State of the Art Indoor Soccer Facility Proposed in Torrance
If approved, financed and built it will be called South Coast Soccer City.
I'm told it will look very similar to the picture that accompanies the story.
The usual crew of anonymous bigots has hijacked the comment section at the bottom of the story, so allow me to clarify one thing: no taxpayer money is involved.
This is an ambitious venture and some folks I've talked to worry those involved may be reaching a little too far. Nevertheless, given the demand for fields in the greater L.A. region, there should be plenty of interest from varying demographic groups (and yes, to answer another question I received via e-mail, there will be adult leagues for men).
Frankly, I've barely played soccer since moving to Torrance from Ventura, so I'm looking forward to this, too, assuming it gets off the ground (the backers declined to tell me how much they're spending on this and I have the impression they still may be looking for investors).
The backers understand the risks involved, BTW. Kevin Gilmore observed that because this is the first purpose-built facility of its type they know of "therein lies the challenge and the opportunity."
BTW, I was told it will cost about $550 per team for an eight-week season, which isn't bad split up between 8-10 people. And no, you can't sign up yet.
The proposal calls for seven fields: three 49 feet by 90 feet fields, one 60 feet by 120 feet, one 60 feet by 120 feet field (the size required for international play) and two 40 feet by 90 feet field turf arenas.
A few futsal facts (culled from the project's overview):
*Futsal is not played with walls like traditional indoor soccer in the U.S. and therefore is considered the best way outdoor soccer players can train indoors "to refine and maintain their control, skill and touch."
*Futsal is considered one of the fastest growing indoor sports in the world and is played by 12 million people worldwide, including 70,000 in the U.S.
*"In futsal you need to think quick and play quick so it's easier for you when you move to normal football," said Pele.
Updated: It was approved by the Planning Commission.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Nick, didn't know you were from Ventura. Not sure if you are aware of this, but they are building a massive public soccer complex in Camarillo. Check the Pleasant Valley Parks and Rec website. Here is the link.
Project Information:
The total site is 55.6 acres.
The following list of amenities and approximate square footages.
When fully developed the site will contain:
*46 acres of landscaping,
*23 acres of turf lighted for sports use (Which is enough for over 10 FIFA sized soccer fields, 3, permanent softball fields)
Nick replies: Thanks for the info. I used to cover Camarillo when I worked for a newspaper up there. I was unaware of this. Cool.
For the last 6 years, we have been providing Futsal to more than 350 teams now. Our three state of the art courts located inside the Hollywood Sports Park, 9030 Somerset Blvd Bellflower, CA 90706 has been providing adult and youth leagues throughout the weekdays and weekends. More info call Luis Oliveira 562 645-1051 www.kifutsal.com, www.realfutsal.com, www.youtube.com/kifutsal