A YEAR THAT TURNED VISION INTO REALITY
This year, your investment turned plans into places: two new lighted turf fields serving players year-round, national tournaments that brought thousands to Salinas, and a first-ever Harvest Cup which united local companies around wellness and philanthropy.
Your generosity shaped every milestone. Together, we advanced the promises of our core commitments: youth development, economic vitality, and community health.
Because of you, opportunity expanded. Families connected. The community gathered. And the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex became a vibrant home for play, wellness, and belonging, shaping the next generation of opportunity for the Salinas Valley.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & PATHWAYS: OPENING DOORS THROUGH SPORT
Two New Lighted Turf Fields
2025 began with one of our most significant milestones, the opening of two state-of-the-art lighted turf fields.
Now thousands of local players have safe, year-round access to high-quality, durable playing surfaces that remain usable after rain and do not require rest periods like natural grass. Local youth leagues and nonprofit organizations were the first to take the fields, honoring our commitment to community access.
Elite Opportunities, Close to Home
Donor support expanded access to opportunities that once required significant travel outside the region.
- CALYSM International Tryouts brought an elite, invitation-only showcase to Salinas, offering local athletes a pathway to train and compete in Spain.
- NorCal Premier Player Development Program selected the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex for seven events, attracting more than 700 youth players and thousands of visitors, and giving local youth direct access to collegiate and national evaluators.
- Alianza de Futbol selected the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex as one of just eight facilities nationwide, choosing Salinas over much larger cities because of the quality and capacity of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. The event drew 128 teams, more than 2,600 players, and tens of thousands of visitors.
Programs That Strengthen Skills and Joy
Across dozens of clinics, camps, and playdates, players of all ages found mentorship, confidence, and connection.
- NorCal Premier Playdate emphasized skill development, teamwork, and joy over competition.
- Salinas Elementary School District Jamboree brought 14 schools together in a celebration of sportsmanship and community pride.
- PAL Soccer Clinic, CCFA Soccer Clinic, and Monterey Bay FC Youth Camp reached hundreds of young players, many at no cost to families.
- Chevron Soccer Academy provided more than 400 players with professional coaching, STEM education, and the opportunity to be scouted by Club América, Chivas, and San Jose Earthquakes.
- CalNorth Referee Course empowered nine new certified referees and strengthened leadership across our local community.
- NorCal Premier, in partnership with ECFC, hosted the inaugural Grassroots Coaching Course, expanding pathways for aspiring coaches to lead and support youth soccer athletes.
Each of these programs reflects the Complex’s mantra, Más Que Fútbol, more than soccer. They build confidence, belonging, cultural pride, and pathways to opportunity.
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex operates under a 90-year land lease, ensuring long-term community access and sustainability.
COMMUNITY HEALTH, WELLNESS & BELONGING: A HUB FOR ALL AGES
Open Play for Everyone
Community Pickup Soccer Nights, launched with The Rising Tide and Disruptive Development Inc., created a simple, joyful space for neighbors to gather under the lights with no registration, no pressure, just play. More than 250 players attended each event and many new sponsors have joined in to support community soccer.
A Place for Families to Thrive
Through partnerships with local organizations, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex hosted programs that promote physical and emotional health.
- Grow the Game Community Health Day (with Salinas Valley Health, Food Bank for Monterey County, and Quakes Foundation) offered free health screenings, produce, haircuts, and soccer clinics.
- Zumba at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, including Senior Zumba with MST, created accessible, multigenerational movement opportunities.
- Rodeo Group Collaboration improved shuttle and parking logistics during large community events such as the annual California Rodeo.
- Community Complex Clean-ups, held in partnership with the Blue Zones Project-Monterey County, were designed to bring residents together to care for their shared spaces.
ECONOMIC VITALITY & REGIONAL VISIBILITY: SPORT AS A CATALYST
Donor investment transformed the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex into a regional destination, boosting local businesses and strengthening Salinas’ standing in youth sports.
Tournaments That Fuel the Local Economy
- NorCal Playdate brought over 50 teams and 800 youth players across Northern California.
- Alianza Cup added two days of competition and national attention.
- Chevron Soccer Academy and Player Development Program events drew multi-day visitors, supporting hotels, restaurants, and local shops.
Alianza Cup
Harvest Cup: A New Tradition of Corporate Philanthropy
The inaugural Harvest Cup united companies from across the Salinas Valley, including Taylor Farms, Salinas Valley Health, Granite Construction, Driscoll’s, RAMCO Enterprises, Monterey Pacific, Scudder Roofing, Hartnell College Foundation, Pacific International Marketing, and others, for a day of spirited competition and pride.
Hartnell College was crowned Champion 2025, with RAMCO Enterprises (Ag Cup Champion), Driscoll’s (Best Jerseys), and Salinas Valley Health (Best Fan Zone) receiving honors. Every dollar raised supported the next phase of expansion, including seven new grass fields and sand courts.
Celebrating Community Spirit
The Taylor Farms Turkey Bowl, with 16 teams and over 170 players on Thanksgiving morning, continues to grow as a Salinas Valley tradition of wellness and community bonding.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION: FROM CONTAMINATED LAND TO COMMUNITY ASSET
After six years of planning and $2 million invested, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex completed its soil remediation project, safely removing and capping contaminated soil, importing clean fill, and preparing the land for future expansion.
Funded in part by a $1,123,500 Equitable Community Revitalization Grant from the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the project was recognized at the 2025 California Land Recycling Conference.
This transformation provides a powerful example of what community partnerships can achieve, turning once-unusable land into a safe, vibrant space for thousands of families. The work also unlocked future fields and amenities, converting unusable land into playable ground.
CUMULATIVE IMPACT: WHAT DONORS MADE POSSIBLE IN 2025
Youth Development & Access
- 4,500+ games played
- 11,500 weekly users, up from 7,000 weekly users in 2024. Weekly use will grow to 20,000 after Phase 3 is completed
- 14 elementary schools hosted
- Thousands of youth served in free or low-cost programs
- Talent pathways through CALYSM, Chevron Soccer Academy, Alianza, San Jose Earthquakes 2nd Team Open Tryouts and NorCal PDP
- 9 new certified youth referees
Community Health & Inclusion
- Free events supporting fitness, wellness, and mental well-being
- Screenings, fresh food distribution, and family resources via Salinas Valley Health’s Mobile Clinic
- Programs for all ages, from young children to seniors
Economic Growth
- Thousands of visitors supporting restaurants, hotels, and local businesses
- Harvest Cup launched a new model of corporate giving through sport
Environmental Transformation
- Major cleanup complete, unlocking future fields and amenities
- Clean, safe land returned for long-term community use
LOOKING AHEAD
With $19 million raised and $26 million needed to complete the project, including seven new grass fields, sand courts, expanded lighting, and amenities, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is on track to become the largest facility of its kind between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex now welcomes 11,500 weekly users, growing to 20,000 upon completion of Phase 3 and over 22,000 once fully built out.
Every goal scored, every child on the turf, and every family gathered is proof of what philanthropy can achieve. Your support builds more than fields. It builds opportunity, community, health, and hope.
Together we are building a stronger, healthier, and more connected Salinas Valley, one game at a time.”
Kurt Gollnick, Board President
