Looks like youth soccer is alive and well in Florida. But with over 100,000 players Fla. has not produced too many regional champions lately. Is it because of the competition from Texas, or coaching or organization?
Florida Youth Soccer Group to Move to Auburndale
By Merissa Green
The Ledger
AUBURNDALE -- It's official: Auburndale will become home to the Florida Youth Soccer Association.
Auburndale officials approved an agreement Monday night that will move the association operations to Lake Myrtle Park.
The association, with up to 100,000 children playing soccer statewide, will construct its headquarters with concession facilities and public restrooms at the park. The 12,000-square-foot facility will cost about $1 million.
The association plans to host between 15 and 20 soccer tournaments or events each year that will bring thousands of players and their parents to Polk County.
Mark Jackson, Polk's Tourism and Sports Marketing director, said the deal will have a $35 million economic impact on the county annually.
"It has been a dream for the past five years to have a complex that we can attract state and national soccer events," said Blake Cronin, the Soccer Association's executive director.
County Manager Mike Herr said Auburndale is a community devoted to its children and that the city also pays attention to growth management issues. Both characteristics came into play in the successful effort to lure the association to Polk County.
"This is just a win-win for one of the finest communities we have in Polk," Herr said,
County Commissioner Jack Myers said he was extremely pleased that the association chose Auburndale.
"For hundreds of soccer moms and dads, Polk County will become the center of their universe," he said.
The association's headquarters have been in Orlando for five years and before that were in Kissimmee. The association has 10 employees and a 32-member board of directors. The association operates on registration fees and league and tournament revenues.
Lake Myrtle currently has three soccer fields. In addition to those fields, Polk County is planning to commit $5 million in tourism tax funds to build an eight-field soccer complex that will include a stadium seating at least 1,500 spectators, lighted fields, walkways and parking.
The Polk County Commission will address funding issues Aug. 23 and the city is scheduled to vote on an agreement with the county for the funding Sept. 11.
The move to Auburndale won't happen immediately, Cronin said.
The construction of the association's headquarters will depend on when the fields and utilities will be completed, he said. He estimates it will be two years before the move is completed.
City Manager Bobby Green said approving the deal made it a great day in Auburndale.
"It's a kick in the grass," he said.
