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Flores, Dora From: Lizbeth Mondragon < Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 1:55 PM To: eComment Subject: SOCCER FIELD ACCESS ISSUES - LA ACADEMIA Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. Dear City Council Members, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible impact that La Academia has on my now 4-year-old son, both as an athlete and as a young individual. I would also like to highlight how the program significantly contributes to the development of his passion for soccer, instilling important values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These are values that will benefit him for years to come. My son joined La Academia shortly after he turned 3 years old, and from the moment he became part of the program, I could see his love for the sport grow. While he was initially just learning the basics of soccer, the coaches at La Academia quickly identified his strengths and helped him build a solid foundation. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness his improvement, not only in his skills but also in his self-confidence and his ability to work well with other children. Beyond soccer skills, he has made lasting friendships with his teammates, and it's been amazing to see how confident and comfortable he has become in interacting with other children. Initially, he was shy about approaching his peers and joining the game on the field, but thanks to the inclusive and supportive environment La Academia fosters, he now looks forward to games and is excited to interact and collaborate with his teammates. It's been heartwarming to watch him grow from someone who was a bit reserved to a young boy who confidently communicates with and encourages others on his team. This sense of belonging and camaraderie is a gift that will stay with him throughout his life. What truly sets La Academia apart, though, is the unique opportunities it provides to its young athletes. For example, my son has had the chance to play in iconic stadiums such as SoFi, which is an experience that many children his age can only dream of. In addition, La Academia offers free training camps with top coaches and professional athletes, giving my son and the team the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry. These experiences have undoubtedly expanded his horizons and inspired him to keep working hard both on and off the field. Not only is the quality of the program superior, but it is also affordable. As a parent, one of the most challenging aspects of enrolling my child in sports programs has been the cost. La Academia, however, has provided my son with great training, exposure to world -class opportunities, and invaluable experiences at a fraction of the cost of other teams we've been a part of in the past. The financial accessibility of the program has been a significant factor in our decision to continue our involvement, and I am grateful that such an opportunity is available to families like mine without breaking the bank. While I don't currently live in Santa Ana, my roots run deep in this community. I grew up in Santa Ana, attending elementary, middle, and some high school here. Even though I now reside elsewhere in Orange County, my family still spends a great deal of time in Santa Ana visiting relatives and staying connected with the place I once called home. The ability to provide my son with the same sense of community that I experienced growing up, while also offering him the chance to participate in such an exceptional program, fills me with pride.