2024 Salinas Regional Soccer Complex Recap: Celebrating Our Shared Success

A Year of Growth and Transformation

Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger community through sports, wellness, and safe shared greenspaces.

Through our community’s continued support, we have expanded our capacity to offer world-class facilities, foster well-being, and create opportunities for connection. Our progress is not just measured by the improvements to our infrastructure, but by the impact we’re making in the lives of individuals and families across the Salinas Valley.

Key Achievements and Milestones

The generosity and energy of our supporters helped achieve significant milestones that align directly with Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s mission to serve as a catalyst for health, empowerment, and community unity.

Expansion Projects Completed

We added two new regulation sized lighted turf fields and 400 new parking spaces, increasing our capacity to host more teams and visitors year-round. These upgrades ensure that Salinas Regional Soccer Complex remains a hub for athletic competition, recreation, and community engagement, fulfilling our vision of providing accessible greenspaces for physical and mental well-being.

With the support of funding partners, Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has undertaken critical land renewal efforts to prepare previously unused portions of the property for new soccer fields. This work is part of Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s mission to convert overlooked spaces into welcoming areas for sports and recreation, providing families with greater access to safe outdoor activities.

“Our focus is on creating spaces that enhance the well-being of our community,” said Jonathan De Anda, general manager of Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. “By reclaiming this land and transforming it into a thriving recreational hub, we’re creating opportunities for families to connect, play, and grow together.”

Skate Park Approval

Under the leadership of Supervisor Luis Alejo, we secured approval for a new skate park. This addition further strengthens our commitment to creating a multi-use space where youth and families of all backgrounds can engage in healthy, active lifestyles. By expanding Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s offerings, we ensure that the facility serves as a cornerstone of community well-being for people of all ages.

Skate park in Salinas, CA.

Historic She Kicks Classic

The inaugural She Kicks Classic was not only a landmark event for girls’ high school soccer in Monterey County but also an important step toward breaking down barriers in girls’ sports. This tournament, the first of its kind in the region, allowed local athletes to participate without the burden of travel expenses. It highlighted our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where female athletes can thrive. By providing girls with a stage to showcase their talents, Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is helping shift the narrative and encourage more young women to pursue athletics—ultimately empowering them to become leaders on and off the field.

She Kicks Event at Salinas Regional Soccer Complex in Salinas, CA.

Youth and Young Adult Clinics

In 2024, Salinas Regional Soccer Complex hosted multiple clinics for youth and young adults, offering valuable opportunities for skill development and exposure. Highlights include our partnership with EL Camino FC to provide a free soccer camp, with over 250 kids participating. Additionally, the Chevron Soccer Academy (CSA) set record participation numbers. Special guests, including former U.S. Men’s National player Heath Pearce, worked with young athletes to improve their skills, while tryouts provided a chance to pursue professional careers. Scouts from the San Jose Earthquakes, the U.S. Men’s National Team, and teams in Mexico offered invaluable exposure to young talent.

Weekly Engagement

Salinas Regional Soccer Complex served as a vibrant community gathering place. We hosted nearly 7,000 players, coaches, referees, and fans every week, and expect that number to grow to over 10,000 people by the end of 2025! Over 35,000 community members and traveling teams utilized our beautiful, safe, and family-friendly facility in 2024. This high engagement underscores the essential role of greenspaces in promoting physical health, mental wellness, and community cohesion. Families and individuals of all ages came together, utilizing the facility’s offerings for soccer, recreation, and relaxation. Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is not just about soccer fields; it’s a community hub that supports the physical and emotional well-being of people of all ages and from all walks of life, providing a safe and
welcoming space for everyone.

Volunteer Support

We welcomed over 150 volunteers who contributed nearly 1,000 hours of service, helping ensure the success of Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s events and programs. Their dedication underscores the community’s commitment to building a thriving, inclusive space for all. These volunteers continue to be the heart of our operation, bringing energy and passion to every initiative.

Impact Beyond the Fields

Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is creating a lasting economic impact for the Salinas Valley. The construction and development efforts have stimulated local job creation and have a multiplying effect on the local economy, bringing in resources that benefit surrounding businesses. Every dollar invested in Salinas Regional Soccer Complex not only enhances the sports and recreational infrastructure but also strengthens the financial fabric of our community. Additionally, the community-driven events we host, such as tournaments and health fairs, provide direct support for local businesses, health partners, and services.

Health Fairs and Community Outreach

In 2024, Salinas Regional Soccer Complex hosted Health Fairs serving over 6,000 community members, bringing together healthcare providers and wellness organizations to promote healthy lifestyles. These events connected residents with essential health resources, provided screenings, and offered tools for improving physical and mental health, furthering our mission to foster a healthier community.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but the work doesn’t stop here. Looking to 2025 and beyond, we’re committed to expanding Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s impact and continuing to transform the Salinas Valley into a community built on health, opportunity, and inclusion.

New Facilities

In 2025, thanks to continued soil mitigation to turn previously unusable land into vibrant greenspaces, we will add seven new grass fields, as well as sand courts for both soccer and volleyball. This transformation is made possible in part through the generous support from the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), which is helping us convert vacant, distressed land into a valuable community asset. Our expansion will provide even more space for soccer, recreation, and community-building events for generations to come.

Strategic Partnerships

The success of Salinas Regional Soccer Complex depends on strong partnerships with key stakeholders. We’ve worked closely with local government, business, and nonprofit leaders, including Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Assembly member Robert Rivas, and representatives from the City of Salinas and Monterey County, who have all pledged to support Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s continued growth. Additionally, we’ve created meaningful naming opportunities for donors who wish to make a lasting impact. By partnering with Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, donors can showcase their legacy through recognition at the facility, ensuring that their contributions to the community are celebrated for years to come.

Vitality in Health & Local Economy

Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is contributing to the health and vitality of the Salinas Valley by providing safe, accessible spaces for physical activity. Beyond sports, we partner with providers to offer services like mobile health clinics, supporting our community’s mental and physical well-being. By offering a place for recreational activities and exercise, we’re helping combat the region’s pressing health challenges, while also stimulating the local economy by attracting sports tourism and creating new job opportunities.

Partnering for a Stronger Future

We need your continued support to ensure that Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s impact continues to grow. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, there are countless ways to get involved. Together, we can create a future where everyone in Salinas enjoys the life-changing benefits of physical activity and community connection.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

We’re excited about what the future holds and invite you to be a part of it. Stay connected through our website, newsletter, and social media channels for updates on upcoming events, programs, and opportunities to contribute to Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s continued success.

 

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