Soccer Symposium Task Force Report

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Attachment A Subcommittee on Access Issues: Expanding Participation in Soccer in Orange County Orange County can choose from a number of viable strategies in order to expand the diversity of residents participating in recreational soccer leagues. These strategies include increasing the number of fields and widening their distribution throughout the county; controlling the costs of participation; reaching out specifically to minority communities; adding field lighting to extend hours of usefulness; improving the coordination of activities; and decreasing the size of team rosters. This report addresses each of these approaches. Transportation: Transportation to practice fields is a major problem for many in our community, especially young people and segments of the Latino population. If practices could be held at local school soccer fields, and new practice fields could be built in neighborhoods that are on bus lines, transportation problems could be reduced. Orange Public Transportation could also be enlisted to provide service in certain areas. For the most part, current league play isn't a realistic option for families with working parents because practice and games are often during normal working hours. Special consideration should also be given to placing some new fields in the northern part of Orange County. Presently, most residents of northern Orange must travel to Chapel Hill to play. This creates a situation where travel time is greater than time spent on the field. Cost: The cost of enrollment in a soccer program is often a barrier to participation. Many of the existing leagues charge hundreds of dollars to participate, and even with scholarships the cost is too high for many families. If Orange County could help minimize fees, leagues could attract players who otherwise can't participate and currently aren't represented. Outreach: The demographic mix might be improved by more active outreach to minority communities. Working through schools, community organizations, neighborhood resource centers and other established groups could be effective in increasing minority participation. Opportunity: Better and more numerous fields would attract players who have either chosen not to play, or have decided to play elsewhere. Many children and adults travel to other counties to find adequate facilities. Lighted fields increase the number of games and practices possible per field. Lighted fields extend playing time and offer a chance to many who currently can't get to a game or practice due to their daytime responsibilities. Smaller team rosters occasioned by more playing options would mean more time participating and an improved experience, likely attracting more players. As it is now, teams often have more than twenty players, resulting in much sideline time for individuals.