Oñati and San Francisco, united by the magic of football

Football, that universal language that transcends geographical and cultural barriers, has woven an unexpected bond between three young Oñati players and the San Francisco Glens U-19 during the recent Donosti Cup 2023. Izaro Allende, Naroa Igartua and Maialen Txintxurreta, from the Aloña ranks, suddenly found themselves sharing the pitch and the passion for football with the American team at the Donosti Cup.

The story behind this peculiar connection lies in the good relationship between Idaho resident Argia Beristain and Iñaki Galdos from Oñati. Faced with last-minute withdrawals from the American team, the call for help came to Galdos, an expert on the Basque diaspora in America. The request for help was transmitted through Argia, a figure known for his work in the dissemination of Basque culture in the United States.

Ryan, the head of the San Francisco club, and a descendant of Oñatiarra, enthusiastically welcomed Galdos' proposal. Ryan's great-grandmother, María García Soloaga, born in Oñati, added a special touch to the story. Although the operative suggested contacting a club in Donostia, the hope that they would be Aloña players, especially because of their Oñati roots, prevailed.

Thus, Izaro, Naroa and Maialen, generously loaned by Aloña, defended the colours of the San Francisco Glens in the Donosti Cup. Although their time in the consolation phase came to an end in the semi-finals, this experience highlights the beautiful coincidence that unites two communities through sport.

This story adds to the memorable stories that characterise the Donosti Cup, celebrating diversity and global connection through football.