You may have heard his voice during a FIFA World Cup match, a Premier League broadcast, or while watching Major League Soccer. But here in Horizon West, Walter Roque is making an impact much closer to home.
A longtime international soccer commentator, author, and founder of Central Florida United FC, Walter has spent more than two decades immersed in the sport. Now, he’s using that experience to help young athletes in our community develop their skills, build confidence, and discover what they can accomplish both on and off the soccer field.
A Familiar Voice in International Soccer
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Walter Roque has built an impressive career covering some of the biggest events in international soccer. His work has taken him from South American stadiums to the world’s largest sporting stages, bringing the excitement of the game to Spanish-speaking audiences around the globe.
Walter has worked with major sports broadcasters, including Telemundo Deportes and Apple TV’s MLS coverage. His broadcasting career includes:
- FIFA World Cups: Coverage of multiple World Cup tournaments, including Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018.
- Copa América: Coverage of major international tournaments throughout South America and the United States.
- Premier League: Soccer commentary for Telemundo Deportes.
- Major League Soccer: Spanish-language match analysis for MLS on Apple TV.
- Olympic Games: Soccer coverage associated with Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
For soccer fans who recognize his voice from television, it’s pretty exciting to know that someone with this level of international experience is also helping develop young players right here in Central Florida.
Bringing His Passion for Soccer to Horizon West
Walter’s connection to soccer extends well beyond the broadcast booth. As the founder and director of Central Florida United FC, he’s bringing his knowledge of the game to local families through a youth soccer program focused on player development.
Central Florida United FC serves young athletes throughout Horizon West and the surrounding communities, offering opportunities for children who are kicking a soccer ball for the first time as well as players interested in more competitive training.
The academy’s approach combines technical instruction with the personal development that makes youth sports so valuable. Players learn from professionally licensed coaches who emphasize teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and confidence alongside their soccer skills. For Walter, the experience of working in professional soccer and covering the sport internationally provides a unique perspective on what it takes for young athletes to grow.
More Than a Commentator: Walter Roque the Author and Educator
Walter has also taken his passion for soccer into education. He is the co-author of Soccer Essentials, a bilingual educational resource designed to teach essential English soccer terminology and commands through the language of the game.
The project connects two things Walter knows well: the international nature of soccer and the importance of communication. For young players, coaches, and families navigating the sport in different languages, understanding soccer terminology can make training and participation more accessible.
His professional background also includes experience in soccer coaching, performance analysis, and sports management. That combination of broadcasting, education, and hands-on involvement in the sport gives Walter a perspective that reaches far beyond calling the action during a match.
What Makes Central Florida United FC Different?
Central Florida United FC combines structured soccer training with an emphasis on developing well-rounded young athletes. Founded by Walter Roque, the academy offers opportunities for children at different skill levels, from beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced players preparing for competitive soccer. The goal is to help kids improve while enjoying the game.
The club offers several development opportunities:
- Recreational soccer: An introduction to the game for children who are just getting started.
- Developmental training: Skill-building sessions focused on technique, confidence, and understanding the game.
- Competitive academy teams: More advanced opportunities for players looking to continue their development.
- Personal growth: An emphasis on responsibility, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the program.
For Horizon West parents, finding a youth sports program is about more than practices and games. It’s also about finding coaches who encourage kids, help them work through challenges, and create an environment where they feel supported.
From International Stadiums to Our Local Soccer Fields
There’s something special about seeing someone who has experienced soccer at the highest levels invest that knowledge in the next generation.
Walter Roque has covered international tournaments, analyzed professional matches, and shared the stories of some of the world’s best players. Through Central Florida United FC, he’s helping local children begin writing their own soccer stories, whether that means scoring their first goal, making new friends, or developing the confidence to compete at a higher level.
And for families in Horizon West, that means access to a soccer program founded by someone who has dedicated his professional life to the game.
Interested in Central Florida United FC?
Families interested in youth soccer can connect directly with Central Florida United FC to learn more about current programs, training schedules, available age groups, and upcoming tryouts.
Central Florida United FC
Phone/Text: 321-387-7658
Location: Serving Horizon West and surrounding Central Florida communities
Connect on Facebook:
Central Florida United FC
Connect on Instagram:
Central Florida United FC
Walter’s Book:
Soccer Essentials
You can also read our previous feature, Helping Young Athletes Grow: Central Florida United FC, for more about the academy and its youth soccer programs.
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