A former coach with the Chicago Fire junior soccer team has been arrested on charges that he tried to trick young female players into having sex with him and inappropriately touched a player.
The Chicago Tribune reports that prosecutors allege 49-year-old Fernando Calderon suggested to players that having sex with him would make them more flexible for soccer and rubbed a girl's chest under the guise of measuring it.
Calderon remained in Cook County Jail on Monday. He's scheduled to appear in court Tuesday on felony charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and indecent solicitation of a minor.
Officials with the youth club of the professional adult Chicago Fire soccer club notified parents that Calderon has been dismissed as a coach.
"The welfare of our players is our primary concern and top priority," Paul Caldwell, president of the Chicago Fire Juniors City, said in a statement. "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. 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.”
It wasn't immediately known if Caldron has an attorney.
