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Parents and volunteer coach press North Miami Beach to restore Allen Park field access to local soccer program
Summary
Parents and community members urged the City Commission to prioritize a locally run nonprofit program, Miami School of Soccer, after the city approved a separate provider for Allen Park. Speakers called for shared scheduling, transparent permit rules and financial support for the grassroots club.
A group of parents and volunteers told the North Miami Beach City Commission on May 19 that a locally run youth program lost regular access to Allen Park after the city authorized a different soccer provider to use the field.
"We were not here to introduce ourselves — I'm here to thank all the parents that sent support," coach JP said, describing Miami School of Soccer’s free and low‑cost practices at Allen Park and Ulita Park. He told the commission he is available for in‑person meetings with city staff to explain the program’s mission and schedule.
The nut graf: multiple public commenters — including parents who have relied on the coach for years — said they were surprised and frustrated that an outside free program was awarded use of the park in ways that displaced children who had trained with the Miami School of Soccer for two years. They asked the commission for clearer permitting procedures, shared scheduling and financial support for long‑standing vendors.
Parent Alicia Proctor said the city missed an opportunity to prioritize a club already operating inside the city’s parks. "The Miami School of Soccer has shown great presence. They are extremely affordable," she told the commission, asking that the club be given the first opportunity to remain in Allen Park.
Supporters at the public comment period described the program as family‑oriented and central to community ties: parents reported shared outings, beach days and barbecues organized around the team. Several commissioners expressed sympathy and asked the city manager to identify whether remaining centennial or donation funds could be repurposed to support the local coach and ensure continued field access.
City staff told the commission they facilitated conversations after parents raised concerns and that Parks & Recreation is assessing availability and scheduling on Fridays and alternate days. Commissioners asked staff to meet with the coach and report back with possible short‑term accommodations, shared‑use schedules and any available financial or in‑kind assistance.
Next steps: Commissioners directed the city manager to work with Parks & Recreation to see whether Allen Park scheduling can accommodate both programs and to report possible funding or permit‑remediation steps at the next meeting.
