Galaxy Icon Cobi Jones Joins Torrance's Soccer City as Investor
Jones is described as an owner, advisor and promoter in the company by Socal Soccer City Holdings President Kevin Gilmore, a partner in the proposed indoor Futsal facility on Maple Avenue that will occupy a former shipping facility.
Jones, now an assistant coach with the Galaxy after a glittering 12-season career with the MLS club, grew up in Westlake Village.
"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," said Paul Higgins, president of South Coast Soccer City, the first in what's envisioned as a chain of similar state of the art indoor soccer facilities in the region. "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 will host camps and clinics at the facility and help develop the programming and curriculum for youth programs.
"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," Jones said. "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 U.S."
Soccer City expects to open in December.
To learn more, check out previous posts about South Coast Soccer City by clicking here.
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.
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