A Mother's Day Memoir

January 1989, a baby boy was born.

He was beautiful to me. We named him Steven Levy Cruz, the name levy a biblical reference to the tribes of Israel mentioned in the bible.

At the tender age of 6 months we went to El Salvador, my native country. At this young age, he was very well received by grandparents, uncles and others family members. Starting in grade school he spent every school holidays in El Salvador. Bringing with him always toys and his things to share with cousins ​​and friends who he made from the year before.

That is when I started to see my son, a boy, who had a great charisma and calling to share. At 8 years old he became more interested in sports, with karate classes , American football, and a special love for baseball. As well as the beautiful game of futbol every summer in my home town of Canton Los Amates, El Salvador.

Every year he went back to El Salvador he would take soccer balls and toys for the children at Centro Escolar Canton Los Amates.

When AFJA was born:           

I remember a beautiful day in November of 2017, the first day of AFJA’s practice. The children waited for him with joy. They knew that he brought them balls, soccer shoes. I became sincerely worried every day from that day. With more and more children being added to the group, and I thought, "Oh my God, how are we going to give all these children things?!”, but with the help of friends and family it is possible. You can help these youth, who just want to play the sport they love. Please join me in supporting AFJA so that our youth can stay busy and positive.

This is for the kids of El Salvador and the world, soccer is global. May they grow healthy and active. Please, I ask you as a mother, let's support our children. They are the future and will be able to help create a healthy and strong society.

With the help of God, and from you, we will continue to live youth! Long live the sport! And long live AFJA! Thank you for your support of the academy and my son.  

With all my heart, Conchita