New Mexico United’s Suggs reads to children in Rio Rancho

Young soccer fans got a treat Tuesday afternoon when New Mexico United defender Josh Suggs made an appearance at Esther Bone Memorial Library.

Suggs read books and signed autographs for more than two dozen kids in attendance, many of whom were wearing United gear.

“We obviously want to have a big impact in the community, and I think that always starts with with kids,” Suggs said. “So I’m excited to do it. I always want to; anytime there’s an appearance with children involved, I jump at it.”

Suggs received a warm welcome from the crowd before he read soccer-themed books. The Las Cruces native and United leader said helping kids in his home state is a top priority for him.

“I think that’s everything for me. You know, just growing up as a New Mexican and knowing kind of the challenges that we face as New Mexicans,” Suggs said. “To be able to kind of just help alleviate some of that and do everything I can to be as much of a role model as possible is important to me.”