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Becerra, Alexis From: Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 10:03 PM To: eComment Subject: SOCCER FIELD ACCESS ISSUE - La Academia Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links. Mayor, Council Members, and Community Representatives Good evening everyone, My name is Cari Vasquez, and I'm the proud mother of an amazing child Gilberto Isaiah Gaytan,who happens to have ADHD.Today, I stand before you not just as a parent, but as a deeply grateful woman — thankful for the incredible impact La Academia has had on my child and our lives. When we first joined the program, I had no idea what to expect. As a single mom, I carry many roles — provider, protector, advocate, and cheerleader— and sometimes it feels overwhelming. Parenting a child with ADHD can be uniquely challenging.The world doesn't always understand the energy, the impulsiveness, or the need for constant movement and stimulation. But here — on this field,with this team — something truly beautiful happened. My child was not judged. He was not labeled. He was seen. He was accepted exactly as he is, and more importantly, he was encouraged to grow. La Academia became more than just a sports program. It became a safe place for my child. A place where structure meets fun,where discipline is paired with encouragement, and where effort matters more than perfection. I saw my child begin to flourish.The routine and consistency helped him focus.The physical activity gave him a healthy outlet for his energy. And the team dynamic taught him patience, cooperation, and responsibility— lessons that, believe me, are not always easy to teach at home. One of the most powerful changes I witnessed was in his self-esteem. For a child who sometimes struggles to fit in or feels "different," being part of a team gave him a sense of belonging. He wears that jersey with pride. He talks about his teammates like they're his brothers and sisters . And every small victory on the field becomes a giant leap in confidence. This field is more than just open land. It's where children learn to play soccer for the first time,where families gather for weekend picnics. It's a shared space that promotes health, connection, and communityl. In a time when public green spaces are shrinking and screen time is growing. To the coaches and staff of La Academia — I'm thankful for their patience, understanding, and commitment.They may not know just how much of a difference they make, not only in these children's lives but in the lives of parents like me. They provide more than soccer training — they provide hope, support, and a sense of community. To other parents out there, I just want to say: if you're wondering whether a program like this can help your child,the answer is yes. It's not about having the most talented athlete — it's about giving kids the space to be themselves,to grow, and to shine in their own way. And that is exactly what La Academia has done for my son. From the bottom of my heart — thank you. Sent from my iPhone i