The members of the San Juan Soccer Club received a visit from
their fairy god mother who came to outfit them in in attire
Cinderella herself would envy. County Supervisor Ruth Kesler
donated $1,400 to pay for the club’s soccer uniforms.
”
That’s our future generation,
”
she said,
”
and what’s a better way to use your money than to donate to a
good program?
”
The members of the San Juan Soccer Club received a visit from their fairy god mother who came to outfit them in in attire Cinderella herself would envy. County Supervisor Ruth Kesler donated $1,400 to pay for the club’s soccer uniforms.
“That’s our future generation,” she said, “and what’s a better way to use your money than to donate to a good program?”
Kesler donated money to buy uniforms for the high school last year and after watching the younger children play for some time, decided to donate to them as well, she said.
“I sit on a bench and watch the kids play quite often,” she said, “and they all know who I am.”
The County Board donated $15,000 at the beginning of the year to fund a play ground and a ball field, Kesler said, but this is the first time she’s personally donated to the San Juan Soccer Club.
“I told them if they need anything else, just let me know,” she said. “I want every child that wants to play soccer to be able to. I don’t want them to not be able to play because their parents can’t afford it.”
The soccer club’s president, Dan Avalos, has been heading the club for the past five years.
“We get new uniforms every year, but usually the parents have to pay for them,” he said. “It was awfully kind of (Kesler) to donate that money.”
The club still charges parents who can afford it a $65 registration fee, however that money can now go to a fund to build a new sports complex on the property adjacent to San Juan Elementary School, Avalos said.
“We’re also working on getting a grant for funds to develop the sports complex, and (Kesler) said she’d be willing to help if we have any problems with the grant,” he said.
The club is playing at the Anzar High School field this year, but will be back at the elementary school’s field next season after it is refurbished, Avalos said.
It’s important for the children, who range in ages from 4 to 14, to see that people other than their parents and coaches are taking an interest in them, which is why Kesler donated to them, she said.
“The young people are our future,” she said, “and it’s important they see an older person want to donate to them. I think it’s a good lesson to teach them.”
