[Vision2020] youth soccer and field space in Moscow

[Ben Twigg]

Visionaries, 
 
For what it's worth, I am forwarding a letter to the editor that I sent the
Daily News today. 
 
Ben Twigg
 
-----Original Message-----

Dear Editor,
 
In light of public debate over the proposal for new playfields in Moscow,
here are some facts regarding local youth soccer:  
 
• There are currently about 70 players participating on Moscow High School
soccer teams.   
 
• In the past year over 650 youth players have participated in outdoor
soccer programs sponsored by the Moscow United Soccer Club. These programs
include competitive soccer, micro soccer (which is co-sponsored by Moscow
Parks & Recreation), and summer camps.  
 
• There are currently four facilities in Moscow that regularly host youth
soccer events: Oylear Field, Mountain View Park, North Kibbie Field, and
Wicks Field.  
 
• MHS soccer teams train and host matches at Oylear.  Of events associated
with Moscow United programs, approximately 1/2 occur at Oylear, 1/4 at
Mountain View, and 1/4 at North Kibbie or Wicks.
 
• On fall and spring weekday afternoons six to eight soccer teams typically
train simultaneously at Oylear.  This is in addition to flag football,
lacrosse, baseball, and/or softball teams that use Oylear during their
respective seasons.  UI student groups have priority over other groups for
use of UI facilities, so field availability at North Kibbie and Wicks can be
even more limited.
 
Based on my involvement with various levels of local youth soccer, here are
some personal observations regarding current facilities in Moscow:
 
• High school and competitive soccer teams in Moscow do not have adequate
field space for training, resulting in poor training conditions and
ultimately in a competitive disadvantage.  
 
• Overuse of current facilities is causing deterioration of their playing
surfaces.
 
• Current facilities do not meet the needs of local youth soccer programs or
of local youth sports programs in general.
 
I encourage Moscow residents to consider these factors while weighing the
benefits and costs of the proposed new playfields project. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Ben Twigg
Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach, Moscow High School
Director of Coaching, Moscow United Soccer Club