Parents, coaches press Ruidoso council after Parks & Rec cancels fall youth soccer season

At the Village of Ruidoso council meeting July 14, several parents and volunteer coaches urged elected officials to reverse or revisit Parks and Recreation’s decision to cancel the community’s fall Little League soccer season.

Chris Randall, a parent and youth soccer coach, said he filed IPRA requests for participation data and that spring participation has grown; "our fall soccer season has been canceled," he told the council, adding that spring registration drew 267 players and that the program provides needed affordable recreation.

Brenda Garcia, a volunteer coach and longtime program participant, said the spring season enrolled 267 children and called that number “almost 300 reasons to find a way to build, not to shrink.” She asked the council to consider forming a youth sports advisory board made up of parents and volunteers to work with Parks & Rec on planning and operational issues.

Marissa Charlson, a lifelong resident and local-business owner, said soccer brings multi-generational benefits and local mentor relationships and urged the village to stop shortening seasons. She offered support from her foundation and volunteers to help operate programs.

Speakers said Parks & Rec cited participation gaps between spring and fall and competition for field space from football as reasons for scaling back fall soccer. Parents asked for clearer data and said they were prepared to volunteer for field setup, scorekeeping and other tasks to preserve a fall season.

Village staff and councilors heard the comments and agreed to follow up. During manager's reports later in the meeting councilors requested an update on the soccer situation; the village manager said staff would provide further details at the next meeting.

Next steps: council asked staff to report back with additional information about Parks & Rec’s decision and participation numbers at a forthcoming meeting.