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Longtime resident says Albany’s adult co-ed soccer season was canceled at short notice; staff offer follow-up
Summary
A longtime resident told commissioners that the city canceled the adult co-ed soccer spring season shortly before it began, citing staffing changes and field-allocation policies that favor youth groups; recreation staff invited him to follow up directly to resolve scheduling and fee issues.
At public comment, longtime resident Po Nikoa told the commission that Albany’s adult co-ed soccer league — which has operated for decades — was canceled about a week before the spring season began after staffing changes and a scheduling policy that staff said first offers available time slots to youth groups.
"We were suddenly informed that the spring season was was uh summarily cancelled," Po Nikoa said, describing how teams had organized a plan B to rent fields and were then told time slots were being offered first to youth groups. He said captains scrambled for alternatives and that the cancellation threatens continuity for teams built over years.
Sid Shonfeld, director of the Recreation and Community Services Department, acknowledged the comment and invited Nikoa to continue the conversation. "I'm Sid Shonfeld. I'm the director of the recreation and community services department," he said, adding residents can email or call his direct line to discuss field scheduling and fees.
Commissioners noted the commission usually does not get involved in operational programming but directed staff to follow up with the resident and to review scheduling practices to balance youth and adult access to limited fields. No formal action was taken; staff offered to contact league organizers and provide clarification off-line.
