By Ashley Ferraro
With the World Cup coming to a close, soccer has been on everyone’s minds. However, youth soccer organizations have been a pillar of our community for decades, and the excitement continues year-round.
Coral Springs Youth Soccer is celebrating 46 years by bringing kids and families together as they always do, and introducing some exciting new improvements this season. For starters, CSYS invested in a stunning new logo. Additionally, their annual Winter Parade reintroduced CSYS’s long-lost (but so beloved) mascot, Cleats the Bobcat.
Regarding logistical upgrades, CSYS refreshed its referee program and implemented a change requiring all parents and spectators to watch on one set of the sidelines during games. “Both of these changes really have improved us,” said Dave Phelps, a CSYS board member.
With just over 1900 players registered this season, it’s clear the energy from the community is reciprocated. CSYS is entirely volunteer-run, with 300 coaches and 35 board members putting their hearts into the program. “We just want to make sure it [CSYS] endures and prospers for generations to come,” said Dave.
Many CSYS coaches and board members got involved when their children were young and have stuck with the program even as their kids aged out. Some who were once players now coach their grandchildren. The league’s president, Denise Fatigate, also participated in the program as a child.
At the same time, Parkland Soccer is also boasting a phenomenal season with some new changes. The organization has significantly grown since its inception 35 years ago, once practicing and playing on a cow pasture. They now occupy five fields at Pine Trails Park and received an upgrade with a brand new turf field this year.
Historically, playing on grass meant any rain before or during a game would render the field unusable. Replacing grass with turf allows the teams to avoid practice and game disruption due to rainouts. Now, all Parkland Soccer fields at Pine Trails Park are turf, marking a considerable milestone for the league and its players.
“The conditions of the fields this year are spectacular compared to years past,” said Doug Cole, the organization’s president.
With around 1500 players and 20 board members, Parkland Soccer Club is the largest youth sports program in the city. Doug notes that he’s looking forward to the end-of-season picnic to wrap up another successful year. Right around the corner on February 25th, Parkland Soccer will hold its famous annual picnic, equipped with photo booths, a DJ, rides, and other activities for the whole family.
Although both Coral Springs Youth Soccer and Parkland Soccer Club are well into their seasons, parents can look out for registration windows opening back up over the summer. CSYS is open to girls and boys up to 19, while Parkland Soccer is open to those up to 18. There are also opportunities to get involved as a sponsor, coach, or referee in either organization. Visit csys.org or parklandsoccer.net for more information or to get involved.
