At Salinas Regional Soccer Complex (SRSC), we believe that every woman and girl deserves a place to play, grow, and thrive. Soccer is more than just a game here—it’s a pathway to supporting women’s health. Through Las REINAS, we are breaking down barriers to ensure that women and girls have access to high-quality fields, competitive opportunities, and essential health resources—free or at minimal cost.
For too long, women’s sports have been an afterthought. We’re changing that.
Las REINAS Women’s Initiative, developed by and for local women to improve physical and mental health by increasing equitable (free) access to recreational facilities, open green spaces, and women-focused empowerment
We are deeply embedded in the Salinas, California region, where our leadership, staff, volunteers, and participants reflect the heart of our community—predominantly Latinas. United by a shared love of soccer and family, we foster a sense of belonging for women and girls of all ages and abilities, embracing cultural heritage and inclusivity. We understand that when girls are excluded from sports, they miss vital opportunities for physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and career growth.
The Las R.E.I.N.A.S approach is a holistic model that empowers girls and women in our community. By supporting women, we invest in their growth, helping them become well-rounded individuals and nurturing strong, positive members of society. Our vision is to continue improving physical and mental health outcomes for girls and women, and the Las R.E.I.N.A.S Women’s Initiative is focused on building on this success by:
R) Reducing barriers to recreational facilities and open green spaces.
E) Empowering girls and women through innovative programs and opportunities.
I) Inspiring healthy, active lifestyles with positive role models and messaging.
N) Nurturing new pathways to brighter futures through athletics and education.
A) Amplifying awareness of health resources and preventative care.
S) Sustaining athletic opportunities with long-term funding and support.
Meet The Powerhouse of Women who are making Las R.E.I.N.A.S
DR. JACQUELINE CRUZ
ALMA CERVANTES
MANUELA RANGEL
DR. CARISSA PURNELL
MARICELA CRUZ
CATHERINE KOBRINSKY EVANS
MAYRA GOMEZ
MARIA GUADALUPE ZAMORA
PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ
JONATHAN DE ANDA
A Place to Play: Free, High-Quality Fields for Women & Girls
Most places charge hundreds, even thousands of dollars for field time. Not here. At SRSC, our fields are free for women and girls—just like they are for all kids—because access to play is one of our core values.
We believe that cost should never be the reason a girl stops playing the sport she loves. That’s why we make sure our fields remain open and accessible for youth and women’s teams to train, compete, and build community.
From weekend league matches to evening practices, our fields are filled with female athletes who are gaining confidence, building skills, and staying active—without the financial burden.
We believe that cost should never be the reason a girl stops playing the sport she loves. That’s why we make sure our fields remain open and accessible for youth and women’s teams to train, compete, and build community.
From weekend league matches to evening practices, our fields are filled with female athletes who are gaining confidence, building skills, and staying active—without the financial burden.
She Kicks: A Tournament Built for Women
Competitive opportunities for women’s soccer are limited—but not here.
In 2024, we launched the first-ever She Kicks tournament in the Salinas Valley and Monterey County, giving local high-school girls the chance to compete at home. Before She Kicks, young female athletes had to travel hours and pay thousands of dollars to compete in high-level tournaments—barriers that made it nearly impossible for many to participate.
Now, they have a premier tournament right here in their community, where girls can showcase their skills, gain exposure, and compete without the burden of travel costs.
We’re proud to host this tournament as part of our mission to elevate women’s soccer and celebrate the talent in our region.
In 2024, we launched the first-ever She Kicks tournament in the Salinas Valley and Monterey County, giving local high-school girls the chance to compete at home. Before She Kicks, young female athletes had to travel hours and pay thousands of dollars to compete in high-level tournaments—barriers that made it nearly impossible for many to participate.
Now, they have a premier tournament right here in their community, where girls can showcase their skills, gain exposure, and compete without the burden of travel costs.
We’re proud to host this tournament as part of our mission to elevate women’s soccer and celebrate the talent in our region.
More Than a Game: Supporting Women’s Health & Wellness
Soccer isn’t just about competition—it’s about health.
Women and girls in Salinas face serious health disparities that limit their opportunities for long, active lives:
Women and girls in Salinas face serious health disparities that limit their opportunities for long, active lives:
- Two-thirds of local women are overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk for chronic illnesses.
- 50% of women in the region have diabetes or pre-diabetes, and many lack access to preventative care.
Sports change that reality. Regular physical activity has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression—and soccer is one of the best ways to stay active for life.
That’s why Las REINAS integrates soccer with health education and free resources to ensure that every woman and girl in our community can build a healthier future.
Our health and wellness initiatives include:
- Walk with a Doc events, where players and families can get active while learning about preventative care.
- Mobile Health Clinics providing free check-ups, vaccines, and wellness services—no insurance required.
- Partnerships with local healthcare providers to integrate sports with long-term health solutions.
By giving women and girls the space to play and the support to stay healthy, we are creating lifelong habits that will benefit them, their families, and our community for generations.
The Future of Las REINAS
We’ve built something incredible—but we’re just getting started.
With additional support, we aim to:
- Train and certify more female coaches so young girls have role models on the field.
- Expand She Kicks into a multi-day event with scouting opportunities for college-bound athletes.
- Launch more free fitness programs designed specifically for women.
- Strengthen our partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure every woman in our program has access to preventative care.
This is our vision: A future where women and girls in Salinas don’t just play—they lead, they thrive, and they inspire the next generation.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Las REINAS isn’t just a program—it’s a revolution.
If you believe in access, opportunity, and equity for women in sports, we invite you to be part of this movement.
- Donate to help us expand free access to fields and health services.
- Partner with Us to bring more training, wellness, and leadership programs to SRSC.
- Get Involved by joining a women’s league, attending an event, or volunteering.
This fall, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is expanding opportunities for local youth to experience the game with the launch of its first-ever in-house youth soccer league through MLS GO, Major League Soccer’s recreational youth soccer program. Combining accessible registration, scholarship support, trained volunteer coaches and the resources of MLS, the new league creates another pathway for young players across the Salinas Valley to learn the game, develop their skills and become part of the soccer community.
The eight-week fall league builds directly on the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s commitment to making soccer accessible to children throughout the community. That commitment has shaped the Complex from the beginning, including free field access for youth leagues supported through the generosity of donors and community partners. With MLS GO, the Complex is extending that same philosophy into its own recreational programming, creating a welcoming place for young players of all experience levels to learn, play and grow in the game.
2026 Fall Season
Season Dates: September 23 – November 11, 2026
Ages: 7–14
Weekly Commitment
One Training Session Per Week: Each team will participate in one weekly training session focused on developing fundamental soccer skills, teamwork, and game understanding.
One League Game Per Week: Each team will play one league game each week, giving players the opportunity to apply their skills in a fun, positive, and supportive environment.
Registration
$180 – Individual Registration (players will be placed on a team)
$160 – Team Registration (register your team together)
Registration deadline: September 13, 2026
Through the MLS GO PLAY FUND, families can apply for financial assistance toward player participation fees, part of Major League Soccer’s national effort to expand access to recreational soccer. For the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, the scholarship program creates another direct connection between the vision behind the Complex and the families it was built to serve.
At the center of the new league is Simon Dawkins, Director of Soccer Programs & Development for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, whose career has taken him through some of the highest levels of the game. Dawkins developed through the Tottenham Hotspur system in England, competed professionally in England, represented Jamaica internationally and became a standout with the San Jose Earthquakes, helping the club win the 2012 Supporters’ Shield before later returning as a Designated Player. He joined Monterey Bay F.C. for its inaugural season in 2022 and remained with the club through the conclusion of his professional playing career in 2024 before moving into coaching and technical leadership.
Today, Dawkins is bringing that experience to young players at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. He helped identify and develop the MLS GO partnership and will direct the league while guiding the volunteer coaches who will play an essential role in the program.
“Soccer gave me opportunities to grow, travel, compete and learn from people at every level of the game, and being able to bring some of that experience back to young players here is incredibly meaningful,” said Dawkins. “MLS GO gives us a strong structure for teaching the game, while our volunteer coaches bring the relationships and community connection that make youth soccer special. We want coaches to feel prepared and supported, players to feel encouraged to grow, and families to see a place for their children in the game.”
Volunteer coaches will be supported by Dawkins and MLS GO coaching resources, including age-specific training materials, practice plans, videos and exercises designed to help coaches teach technical skills, teamwork and game understanding. The model gives parents and community members the tools to become more confident coaches while strengthening the network of adults helping local children develop a lasting connection to the sport.
“Access is central to the vision for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, and that vision comes to life when our fields are filled with local kids who are learning, growing and discovering what they are capable of,” said Jonathan De Anda, General Manager of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. “MLS GO gives us another way to turn the investment our community has made in this Complex into direct opportunities for families across the Salinas Valley, while Simon and our volunteer coaches create the kind of experience that can help a child build a lasting connection to the sport.”
The International Player Pathway Program, led by the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, provides youth athletes access to advanced training opportunities, mentorship, nutrition education, mental performance development, and exposure to professional soccer environments in the United States and abroad.
Three Monterey County youth soccer players traveled to Pachuca, Mexico, for a week-long elite training experience at the prestigious Universidad del Fútbol y Ciencias del Deporte, home to one of the most respected player development systems in North America.
The opportunity is part of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s International Player Pathway Program, which provides talented local athletes with access to world-class training, education, and cultural experiences designed to accelerate their growth both on and off the field.
Upon arrival, the players had the opportunity to visit the iconic Estadio Hidalgo, home of Pachuca FC and one of Mexico’s most historic soccer venues. The visit provided an inspiring first glimpse into the professional soccer culture that has helped develop generations of players and coaches.
Throughout the week, the players will participate in daily training sessions led by professional academy staff at the Universidad del Fútbol, gaining firsthand exposure to the methodologies, discipline, and high-performance environment that have made Pachuca a recognized leader in player development.
Beyond soccer, the experience will provide valuable cultural immersion opportunities, allowing the players to broaden their perspectives, build independence, and represent Monterey County on an international stage.
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex extends its gratitude to the families, community supporters, donors, and partners who continue to invest in the development of local youth through the International Player Pathway Program.
This experience reflects Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s commitment to creating life-changing opportunities that combine athletic excellence, education, leadership development, and cultural exchange.
Seven Monterey County youth soccer players recently participated in the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex International Player Pathway Program, training and competing in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, and San Antonio, Texas.
The players represented schools across the region, including Pájaro Valley High School, Alisal High School, North Salinas High School, Salinas High School, and Palma School. They trained with experienced coaches, competed in strong soccer environments, met players from other communities, and came home with new skills, confidence, and a wider view of what the game can open for them.
More information coming soon.