Ceres Youth Soccer Organization's enrollment has increased 10-fold since its inception in 1983.
“There was about 120 players the first year,” said CYSO President/Referee Coordinator Lou Toste.
About 1,038 youth signed up this season. Around 62 teams were assembled. Age divisions range from under 6 to under 17.
“We're doing very well,” Toste said. “We have good kids and coaches.”
Approximately 930 kids, aged 4-15, participated in CYSO's recreational program. The 10-week season started on Sept. 10 and ended on Nov. 12. Games were played every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at three different sites, including Sam Vaughn School, Walter White School and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park,
About 108 kids, aged 11-17, participated in CYSO's competitive program. The 10-week Kaercher League season started on Sept. 10 and ended on Nov. 19. Games were played on Saturdays at Blaker-Kinser Jr. High School.
Lou, 55, and his wife Joann have dedicated more than 20 years to CYSO. All three of their sons were participants.
Lou was named Ceres Citizen of the Year in 2004. He played an instrumental role in getting fields developed at River Bluff Park.
“I've been running the league for 22 years,” he said. “I've put in a lot of volunteer hours. I'm going to do it until I die.”
CYSO plans to expand in 2006.
“Next year, we're going to sign more kids up,” Toste said. “I'm going to add at least 200 more players.”
Toste has limited enrollment in the past because a lack of space. He's actually turned kids away.
“I hope the city will come up with any type of idea to finish the complex,” Toste said. “We'll have to go to more schools if they don't get it done.”
Original plans called for six soccer fields at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. Two have already been built.
“We need to have those fields done so we can have all of the kids and families at one site,” Toste said. “That's what I want. That's the bottom line.” - By DALE BUTLER / Staff reporter of the Ceres (Calif.) Courier
“There was about 120 players the first year,” said CYSO President/Referee Coordinator Lou Toste.
About 1,038 youth signed up this season. Around 62 teams were assembled. Age divisions range from under 6 to under 17.
“We're doing very well,” Toste said. “We have good kids and coaches.”
Approximately 930 kids, aged 4-15, participated in CYSO's recreational program. The 10-week season started on Sept. 10 and ended on Nov. 12. Games were played every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at three different sites, including Sam Vaughn School, Walter White School and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park,
About 108 kids, aged 11-17, participated in CYSO's competitive program. The 10-week Kaercher League season started on Sept. 10 and ended on Nov. 19. Games were played on Saturdays at Blaker-Kinser Jr. High School.
Lou, 55, and his wife Joann have dedicated more than 20 years to CYSO. All three of their sons were participants.
Lou was named Ceres Citizen of the Year in 2004. He played an instrumental role in getting fields developed at River Bluff Park.
“I've been running the league for 22 years,” he said. “I've put in a lot of volunteer hours. I'm going to do it until I die.”
CYSO plans to expand in 2006.
“Next year, we're going to sign more kids up,” Toste said. “I'm going to add at least 200 more players.”
Toste has limited enrollment in the past because a lack of space. He's actually turned kids away.
“I hope the city will come up with any type of idea to finish the complex,” Toste said. “We'll have to go to more schools if they don't get it done.”
Original plans called for six soccer fields at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. Two have already been built.
“We need to have those fields done so we can have all of the kids and families at one site,” Toste said. “That's what I want. That's the bottom line.” - By DALE BUTLER / Staff reporter of the Ceres (Calif.) Courier
