Soccer Coach Allegedly Sexually Abused Teen Players, Urged Them To ‘Manipulate’ Bodies

A Chicago Fire junior soccer team coach was fired, following accusations of inappropriately touching and grooming female players for sex.

Fernando Calderon, 49, appeared in court for the first time Saturday, on felony charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and indecent solicitation of a minor. Prosecutors claimed the accused approached three young girls from the soccer team, urging them to “manipulate” their bodies, in multiple inappropriate interactions between July 2017 and August 2018, Chicago Tribune reported.

Chicago Fire Juniors City was the official youth soccer club of the Major League Soccer team, in Bridgeview, Illinois. It was not immediately known when Calderon was arrested.

In one of the alleged incidents that occurred during soccer practice at Montrose Beach in July 2017, Calderon told a 14-year-old girl that having sex would improve her flexibility on the field, adding that he was willing to “do it” for her. He also entered his phone number in her phone after asking her if she had a boyfriend and “ever felt lonely.”

A year later, the former coach allegedly told a 16-year-old female player not to wear a bra during their one-on-one training session in his garage, as it would help her “get horny,” which in turn would release hormones that would make her play soccer better. Afterward, he also rubbed the girl’s breasts and nipples while pretending to measure her chest.

In a third alleged incident that took place around the same time, Calderon showed a video of a topless woman getting a massage to another 16-year-old student of his while he was driving her home, telling her he needed to massage her body. Authorities said the accused also told the third victim he could help her with college if she agreed to “work with him.”

In his interactions with the girls, Calderon also allegedly told them, “let me make you happy and play with your body,” prosecutors told the judge.

Chicago Fire wrote a letter Monday to the parents of students who were enrolled in the soccer team, explaining the circumstances in which Calderon was fired and offering to resolve any concerns they might have.

“The welfare of our players is our primary concern and top priority. When we became aware of the accusations, we took immediate action. The coach was suspended and ordered to stay away from our players, staff and facilities. All proper authorities were informed and the parents of our players were notified about the situation. We have since dismissed the coach,” Paul Cadwell, president of Chicago Fire Juniors City, said in a statement.

The statement added: “We have always maintained strict personnel safeguards including rigorous background checks, safe sport training, implementation of a code of conduct and guidelines governing interactions with minors. Nevertheless, we will reexamine our policies, practices and training to ensure we are fostering a positive and safe environment for every young player throughout our system.”

According to ABC7 Chicago, Calderon’s bail was set at $30,000. He was scheduled to appear before the court again Tuesday.