In partnership with the city of Escondido, San Diego Loyal SC has announced that the organization will join in the construction of a new soccer facility at Washington Park.
The SD Loyal Street Soccer USA Park will host daily play times as well as year-round programming at no cost to the city.
The new facility, described as a “high quality soccer play space” is part of SD Loyal’s commitment to expanding access to soccer and safe places to play across the region.
Other partners include sponsors BluPeak Credit Union and video-game developer Psyonix, along with non-profit Street Soccer USA (SSUSA).
The new park, according to the Loyal, represents the beginning of a long-term partnership with SSUSA to work in local communities to develop fields and interest in soccer.
“By providing year-round programming and safe daily free play to Washington Park, we hope to inspire the next generation of local soccer talent,” said Ricardo Campos, SD Loyal Club president.
Rob Cann, SSUSA’s managing director, said the “park (will) strengthen this community through soccer” while eventually connecting Escondido to other areas as part of what he called the Street League initiative.
The city and team plan a ribbon-cutting ceremony for SD Loyal Street Soccer USA Park and an inaugural soccer event in Washington Park in the coming months.
The vision, Lawrence Cann, the organization’s founder and CEO, shared in an email, is to have 10 or more locations in the near term across the San Diego region, connected through league play at each home venue.
The group has identified possible future sites based on need and desire in the community, as well as “opportunities in terms of physical space that make sense,” the CEO said. Those making the decisions also will evaluate candidates “through an equity lens,” he explained.
