New women's football team seeks its field of dreams

Since its tryouts in late September, a new football team for women, the Modesto Magic, has signed more than 60 players and is moving ahead with plans to begin playing games in the 2008 season.

This full-contact football team is the newest in the National Women's Football Association, which consists of nearly 40 teams from throughout the nation. Modesto and Los Angeles will be the first California cities to have teams. At least two cable sports channels are considering televising some of the games.

Modesto has a team, but the team still is in search of a field to play on.

The NWFA requires that games be played at a location that has lockers and showers for the opposing team. Modesto Junior College was interested but could not help because of scheduling conflicts. With only four home games, the team looked to the Modesto City Schools District to allow them use of a football field, for which the district charges nearly $1,000. Unfortunately, the district rents its facilities only to nonprofit groups. Concerns over field maintenance, cleanup and the use of alcohol and tobacco on a school site also were expressed. The district's Miguel Galvez said that if the Magic was allowed to use MCS fields, then other commercial entities would expect the same.

It would be a shame to lose this unique opportunity for women because of lack of a place to play. These players are dedicated, determined and honored to be the first of what is hoped to be a string of teams forming in California. They range in ages from 18 to 50 and have begun rigorous practices and conditioning. Add the support they're receiving from their husbands, partners, parents and children, and you'll conclude that this team's spirit won't be easily broken.

This team opens doors for many young women in our area. It could be the beginning of something great in Modesto, creating a positive role model for other cities in our state. It is wonderful to know that women in Modesto, Turlock, Hughson, Patterson, Riverbank, Escalon, Ceres and far beyond already are part of this team and that many more could have the opportunity to play a sport that has for decades been out of their reach.

I'm not sure how many commercial teams have requested to use Modesto City Schools' fields. I doubt the district would become inundated with such requests if they granted the Magic permission. If they did, they could re-evaluate their position.

Having Modesto as the hometown of a professional women's football team is a fantastic way to say to the rest of the state, and the country, that our city embraces and welcomes diversity in the sports world and looks forward to providing opportunities for generations to follow. I hope Modesto City Schools will see that opportunity and reverse its decision.

For more information about the Magic, go to www.Modestomagic.net.

Vidauri is a Modesto resident. Contact her at columns@modbee.com.

This story was originally published November 27, 2007 at 12:00 AM with the headline "New women's football team seeks its field of dreams."