History and literature buffs often speak of 19th century writer Horatio Alger, whose characters rise from obscure poverty to great esteem. For a sporting twist, the 2005 film “Goal! The Dream Begins” and its sequels follow a fictional soccer player from undocumented immigrant struggles to professional stardom.

Anyone who appreciates those narratives surely will find even greater inspiration from the true story of 81-year-old Rockridge resident Cino Chegia, who came to Oakland as an undocumented immigrant before achieving business success and providing soccer opportunities for generations of young players. With the help of co-author and grandnephew Jeff Gilliland, Chegia shares his life story in a book, “Four Dollars and a Dream: The Life and Times of Cino Chegia.”