Founder
Roberto Castellanos (Caste)
Founder – Project Rooted | Major League Professional Soccer Player
Born and raised in Palmdale, Caste’s journey from local fields to the professional stage has always been driven by his mission: to bring opportunities home to the Antelope Valley.
Career
Robert Castellanos, known as Caste, grew up in Palmdale, CA, where soccer was both his escape and his calling.
At 14, he left home to train at elite youth academies like Xolos in Tijuana and Nomads in San Diego. His professional career has spanned top clubs in Liga MX, MLS, and the USL, including stints with Atlas FC, LA Galaxy 2, RGVFC Toros, Nashville SC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Sporting Kansas City. But Caste’s vision has always been bigger than his own journey.
He knows firsthand the challenges that kids in the AV face, including limited access to professional-level coaching, mentorship, and resources. That’s why he founded Project Rooted: to build a high-performance facility in Palmdale that levels the playing field and gives back to the community that raised him.
Role
As the Founder of Project Rooted, Caste leads the mission to empower Antelope Valley youth through soccer, mentorship, and a community-first approach. He’s the driving force behind every training session, community program, and future vision for the Rooted facility.
Ambasador
Eric Calvillo
Rooted Ambassador | Midfielder – El Paso Locomotive FC | El Salvador National Team
Eric Santana Calvillo Ramirez is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive. Born in the United States, he plays for the El Salvador national team.
Career
Eric Calvillo, a proud product of Palmdale, CA, began playing soccer at just 3 years old. His journey started with Real So Cal in Thousand Oaks, where his talent quickly led him to the U.S. Youth National Team system. From U14 to U19, Eric represented the United States on the international stage, captaining the squad and competing in the U-17 World Cup in Chile in 2015.
At just 17, Eric signed his first professional contract with the New York Cosmos, where he played for two seasons and won an NASL Championship. His performance earned him a move to MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, where he spent four seasons competing at the top level.
In 2021, Eric joined Orange County SC, where he added a USL Championship title to his resume. Currently in his fourth season with El Paso Locomotive FC, he now represents the El Salvador National Team at the senior level, continuing to compete internationally with pride and purpose.
Role
As a Rooted Ambassador, Eric embodies the mission to inspire, mentor, and create opportunity for the next generation of athletes from the Antelope Valley.
Trainer
Calvin Mitchell
Rooted Trainer | Former Pro & Collegiate Athlete
Calvin Mitchell was born and raised in the Antelope Valley, where his love for soccer—and his unshakable mindset—were forged. A product of Lancaster High School and Palmdale Thunder, Calvin went on to play at the collegiate or professional level, showing what’s possible with belief and a relentless work ethic.
Career
His soccer journey includes winning the U19 USYS National Championship, the Dallas Cup, and competing with elite clubs like Real So Cal Academy. He climbed through the college ranks, collecting All-Conference honors, and played professionally in USL2, the New Zealand Northern Premier League, and coached at Indiana Tech.
But the path wasn’t smooth. Calvin’s career has been shaped by more downs than ups, surgeries, setbacks, and being constantly overlooked. Coming from the AV, he often felt underestimated by LA-based programs, and that chip on his shoulder became fuel. It taught him grit, gave him his style of play, and instilled the resilient personality he’s known for.
Now pursuing a Master’s in Psychology, Calvin is focused on more than just technical training.
In 2021, Eric joined Orange County SC, where he added a USL Championship title to his resume. Currently in his fourth season with El Paso Locomotive FC, he now represents the El Salvador National Team at the senior level, continuing to compete internationally with pride and purpose.
Role
As a Rooted Trainer, he’s here to help AV athletes develop the tools we never had, on the field and off. He’s proud to return home and mentor the next generation through the same streets, fields, and fire that made him who he is.
Ambasador
Alvaro Quezada
Rooted Ambassador | Midfielder – El Paso Locomotive FC | UCI Graduate | Former LAFC Draft Pick
Alvaro Quezada is a professional soccer player and Rooted Ambassador whose journey is defined by passion, discipline, and gratitude. Raised in Palmdale, California, Alvaro attended Highland High School, where he began shaping his identity as both a student and athlete.
Career
Backed by the unwavering support of his family, Alvaro committed early to excellence, on the field and in the classroom. His strong work ethic opened doors to major achievements: invitations to U.S. Youth National Team camps, a full scholarship to the University of California, Irvine, and eventually, being drafted into the MLS by LAFC.
After graduating from UCI, Alvaro launched his professional career with LAFC, Las Vegas Lights, Memphis 901 FC, and currently competes with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship.
Alvaro credits his success to his family, his work ethic, and the life-changing impact of soccer.
Role
As a Rooted Ambassador, he’s dedicated to showing AV athletes what’s possible with commitment, belief, and a support system behind you. Through his journey, he hopes to inspire the next generation to dream bigger and stay grounded in where they come from.
COO
Christian Ramirez
Chief Operating Officer – Rooted | Soccer Operations & Community Engagement Leader
Christian Ramirez is an AV native with deep roots in the Antelope Valley and a lifelong commitment to soccer and community development.
Career
Christian’s journey in soccer began on the fields of Lake Los Angeles, where he found his passion for the game early on. He went on to earn a degree in Education and has built his career in leadership and program development.
Over the years, Christian has held key roles in both soccer operations and educational initiatives, blending his love for the game with a mission to uplift local youth. His work has always centered around providing pathways and resources for athletes who share the same dreams he once had.
Role
As the Chief Operating Officer at Rooted, Christian oversees day-to-day operations and soccer programming, ensuring that every initiative reflects the project’s mission of mentorship, opportunity, and community-first development. Christian is passionate about creating a space where young players feel supported, on and off the field, and believes that through education and access, kids from the AV can achieve anything they set their minds to.
CFO
Pedro Zamora
Chief Financial Officer – Rooted | Finance Manager – YMU Group | FIFA Licensed Agent
Pedro Zamora is an AV native with deep ties to the Antelope Valley’s vibrant soccer community. Currently serving as Finance Manager at YMU Group, a global talent agency, Pedro brings exceptional expertise to the Rooted team.
Through his work with PR Dreamers, Pedro leverages cutting-edge technology and financial acumen to build sustainable pathways for young athletes in the Antelope Valley—ensuring that talent, no matter where it starts, has the resources to thrive.
Career
Holding a FIFA Agent License, Pedro has developed and executed innovative revenue strategies that support high-stakes financial planning and sophisticated modeling. His forward-thinking approach and deep knowledge of sports finance and the football business uniquely position him to empower emerging soccer talent.
Role
Coming Soon!
Creative Team
Alex Rodriguez
Creative Designer | Rooted Creative Team
Coming Soon...
Career
Growing up in Lancaster, CA, Alex developed a passion for both art and athletics. He went on to launch his own clothing brand, building relationships with manufacturers, retailers, and influencers while growing a strong social presence. Every project and challenge sharpened his creative vision and pushed his work forward.
Role
At Rooted, Alex believes design starts with people. Each project is an opportunity to listen, imagine, and create authentic work that reflects purpose, identity, and community, giving back through creativity to the place that raised him.
Creative Team
Shawn McLurkin
Videographer – Rooted Creative Team
Shawn McLurkin is a videographer with a passion for capturing raw, untold stories. With a background in sports cinematography, he brings a sharp creative eye and a deep understanding of visual storytelling to Rooted.
Career
Coming Soon!
Role
At Rooted, Shawn documents the journey, highlighting the discipline, emotion, and growth behind every athlete and moment. His work helps shape a visual identity that reflects purpose, authenticity, and excellence.