Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Sports topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local soccer club seeks clarity on parks’ soccer plans; staff say they aim to partner, not compete
Summary
Andrew Russell, president of the local soccer club, told the Logansport Parks Board he feared a city-run soccer program could undercut the club; parks staff repeatedly said the department’s intent is to partner with existing leagues and support youth-sport fundamentals, not to launch a competing league.
Andrew Russell, who identified himself at the meeting as president of the Logansport sports soccer club, told the Parks Board on Dec. 10 that his organization was concerned by a recent notice about a parks soccer grant application and wanted clarity on whether the city intended to start a new, city-run league that could compete with existing community leagues.
Russell said his club has been active in the community for decades, registering hundreds of youth (he cited 467 between spring and fall seasons) and operating with volunteer coaches. He asked for a meeting with parks staff to clarify goals, express that the club did not want to be displaced, and to explore partnership options for fundamentals and summer programming.
Parks staff responded that the department’s stated aim is to partner with local leagues, help with fundamentals and supplement existing opportunities rather than to supplant volunteer-run programs. At the meeting one staff speaker stated, “We’re not here to disrupt your soccer league,” and staff encouraged the club to meet with Jacqueline, the parks staff member who coordinates youth programming.
Speakers and attendees also discussed logistical constraints at the state-hospital fields (parking, restrooms and electric service) and the potential to host tournaments if parking and facilities can be addressed. Board members suggested exploring partnerships with the county and the visitors bureau to leverage hotel capacity and local tourism resources for larger events.
The board invited Russell’s group to meet with Jacqueline and to continue the conversation; staff said a designated sports manager (whose hire is pending background checks) will help coordinate league partnerships and youth programming in 2026.
