East High senior urges district to add freshman/sophomore boys soccer team
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Summary
An East High senior and team captain told the board that without a freshman/sophomore team many local students—especially those who can't afford club soccer—miss chances to play; he urged a spring-season addition to avoid losing players to other schools.
Charlie Spencer, an East High senior and boys soccer captain, appealed to the Salt Lake City School District board to authorize a freshman/sophomore boys soccer team for the spring season. Spencer said the program currently fields only junior varsity and varsity teams but has many more students trying out than available roster spots. "Next year is too late," he told the board, arguing timing is urgent because prospective players are already choosing other high schools.
Spencer said the program had only four graduating players last year and that open tryouts saw more than 60 new hopefuls for very limited roster space. He said a freshman/sophomore team with 25–30 spots would increase participation and keep students engaged in school, noting that club soccer fees put the sport out of reach for many families.
District staff and board members acknowledged logistical hurdles including Title IX and scheduling, facility availability, and transportation; they said staff at East High and district athletics are working on options and that Emily Sutherland had communicated potential progress to student leaders. Board members encouraged student organizers to coordinate with the school administration and district athletic staff to move the request forward.
No formal action was taken during the meeting; board members said they would relay the request to relevant administrators for follow-up.