Ceres Youth Soccer Organization kicked off its 43rd season on Saturday.

“It was a great day,” President Lou Toste said. 

About 900 boys and girls, aged 4-16, signed up for recreational play this year.

“The kids have fun,” Toste said. “That’s the most important thing. That’s what it’s all about.”

“We have tremendous players in Ceres,” he added. “Most of their roots come from CYSO.”

CYSO has a registration fee of $140 per player. That covers the cost of uniforms, trophies/medals and insurance.

“We try to keep the cost down for the families of Ceres,” Toste said.

CYSO’s recreational league is comprised of 70-plus teams.

There are five age groups for both boys and girls: under-6, U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14.

CYSO also has a co-ed U-16 age group.

“We don’t have team standings in this league,” Toste said. “Everyone gets a reward at the end of the season. We’re the only league that does that.”

Alfredo Campos is coaching daughter Cataleya’s under-8 Galaxy girls’ soccer team this season.

Cristian, Cataleya’s twin brother, is a member of the under-8 Cobras boys’ squad.

“At this age, it’s all about having fun,” Alfredo said. “We’re teaching the kids to love the sport. These are the competitive kids of tomorrow.”

Games are played on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on nine fields.

Games were previously staged at different sites throughout the city, including Sam Vaughn, Walter White, Mae Hensley and Blaker-Kinser schools, prior to the opening of the soccer complex.

Field One was named after Toste, who played an instrumental role in getting the soccer complex built at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park.

“The city of Ceres supports us,” Toste said.

CYSO’s executive board consists of five people: Toste (president), Elias Rodriguez (vice president), Ruben Alvarez (treasurer), Angela Jacobson (secretary) and Becky Alvarez (registrar).

Toste (referee coordinator) is also a board of director, along with Campos (competitive coach coordinator), Eddie Bravo (recreational coach coordinator), Vince Samora (field coordinator), Irene Rodriguez (uniform coordinator), Randy Cerny (trophy coordinator) and Rudy Jimenez (assistant field coordinator).

“If it wasn’t for the volunteers, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are,” Toste said. 

“The right people are here,” Campos added. “We do it for the kids.”

Toste has been affiliated with CYSO since the very beginning.

Tom Passalaqua and his late wife Johnny founded the organization in 1982.

Approximately 120 youngsters signed up for CYSO’s inaugural season.

The organization provides college scholarships to Central Valley and Ceres High grads with CYSO ties, one male and one female from each school, every year.

“It’s all about supporting the community—the kids and their families,” Toste said. “We’re not perfect. You learn from your mistakes. We’ll continue to do the best we can.”

Ceres Youth Soccer Organization has experienced a host of changes since its inception.

Enrollment figures have increased. 

Age groups have been added.

Volunteers have come and gone.

Toste has remained committed to the organization all of these years.

He’s coaching 13-year-old grandson Joey’s team this fall.

Granddaughter Marissa, 11, is being coached by her father and Lou’s son Steve this season.

“People always ask me when I’m going to retire,” said Lou, 75. “I don’t know. I keep coming back because I love what I do. I enjoy seeing the kids have fun. I just love to help. I’m here to support the league for whatever they need.”

Campos, one of Toste’s former players, has been a coach with CYSO for the past 15 years.

“I’m very proud of him,” Toste said. 

“I grew up playing for CYSO,” said Campos, 43. “Lou was my coach with the Earthquakes. Lou is the Godfather of soccer for the city of Ceres. He’s a humble, lovable and caring person. That’s the reason he’s been around for so long. When I started to coach, I decided to come back to my roots. I wanted to be a part of the culture.”