“I love how all of the coaches work with all of the players. They’ll demo the moves they're working on for that week, and they have the patience to breakdown each movement so everyone understand how to perform steps. Heart of the City has the best coaches that care about making the experience enjoyable and challenging.”
Eunice J., parent from after-school clinic
"My favorite part of being with Heart of the City is that they truly care about their players. They want us to be successful on the field, but also in life and help prepare us for the future. The fact that they care has been the most impactful for me because no other team I know cares enough to think about their players once they get off the field."
Mariana Tejeda, Heart of the City Athlete
"Being a soccer enthusiast for 62 years now, I see certain clubs that are made strictly to win, strictly to dominate, strictly to be a driving force to get trophies and awards, and then I see Heart of the City -- who certainly would love to be in those categories, too -- but the most important thing for Heart of the City is the development of the children.
In Waukegan, there are children in single-parent households, there are children with absent parents, there are children basically who have no direction, no structure. Heart of the City provides them a very structured environment where they learn to be responsible, and they learn to be efficient in what they do. And that’s something that many are not getting at home. I’m very proud to be associated with Heart of the City."
Wayne Motley, Former Waukegan Mayor
“I love what y’all do here. It’s not about winning at all cost. My son was playing at a different soccer league and he would say ‘Dad this isn’t fun’. Here the coaches are a lot more involved teaching all the players and moving them around in different positions. You can see they care about developing players.”
Brandon K., Soccer Academy parent
"My time with Heart of the City has definitely been an amazing experience. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by amazing people who I consider my second family. HOTC has given me phenomenal opportunities that have shaped my path in life. Although I will be far from home, I know HOTC will be with me in my heart helping me push through my new beginnings. I wouldn't have been able to surpass obstacles in my path without the support HOTC has given me."
Jocy Anguiano, Heart of the City Alumn - Class of 22'
“I love how all of the coaches work with all of the players. They’ll demo the moves they're working on for that week, and they have the patience to breakdown each movement so everyone understand how to perform steps. Heart of the City has the best coaches that care about making the experience enjoyable and challenging.”
Eunice J., parent from after-school clinic
"My favorite part of being with Heart of the City is that they truly care about their players. They want us to be successful on the field, but also in life and help prepare us for the future. The fact that they care has been the most impactful for me because no other team I know cares enough to think about their players once they get off the field."
Mariana Tejeda, Heart of the City Athlete
