Meet Francisco “Pancho” Hansen. He founded the Trebol Soccer Club in Lafayette in 1995. Originally from Huehuetan, Chiapas, Mexico, he played soccer professionally in 1976 and 1977, then coached several semi-pro teams. After moving to Lafayette in 1988 he saw a need for a competitive youth soccer program, which started with 100 children playing on seven teams. Today, over 600 kids compete on 35 teams.  It is almost implied that if your child plays soccer in Lafayette then you know Pancho!

Pancho, your love for soccer and introducing children of all ages to the sport is an inspiration.  Programs in the community such as these are life changing.  Thank you for sharing your talents and experience with the youth and community of Lafayette.

 

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

A: I’ve been working with the city for nearly 30 years and currently working through the Rec Center. After my professional career in Mexico I decided to go to the coaching school. Then my wife and I decided to move here, to Colorado, in 1988.  Coaching is very important to me because I really care about the kids.  First, is to teach kids to enjoy and love the game.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Louisville and Lafayette, and what do you love there?

A: I love Efrain’s – it’s the best. My wife and I enjoy going and love their spice dishes.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Louisville and Lafayette?

A:   30 years.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?  And why?

A: I would love to go to Mexico because I love my country. Mexico has a great history and there are lots of beautiful places to see. The people are wonderful.  I would also like to travel more in the US.

Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?

A: I remember seeing Snow White in a theatre back in Chiapas, Mexico.  It was in Spanish.  I was about 5 years old and remember the witch being very scary.

Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?

A: Life is so beautiful and it’s possible to learn from everyone. Go, sit, and chat with somebody…have a good life’s experience with them.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: Traveling with my wife around the world, wherever we have the opportunity to visit and see more cultures.

Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?

A: I’m not a huge music fan, but when I was young I enjoyed dancing.  I really liked going to concerts with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.  My daughter was a dancer and we got to see many great performances that she danced in.

Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Louisville and Lafayette?

A: The Lafayette Flea Market because I’m a history guy.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Louisville and Lafayette?

A: I love the history of towns. I like to read about history and find it interesting to visit the local cemetery and read the graves.

Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch?  Why?  Where in Louisville and Lafayette would you have lunch?

A: John F. Kennedy, he is an interesting man and had great ideas with a different view. I would love to meet him and take him for some Mexican food, maybe to Efrain’s.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

A: This is where I want to be. I will keep doing what I’m doing and working with the kids in Lafayette. I find that I am also learning from the kids.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: I like to walk in the mountains. This is a passion we have as a family. We really like to go outside and hike through the forest together.

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Family, Peace, and Love.

Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?

A: I like John Wayne and Pele. When I was young I always watched Pele movies, and I said, “this is the man that I want to follow.”

Q: Aside from ability, what do you think stands out about Pele?

A: Pele is always thankful to God before he jumped on the field.

Q: Is there something that you can add that would benefit or add value to the community, what do you think would that be?

A: There are many great bicycle paths, but even more so people might drive less and ride their bicycles more.