Modesto, Turlock youth soccer still plan fall season as Ceres cancels due to COVID-19
As the coronavirus pandemic looms over the fall youth soccer season, local organizations face uncertainty and public health restrictions.
The Ceres Youth Soccer Organization canceled its season, the Ceres Courier reported, while the Modesto and Turlock Youth Soccer Associations are wrapping up registration in hopes that restrictions prohibiting games ease.
Early-bird registration for Modesto youth soccer lasts until July 15 and Turlock closed fall recreation league sign-ups on Friday, according to its website. After announcing a decision to postpone registration online, the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization chose to forgo the season that typically draws hundreds of children.
“We’re following the rules of the government and city,” the organization’s president, Lou Toste, told the Courier. “I understand they’re doing it for the safety of the kids and community. It’s a big change. They’re so used to it every year.”
Current state public health orders prohibit games between youth sports teams but allow conditioning and “individual skill-building drills.” Stanislaus County Public Health recommended schools refrain from resuming soccer, as well as football, water polo and basketball games, in a guide released by the County Office of Education last month.
The Turlock Youth Soccer Association did not respond to requests for comment Friday, but its registration page includes a disclaimer that restrictions may prevent the season kick off on Aug. 22.
“As an organization, we are opening registration in hope of having a normal Fall Rec season and will do our best to provide that in accordance with the applicable public health statues at that time, but adjustments may have to be made,” a notice on the website says. “In the event of the cancellation of the 2020 Fall Rec Season due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will refund 100% of registration fees minus transaction fees and spent costs. We appreciate your understanding of the situation.”
The Modesto Youth Soccer Association registration page also states that players will receive a refund if the season is canceled before it starts Sept. 12. End-of-season tournaments are tentatively scheduled for late October and early November. The association could not be reached Friday for comment.
As for Ripon’s youth soccer program, the city Parks and Recreation Department has not announced any cancellations. A notice on the website says COVID-19 may postpone the program until September or October.
This story was originally published July 11, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
