While many locals and visitors are enjoying the summertime, thoughts have already turned to the fall soccer season.
According to Mary Wilson, assistant to the president of La Jolla Youth Soccer, numbers are up at LJ Youth Soccer League for fall registration despite the setback in today’s economy.
Due to lack of field space in La Jolla as well as San Diego city school and budget cuts, La Jolla Youth Soccer spends more than $90,000 per year maintaining fields in La Jolla to ensure youth sports, according to Wilson.
“This year LJ Soccer had to raise their registration fees to help with overhead, operational and field maintenance costs imposed on us by the city,” said Fred Borrelli, president of LJ Youth Soccer League. “This did not discourage our families from participating this fall. Our numbers are at an all-time high compared to any other years at this same time.
“La Jolla Soccer will continue their effort to maintain these fields in order to have enough space for all kids who want to play the game of soccer.”
Wilson said La Jolla Soccer takes great pride in doing all it can to create a positive and long-lasting experience for kids from ages 4 to 16.
“We allow players to play and enjoy the game and not get caught up in the technical aspects at such a young age,” Wilson noted. “This allows players to problem-solve as they are on the field participating in a dynamic activity. Too many times coaches are giving continuous instructions along with parents and we try to discourage this. We provide our coaches the necessary tools to assist with this process and allow our players develop at their pace.”
The organization has also made sure its board of directors keeps its focus on what is best for the kids involved.
“The board of directors at LJ Youth Soccer League genuinely care about the welfare of all the players, which results in making the right choices regarding the core of the league,” said Cathy Callier, league registrar of 10 years as well as newly appointed office manager. “It has been a joy to work with a board of directors who are concerned, fair, objective, and strive to make the experiences of every player and all families one that is positive and rewarding.”
Not only does LJ Youth Soccer provide both a fall and spring recreational program along with a developmental competitive program, but it also has a program for disabled players called TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer). La Jolla Youth soccer proudly hosts its sixth annual event for children with disabilities on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Each year this special day continues to grow with players around the community as well as outside the area who attend and enjoy the activities. This is free for all athletes and many sponsors take part in donations to make it possible.
All players attending on Aug. 17 will receive lunch, a T-shirt, participation medal and loads of fun. Many volunteers assist in special stations, and there are soccer games played with teams that come from as far as Yorba Linda. If you would like to have your son or daughter participate, contact La Jolla Youth Soccer, [email protected], or call (858) 677-9779.
Finally, there is still time to sign up for the LJ Youth Soccer Fall Program as well as summer camps, with space availability in select age groups. LJ Soccer is providing free pre-season soccer clinics starting mid-July for all players who are signed up for the fall season.