Saint Mary's Soccer Club seeks more fields to accommodate growing youth participation

During the recent Recreation and Parks Board meeting in St. Mary's County, significant discussions centered around the challenges faced by the St. Mary's Soccer organization, particularly regarding field space and the growth of their programs. The club, which merged with the Northern Soccer League two years ago, has seen a substantial increase in participation, boasting around 2,600 players across various age groups and divisions.

The soccer organization highlighted its structure, which includes recreational, rec plus, and travel divisions, with the travel division experiencing notable growth. Currently, the travel division has approximately 440 participants, and the club is now competing in the EDP soccer league, which allows for regional play against teams from neighboring states. This expansion, however, has brought to light the pressing need for additional game fields and practice spaces, as the current facilities are nearing capacity.

A key concern raised was the condition of existing fields, particularly at Hollywood Soccer Complex and Chaptico Park, which are often unsuitable for competitive play due to poor maintenance and high usage. The club is exploring partnerships with local schools to access additional fields, as well as advocating for improvements to the current facilities, including irrigation systems to enhance field conditions.

The board also discussed the implications of upcoming changes mandated by USU soccer, which may require adjustments to field sizes and configurations, potentially impacting the recreational teams. This change could further strain the already limited field resources, prompting the need for proactive planning and investment in athletic facilities.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for St. Mary's County to address the growing demands of youth sports, particularly soccer, by investing in additional fields and improving existing facilities. The club's leadership expressed optimism about collaborating with the county to enhance the playability and safety of sports spaces, ensuring that local youth can continue to engage in recreational activities without the risk of losing players to clubs in more resource-rich areas.