The Laredo Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight one of our longtime members and
community leaders — the Laredo Heat Soccer Club, now celebrating its 21st season. Founded in
2004, the team began by playing at Veterans Stadium and has since grown into a staple of the
Laredo sports scene. Today, they call PEG Energy Stadium home — a facility they are proud to have
built as part of their long-term vision for soccer in Laredo.
We had the opportunity to connect with JJ Vela, General Manager, and Johnny Ibarra, Head Coach of
both the USL2 and youth academy teams. The club’s story is deeply rooted in giving back. Just one
year after joining the United Soccer Leagues, they launched their tuition-free youth academy —
providing local kids with access to high-level training without the burden of cost, something few
organizations at the youth level are able to do.
JJ shared how rewarding it is to now operate out of their own stadium, rather than moving
operations between various venues across the city. Coach Ibarra added that having facilities that
compare to professional teams across the U.S. is a dream come true for the organization and the
youth they serve.