Send Salvatore to Italy with Juventus in 2022

His first word was "pelota". Soccer was in his blood as a baby and it continues to pulse today. To know Salvatore is to not only know that he loves soccer, but you know HOW MUCH he loves soccer. It was his most requested toy as a child. Whenever we went to Home Depot, we would bring him back those paint swatches, a red and yellow, so he could pretend he was a referee. Not only did he always love to play, but he also loved to watch. Every game we could watch, on any channel we had (or had to subscribe to), was an amazing thing for him to see. He knows every player, every position, every move any team made, what stats they have, and how the game continues to change. But most importantly, he knows what this game means to him. And how it has continued to shape his life and the lives of all us who support him. He started on AYSO La Habra, played for AC Brea, Fullerton Rangers, Slammers FC, Strikers North. Today he plays for Juventus Academy in Los Angeles, and while the commitment is huge for all of us, to see him grow as a player and teammate is the most rewarding. He now has an amazing opportunity to travel with his team to Italy in April 2022. You can read more about it here. We are working hard for him to be able to participate in his experience. He is saving his own money. We are fundraising. He is keeping up his grades and completing all of his chores. His sister, Valentina, is also doing all that she can to support him. We are encouraged for him to see that this is something he can create for himself and that, with the love and support from family and friends, anything is possible. We appreciate it all so much! Thank you for reading this!

Sincerely,

Shalimar and David Licona-proud mom and dad