Mauro is 11 years old and Soccer is his passion. His mom, Krystalyn, has told me that he kicked his first soccer ball when he was still in a jolly jumper. He joined his first community team when he was 3 and has played every season since. At age 5 he decided that he was going to be a professional soccer player and has since been committed to working towards that goal. At age 6 he proclaimed, "Soccer is my life!"

Everywhere he goes he has his soccer ball at his feet. He enjoys reaching out to others through his love for the game, and this includes teaching his younger cousins and friends techniques and the skills he has picked up over the years. He is grateful for all of the influences in his life that have helped him develop his skills, from his coaches and peers, and even you tube videos! His long-term goal, after playing professionally of course, is to coach a team.

Mauro is fortunate to attend the Elite Soccer Academy where he trains on the weekend. During the week he trains with his club team XtremeFC, (which is headed to the provincials in Lethbridge the second week of August). He also has been blessed with a personal trainer who was once a professional player himself.

Mauro is grateful to receive the challenges, positive feedback and encouragement that help him grow as a young man and as a player.

6 players have been given the opportunity to represent the Canadian squad and train in Madrid for 10 days in September. He will be attending training sessions with real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and playing against the best kids his own age in Spain.

The funds needed and quoted from the academy are $2900 for food, insurance, hotel, all the soccer activities, (Games, training, tours, etc.) as well as ground transportation. The flight is $1500. $800 of the needed funds have been raised by Krystalyn and Mauro and prepaid to hold his spot. They have a total of $3600 left to raise by September 1st.

The remaining fees are required as soon as possible. Mauro is doing everything he can to fundraise. He is collecting bottles, doing yard work and selling his unneeded possessions. Mauro's mom has always worked hard to give him what she can. However, raising the remaining amount so quickly is difficult for a single mom.

This is an incredible opportunity for him, and all donations, whether cash, bottles, or giving him the opportunity to work for it have been greatly appreciated.

Any assistance in reaching his goal would make this young man’s dreams come true.

Thank you!