While the performance of the United States in the recent World Cup was not something to get a kick out of, youth soccer in La Jolla this year has been full of excitement.
The La Jolla Youth Soccer League (LYSL) recently finished its third year of spring soccer. While having just over 100 kids participate in the first season, this year LYSL had more than 600 take part in the action.
“Kids really love the game of soccer, and it reflects in our numbers,” said Mary Wilson, executive director of LYSL. “This year we started camps for five weeks and have over 200 kids attending. We also have more kids registered for fall soccer at this time compared to last year.”
Soccer continues its popularity with the youth of La Jolla at a number of venues around the community, but Wilson noted that the ever-increasing costs of upkeep for the fields is a concern.
“We depend greatly on the community to help us reach our financial goals each year,” Wilson said. “The community of La Jolla has been very generous in helping support LJ Soccer, and we are very grateful to have their contributions.”
LJ Soccer plays at Torrey Pines Elementary, La Jolla Elementary, upper and lower Cliffridge Park, Allen Field, Decatur Field, Birdrock Elementary and Doyle Park. According to Wilson, LYSL pays $70,000 per year in upkeep for use of fields at Torrey Pines and La Jolla elementary schools, Cliffridge Park and Allen Field.
On top of maintaining these fields, LYSL also has to rent additional fields at UCSD to accommodate games and practices due to the number of kids playing soccer. LJ Soccer has also started a program for special needs kids called TOPSoccer.
“We will have these kids playing in our regular fall season this year as well as have a special day of fun dedicated to them in August at Allen Field,” Wilson said. “Special needs kids will come from all over to participate in this.”
This year, LYSL will host the annual San Diego TOPSoccer Day (The Outreach Program for Soccer) for disabled children locally and from out of town on Sunday, Aug. 13, starting at 1 p.m. at Allen Field and ending at 3 p.m.
“The community has come together and with great spirit and dedication to support this event by making donations or contributions for food or drinks,” Wilson said. “There will be a mass showing of volunteers to assist in this auspicious event.”
TOPSoccer began in 1991, designed and administered by US Youth Soccer, the nation’s largest youth sports organization and its volunteer TOPSoccer Committee, to provide meaningful learning, development and physical participation opportunities to young athletes through the game of soccer.
For more information on volunteering or participating in the Aug. 13 event, contact Rick Flores at [email protected] or call (858) 677-9779.
For more information on LYSL, visit www.lajollasoccer.org.