The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is thrilled to announce that it will host its first-ever NorCal Premier Playdate this Sunday, February 23, marking a significant milestone for youth soccer in the region. This exciting event is made possible through a collaboration between NorCal Premier Soccer, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, and local competitive club El Camino Futbol Club Salinas (ECFC).
This one-day “Soccer Festival” will bring together 58 teams from across Northern California to experience a full day of games in a high-energy, development-focused environment. Inspired by a successful model used in Holland, the NorCal Premier Playdate is designed to offer a competitive platform for young players while emphasizing skill-building, teamwork, and the joy of the game. Young players will compete in three matches of 36 – 40 minutes each.
This weekend’s Playdate will feature:
- 7v7 matches for 8- and 9-year-olds
- 9v9 matches for 10- to 12-year-olds
- A festival-style atmosphere with multiple teams and non-stop action
- A focus on enjoyment, skill-building, and teamwork over results
- A Facility Built to Bring Opportunity to Salinas Valley
This event also highlights the importance of expanding the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to provide more opportunities for young athletes. Though Sunday’s event will be hosted on the legacy grass fields, the addition of new turf fields and increased parking capacity allows the complex to host large-scale events and welcome competitive teams from across Northern California and beyond. The Playdate is just one example of how the expansion is opening doors for local players, giving them access to elite competition without having to travel long distances.
“We are thrilled to bring the NorCal Premier Playdate to Salinas for the first time,” said Jonathan De Anda, General Manager of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. “This event is about more than just competition—it’s about creating opportunities that were once out of reach for young athletes in our community. By hosting events like this, we are setting a new standard for youth sports in Salinas and beyond.”
Sportsmanship and Development Take Center Stage
While scores will be posted, the focus remains on player development and enjoyment rather than results. To ensure a balanced and competitive experience, teams are placed into brackets based on age group, gender, and skill level, with efforts made to match them against opponents outside their immediate region.
A Commitment to Growth and Community
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is more than just a soccer facility—it is a place where sports bring people together, inspire change, and create lifelong opportunities. With continued expansion, the complex will serve as a hub for not just soccer, but a variety of sports and community programs, including sand soccer and volleyball, a skatepark, BMX pump track, and multi-use courts for futsal, basketball, and pickleball. “As we continue building our complex, the opportunities for the Salinas Valley will only grow,” added De Anda.
The event is open to the public, and spectators are encouraged to come and support the young athletes as they showcase their passion and dedication to the sport.
