A Youth R.I.S.E. volunteer coach is getting his chance at the big leagues.

Tito Favela has earned his first pro trial with the Kansas City Comets, an professional indoor soccer team.

Favela, a graduate of Alta Vista High School, began coaching in 2020 for the Youth R.I.S.E. Jaguars teams to give back to the Northeast community and the team that raised him.

Youth R.I.S.E. is more than a soccer program. With volunteers from various areas within law enforcement, educational institutions, and private sector businesses, Youth R.I.S.E. mentors work to reach at-risk youth within the Kansas City community, provide means of redirection through extracurricular activities, primarily soccer, and support them during times of need.

The 21-year-old forklift driver played one year at Kansas City Kansas Community College before playing for Sunflower State Football Club UPSL and MASL3 men’s team in the 2020-2021 season.

“Congrats, Tito!” said Ann Murphy, YouthRISE founder. “We are so proud of you, and your Jaguars family is cheering you on.”

The Kansas City Comets play at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Mo. Originally the Missouri Comets, they joined the Major Arena Soccer League as an expansion team in the 2010–2011 season. 

The Comets are currently ranked third in their league with a record of 5-4. They play teams in St. Louis, Mo.; Ontario, Canada; Dallas, Tx.; San Diego, Ca.; Tacoma, Wa.; and Florida.