Torrance Facility Set to Open in December
Torrance, California (November 18, 2009). US Soccer Icon and Los Angeles sports legend Cobi Jones has joined South Coast Soccer City as an owner, active advisor and promoter of Soccer City and its facilities, it was announced today by Kevin Gilmore, Socal Soccer City Holdings LLC’s President, and Paul Higgins, President of South Coast Soccer City, LLC (SCSC).
“Cobi brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion, not only to the game itself, but also how it relates to the Southern California youth players as they develop into future generations of professional players.” Higgins went on to say, “His passion for the game is unparalleled and his excitement for our concept was evident the first time we walked him through the building and described our plans. Cobi made it clear from the start that he had no interest in being a passive investor – he wanted to be actively involved in not only this first location, but also the growth of Soccer City in California and beyond.”Jones, a veteran of Major League Soccer who played 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Galaxy (1996-2007) and is a three-time World Cup player for the US Men’s National Soccer Team with 164 appearances, will be involved in developing the programming and curriculum for youth programs. In addition, Jones, arguably one of the best American soccer players of all time, will host camps and clinics at the South Coast Soccer City facility, which is dedicated to the five-aside, skill infused soccer game known as Futsal.
“Small-sided soccer, or Futsal, is at the very core of the high skill level demonstrated by South American players and is critical in the development of young players from that continent, especially in Brazil,” said Higgins. “Soccer City will not only help address the lack of fields and playing opportunities for players of all ages in the region, but will help redefine the way young players develop their soccer skills by introducing them to a version of the game that emphasizes creativity, skills and ball control.”“Futsal allows young players to learn soccer skills that include finesse, creativity, ball control, and so much more; all elements of the game that would greatly impact their success in the outdoor game,” said Jones, who currently serves as an assistant coach with the Galaxy. “I strongly believe that developing a network of facilities that promote small five-a-side soccer will revolutionize the way young soccer players develop in the US.”Soccer City will open at a time when youth teams, and players of all ages in Southern California are seeing diminishing field availability and are faced with fewer playing and training opportunities. At the same time, youth soccer participation numbers keep growing.
About South Coast Soccer City:
South Coast Soccer City will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to indoor five-a-side soccer, a small-sided version of the game officially known as Futsal, and will be the first of its kind in Southern California. South Coast Soccer City recently signed a lease for a 73,000 square-foot building located at 540 Maple Avenue in the heart of Torrance and this will be the home of its facility. The newly refurbished space will accommodate five Futsal fields with modular flooring and two artificial turf fields. In addition, South Coast Soccer City will have a 4,000 square-foot performance training center focused on soccer-specific training, four rooms specifically designed and built for birthday parties and corporate events, a homework room for those on site, a café, and a 1,400 square-foot merchandise location.Soccer City expects to open its doors to the public in December and the opening month will be dedicated to introducing soccer players to its facility and programming.
Plans call for condensed adult leagues in December with full 8-week leagues commencing on January 3, 2010. Please visit us at www.scsoccercity.com