ALEXI LALAS, FORMER U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER AND MEMBER OF TWO U.S. WORLD CUP TEAMS, ON HAND FOR INAUGURAL FIRST KICK.
Complex includes 11 fields, a pavilion with full-service restaurant, locker rooms and more at South Gate Park
Los Angeles – June 3, 2010 – Former United States World Cup team member Alexi Lalas booted in the inaugural first kick today at the opening of Goals Soccer Center, a $5.5 million, state-of-the-art soccer complex – the first “five-a-side” facility of its kind in the United States. Built on 3.5 acres at South Gate Park in Los Angeles County, Goals Soccer Center includes 11 flood-lit, artificial turf outdoor fields for year-round play and a pavilion that features professionally-styled locker rooms, multi-function suites and a fully-catered restaurant. The fields are the latest iteration in artificial turf technology, and look, play and feel like real grass.
Five-a-side is booming in popularity in Britain, throughout Europe and South America. The game features tennis court-sized fields, and requires around five players on each team. Each field at the Goals Soccer Center has rebound walls and netting. The result is a fast-paced, exhilarating form of soccer that anyone can play.
“This is an amazing facility that will be the envy of the soccer community,” said Alex Lalas, member of two United States National World Cup teams and member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. “These are the types of places that we need to help elevate the game of soccer here in the United States, and that gives players the opportunity to play on fields that are seen all over the world. ”
There are ten fields that are each 33 yards x 22 yards designed for around five players per team, and one slightly larger field for 7-a-side play. These smaller size fields lead to fast-paced action using a regulation size ball and smaller goals. Similar size fields are popular around the globe and some of the world’s greatest soccer athletes that will be playing in South Africa this summer honed their skills playing five-a-side soccer.
The center will have leagues for men, women, kids, and the over-40 crowd. Complete team and league registration information can be found at www.goals-soccer.com or by calling 1-877-48 GOALS (46257). In addition, the facility is available for corporate events, kid’s parties and more.
“We are committed to bringing first-class soccer to the Southern California community,” said Les Allan, president, Goals Soccer Centers. “From the creation of five-a-side leagues to youth tournaments to clinics, and everything in between, players of all skill levels and ages will have a reason to visit our facility and play the game loved around the world in and environment not seen before in the United States.”
