and off the field. Learn more about how Christopher is changing the odds for kids.
What inspired you to work at Think Together and pursue a career in the education field?
My biggest inspiration and greatest joy are witnessing student growth in a positive atmosphere: the smiles, the camaraderie, and the confidence. We support opportunities through sports to see students win with grace and transform losses into life lessons. This is the essence of Sports Based Youth Development.
My experience coaching students and collaborating with families has given me significant personal and professional growth. I am committed to ensuring every young person has access to sports, recognizing their power in building confidence and fostering life skills.
What has been your favorite regional sports event you have done at Think Together?
Each event offers a unique experience, but our Urban Futsal LA Collaboration truly stood out. We created an unforgettable soccer festival at the gym facility, Jump Beyond Sports, connecting student athletes (K-12) with pro coaches, players and freestyle experts. Participants enjoyed skills clinics, a freestyle showcase, player meet and greets and a thrilling futsal tournament. I curated this experience with the goal for students to foster a deeper love for the game in a positive atmosphere with high level coaches and players.
What is your theme song for life and why?
Bob Marley’s ‘Zimbabwe’ reminds me that we each deserve to decide our own path. I try to treat every interaction, especially with students and their families, as a gift, a chance to make a difference. I want every student to feel valued and uplifted. When we come together, arm in arm, we can face anything as a community.
What is an underrated skill needed to excel as an Athletics and Events Project Specialist?
Be yourself, build connections naturally, and value who you are. Prioritize listening, especially to colleagues and the students we serve.
If you were stranded on an island, what are two items you would bring with you?
Definitely a Swiss Army knife. And a surfboard, because if you’re stuck on an island, you might as well surf, right?
What sports have you introduced to the Program?
We’ve established a competitive sports program for high school students in the Los Angeles Metro region, specifically designed to bridge the gap for charter schools that typically lack access to CIF-sanctioned athletics. Our program provides a comparable and high-quality tournament experience, enabling student-athletes to compete in premier facilities such as LAB Five and Jump Beyond Sports. We prioritize fostering positive competition and a safe environment, where skill development and confidence-building are most important. Looking ahead, our goal for the next school year is to expand our offerings by providing student-athletes with workshops focused on creating player profiles for college recruitment. Furthermore, we aim to host events that directly connect our athletes with college coaches, maximizing their opportunities to pursue collegiate athletics and careers in sports.
Is there a student story that has stuck with you?
I carry so many student stories with me. But the ones that truly stay with me are the moments when a student says, ‘thank you’. That’s what keeps me going, what pushes me to be my best every single day.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
After work, my greatest joy is spending time with my wife, twin boys and daughter. I’m also passionate about the outdoors, especially surfing. To stay active, I play professional beach soccer with Botafogo USA.
