Fútbol is a big deal for Latin Americans. Like in other parts of the world, people’s connection to soccer runs deep. For many, their love of the sport connects them to their family, friends, and a global community of fans. Traditions established over generations add another layer to each of the games.
Everyone is connected in their love of fútbol — abuelos, tíos, papás, mamás, hijas, hijos — especially at a match. The energy that fans experience at matches cannot be compared to anything else. But not everyone can make it to them. Thankfully, fans can now share their love for the game by proxy.
Enter colombiano Richy Castro, who, thanks to Total Wireless, wants to help show people’s favorite players some love.
Credit: Matt Odom/AP Content Services for Total by Verizon
Castro was named Total’s Sign Guy and is sharing fan messages at matches
With the popularity of soccer rising, ticket prices have reflected the sport’s gained momentum. When you add the ability to see favorite players live on the field, match tickets become a hot commodity. But, with higher ticket prices comes people being left out.
That’s why Total Wireless launched its Text-to-Sign campaign: to connect fans with the game they love. For Castro, participating in the Total Wireless campaign to bring fan messages to one of the biggest sporting events in the Americas is a big deal because of how it’s making the game more personal and accessible.
Castro says that Total Wireless, the “fast-growing prepaid, no-contract wireless provider,” understands how passionate fans can be.
He adds, “We’ve talked about ticket prices now in the [United States.] They’re soaring through the roof, especially with so many outside players coming in. [Fans] want to see their favorite players. They want to see their favorite teams, right?”
Credit: Matt Odom/AP Content Services for Total by Verizon
“It’s a huge investment just to be passionate and just to be there for them. So, it’s an amazing campaign for that reason. We are trying to do our best to get the voices outside of those who can’t be there inside and make them feel like they’re part of something special,” the colombiano adds.
So, where would fans see their signs? Just outside the stadium, Castro will join the viral sign expert @DudewithSign.
The soccer mega-fan notes that holding up fan messages is an “honor”
He tells Latinidad Collective, “I absolutely love the sport, and I know myself, regardless of whatever tournament it was, if my favorite team was playing or my favorite player, I’m watching the game.”
“I’m watching the highlights, right? I’m yelling at the TV. I’m emotional. I’m passionate. I’m like, ‘He should have passed it.’ You know, I’m crazy about it. So again, for me to be that middle person, that middle man, it’s an honor,” he asserts.
Has there been a message that has been his favorite so far? One he received at the Ecuador and Mexico game. He notes that the message “caught the eyes of a lot of people.” Overall, Castro explains how fans have been “excited” about the campaign.
Credit: Matt Odom/AP Content Services for Total by Verizon
He details, “They’re excited, they’re pumped up. They feel it, right? Even people not in the stadium who are reaching out to me and reaching out to the behind the scenes team saying like, ‘What is this? We want to be part of it. We want to be heard.’”
Castro adds, “We’ve already done a few games. We’re just looking for the most creative ones. You know we want that passion to bleed through.”
“It’s super fun. It’s amazing. I’m honored to be that middle person,” he concludes.
Soccer fans can text their messages to 1-855-504-SIGN to get in on the action from now through July 14.
For more on Total Wireless, click here.
