06:40 PM CST on Thursday, February 9, 2006

By Karla Barguiarena / 11 News

Click to watch video

Controversy is brewing within the Hispanic community over the naming of the new professional soccer team in town.

Since the naming the team Houston 1836 a couple of weeks ago, there are some, including powerful politicians, who are insisting the name of the team be changed.

It was an announcement that brought enthusiasm and applause when the city's new professional soccer team Houston 1836 had arrived.

KHOU-TV

Some powerful people in the Hispanic community want the team to change its name.

But not everyone is celebrating the name of the team that will soon be playing at Robertson Stadium.

Among them, Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia.

In a statement sent to 11 News, the commissioner said, " I have received many comments from my constituents who are not pleased with the name. I share their concerns and have encouraged the organization to strongly consider a more appropriate name, one which is free of controversy."

It's controversial because 1836 represents not only the year Houston was founded, but also the year Texas declared its independence from Mexico.

"I think there are some people that will not support it," said Dr. Tatcho Mindiola.

Dr. Mindiola lectures just a few feet away from where the team will play.

"They knew that there was a potential here of insulting a significant portion of the community and yet they chose to do it anyway"

"We take it very seriously."

Team president Oliver Luck is aware of the concerns.

"I think it would be very difficult to change the name quite honestly 1836 in our mind represents the founding of the city of Houston," said Luck. Councilmember Adrian Garcia agrees.

"Had this been a direct affront an intended or maliciously insensitive process then I would be very concerned,"

Still, there are those who say they will never accept the name.

"You'll never see me wearing an 1836 shirt" said Dr. Mindiola.