We are honored to share that Senator John Laird has named the Salinas Regional Sports Authority as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for Senate District 17.
“Organizations like the Salinas Regional Sports Authority play an important role in strengthening our communities and expanding opportunities for young people and families throughout the Salinas Valley,” said Senator Laird. “SRSA has created a space that not only supports recreation and healthy lifestyles but also brings people together and serves as a community resource for the broader region. I’m proud to recognize their work as Senate District 17’s Nonprofit of the Year.”
This recognition celebrates the extraordinary community vision, leadership, and philanthropic partnership that have helped bring the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to life. What began as a bold idea to create more high-quality recreational space in the Salinas Valley has grown into a regional destination serving more than 11,000 weekly visitors, with youth, families, athletes, and teams traveling from across the region to play, gather, and connect.
Thanks to The Match, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is now in the process of expanding with eight additional fields and new community amenities that will dramatically increase access to recreation, wellness, and youth sports opportunities across the region. Upon completion of this next phase, the complex is expected to serve more than 20,000 users every week, further strengthening its role as one of the most impactful recreational facilities in California.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for the Salinas Regional Sports Authority and for the entire community that has helped bring the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to life,” said Jonathan De Anda of the Salinas Regional Sports Authority. “What began as a vision to expand access to quality recreational spaces has grown into a regional destination serving thousands of youth, families, athletes, and visitors each week. The momentum behind The Match and the expansion of eight additional fields reflects what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision for the future.”
Today, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is home to soccer, camps, clinics, youth and adult leagues, flag football, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, health clinics, wellness programming, and community events, with future plans that continue to expand opportunities for families throughout the Salinas Valley and beyond.
We are deeply grateful to Senator Laird for recognizing this work and to every donor, partner, volunteer, athlete, coach, family, and community leader who has helped turn this vision into a place where people can play, build healthy habits, feel a sense of belonging, and see what is possible for the future of the Salinas Valley.
This honor belongs to the entire community.
