Ceres Youth Soccer Organization has experienced a host of changes since its first-ever season in 1982.
Enrollment figures have increased.
Age groups have been added.
Volunteers have come and gone.
Lou Toste, 75, has remained committed to the organization all of these years.
He coached 13-year-old grandson Joey’s recreational team this fall. Granddaughter Marissa, 11, was coached by her father and Lou’s son Steve this season.
“People always ask me when I’m going to retire,” said Toste, president of CYSO and referee coordinator for District 8. “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.”
CYSO closed out its 43rd recreational season on Nov. 8 at the Ceres River Bluff Regional Complex.
Each player received a participation medal.
“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.”
CYSO’s 22 game officials were also recognized for their contributions during the 10-week season.
They made sure competition was safe, enjoyable and fair.
“Ninety percent of the officials played youth soccer in Ceres,” Toste said. “They love the sport. Without them, we would have no games. They’re representing the city of Ceres.”
Prior to serving as game officials, Julia Albor, Genesis Aguayo, Christian Andrade, Brian Ceja, Kasandra Ceja, Evelyn Cornejo, Eric Deo, Krish Deo, Robert Galvan, Eric Meza, Julian Galvan, Diego Garcia, Julian Gonzalez, Sahage Kahlon, Josiah Martinez, Brianna Raya, Victor Salcedo, Damian Tafolla, Isaiah Vasquez and Yahaira Zaragoza were required to complete online testing and field training.
Tim Toste, Lou’s son, was CYSO’s referee assigner.
“Every year, they have to renew their license,” Lou Toste said. “They have to learn all hand signals and calls for fouls. They are well-trained to communicate with coaches and spectators. They get paid for what they do.”
About 900 boys and girls, aged 4-16, signed up for CYSO’s recreational season this fall.
“The kids have fun,” Toste said. “That’s the most important thing. That’s what it’s all about.”
CYSO had a registration fee of $140 per player. That covered 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 was comprised of 70-plus teams this year.
There were five age groups for both boys and girls: under-6, U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14.
CYSO also had a co-ed U-16 age group.
Alfredo Campos coached daughter Cataleya’s under-8 Galaxy girls’ soccer team this season.
Cristian, Cataleya’s twin brother, was 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 were played on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on nine fields.
Games were previously staged at different sites throughout the city prior to the opening of the soccer complex, including Sam Vaughn, Walter White, Mae Hensley and Blaker-Kinser schools.
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 consisted of five people: Toste (president), Elias Rodriguez (vice president), Ruben Alvarez (treasurer), Angela Jacobson (secretary) and Becky Alvarez (registrar).
Toste (referee coordinator) was 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.
Campos, one of Toste’s former players, has been a coach with the organization for the past 15 years.
“I’m very proud of him,” Toste said.
“I grew up playing for CYSO,” Campos said. “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.”
