Dynamo Academy Midfielder Gerardo Martinez may only be 13 years old, but he’s already a veteran of the Houston Dynamo Youth Programs, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. The staple at center-mid for the Academy U-13s started training with the Dynamo at age eight in the Center of Excellence program.
His success hasn’t always come easy though. Martinez is at the end of the birth year in which he competes, which means he is consistently facing players larger and stronger than himself.
"What Gerardo lacks in size and physical ability, he more than exceeds in skill with the ball. He works extremely hard every day at training to excel technically and he is a credit to himself, his family, and the club," said Academy Coach Isac Doru.
He doesn’t let his small size hold him back though. As with many young, attacking players, Martinez loves to score goals. One of his most memorable came last year in a game against Dynamo Academy rival Lonestar SC.
“In that game I was able to show that my skill and vision on the ball was a far greater strength than size,” says Martinez.
It is this work ethic and perseverance that he believes allow him to keep improving and progressing toward the ultimate goal of playing professionally for the Dynamo, like his favorite player, Erick ‘Cubo’ Torres.
