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Parent urges Pittsburg to invest in a soccer complex to keep teams local
Summary
A Pittsburg parent told commissioners local youth soccer teams lack mid- to full-size fields and currently travel to Joplin for games; she urged the city to support a local soccer complex so tournaments and related spending stay in Pittsburg.
Caitlin Markle, of 3505 Lyons Court, told the Pittsburg Commission during public input that local youth soccer participation is high but facilities are not. "I'm a mom of 5 here in Pittsburgh, and I'm here tonight on the need for a soccer complex here in Pittsburgh," Markle said, describing teams that practice locally but play weekend games in Joplin because Pittsburg lacks mid- to full-size fields.
Markle said what began as one all-girls team has expanded to four teams that travel out of town, forcing families to spend game days and tournament dollars in Joplin. She said Parks and Recreation provides younger programs but cannot accommodate players older than about 10, leaving older youth to seek fields elsewhere. Markle argued a local complex would allow Pittsburg to host tournaments, keep recreation dollars in town and provide better practice surfaces than currently available.
Commissioners thanked Markle for her input and proceeded to the consent agenda; no formal action on facilities was taken at the meeting.
