Coral Springs rec soccer group continues push for stability as key decision nears
Coral Springs Youth Soccer association members continued to advocate for their program during Wednesday night’s City Commission meeting, saying their organization was threatened by the city’s effort to establish a competitive entity.
The city postponed its proposal selection process for a “comprehensive soccer program” earlier in the week, less than a day before committee members were to recommend a contractor to commissioners for approval on March 25.
Speakers thanked city officials for productive conversations and stressed the program’s importance to children.
“We have players in our league that don’t play that well, they don’t have much athleticism, but they make up the bulk of the players,” said Ryan Teixeira, who coaches the CSYS 14U boys’ team.
“While it’s great to have a path forward and to be able to go into elite and go to college and play pro and all of those things, for every one of those, there are 99 of the other kind that just want to be out there to have fun with their friends and compete.”
A special hearing on the future of the program is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
Other highlights from the March 25 City Commission meeting:
RC racetrack advocate speaks out
Inshan Singh, owner of MAD Hobbies in Tamarac, requested that the commission reconsider redevelopment plans for Richard D. Petrillo Park that would threaten the Coral Springs RC Track.
“It’s a place where kids and adults come together around engineering, creativity and problem solving. RC racing introduces kids and people to mechanical skills, electronics, hands-on learning, and for many it becomes their first exposure to STEM-related interests,” Singh said. “The track has become a gathering place for passionate community of hobbyists, families and young racers.”
He also noted that the petition to continue maintaining the track has garnered nearly 700 signatures, highlighting interest from across the region.
Commission candidate endorses Big Brothers Big Sisters
Melissa Donnahoe, Vice Chair of the Coral Springs Community Chest and one of three candidates running to replace Commissioner Joshua Simmons, encouraged the city to consider a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County CEO Malena Mendez also spoke about the program’s presence in Coral Springs.
She said that the organization serves over 200 individuals in the area, but is interested in partnering with law enforcement to create more “low-cost, high-impact” connections between local youth and first responders.
