From: Becky DeOchoa
To: Clerk; District2; District1; Jerry Dyer; Mayor; Tyler Maxwell; Mike Karbassi; Luis Chavez; Nelson Esparza; Garry Bredefeld; Miguel Arias
Cc: Aaron Aguirre; Edward Chinevere
Subject: Urgent Request to Prioritize Soccer in FY 2024-2025 Budget Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 8:38:35 PM
External Email: Use caution with links and attachments
Dear Fresno City Council, Fresno Parks Commission, and Fresno Parks Leaders, As the City of Fresno's fiscal year 2024-2025 budget is being finalized, I write to emphasize the urgent need to prioritize our soccer community. Despite being the most popular sport in Fresno, as highlighted in the Fresno Parks Master Plan, soccer remains tremendously underdeveloped and lagging in meeting local demand.
Soccer is the most in-demand activity in our city, bringing immense joy and unity. However, our facilities are crumbling, improvements are slow, and there are numerous opportunities to enhance our city's relationship with the beautiful game. Currently, fields remain in disarray, many goals have empty nets that children can't enjoy, there aren't enough futsal courts, and it's too expensive or cumbersome to reserve fields. Furthermore, it is unattainable for our children to participate in proper youth soccer development due to the City's absence in creating equitable access.
Our city's largest cultural identity is rooted in soccer, regardless of age, place of origin, or any other identity. Yet soccer remains underdeveloped. We need more urgency, resources, facilities, and opportunities to fully support and grow this passion.
I urge you to consider these points as you finalize the budget and allocate the necessary resources to improve and expand Fresno's soccer facilities and recreational opportunities. Is the city up to the challenge of meeting the local demand for soccer and reaping the benefits of the bridges it builds? The One Fresno mantra cannot be fulfilled without allowing soccer to flourish in our city.
Thank you for your attention and support.
Best regards,
Fresno, CA