Coral Springs moves to create a unified and comprehensive youth soccer program for players of all ages and skill levels
Coral Springs, Florida – The City of Coral Springs is laying the groundwork for a major overhaul of how youth soccer is organized and delivered, signaling a move toward a more unified and professionally managed system that could reshape the sport locally for years to come. City officials have issued a request for proposals seeking a single organization to oversee what they describe as a comprehensive youth soccer program, replacing the more fragmented model currently in place.
Rather than focusing on a traditional recreational league, the city’s plan calls for one vendor to manage every level of play under a single structure. That includes introductory programs for young children just learning the basics, recreational leagues for casual players, development squads, and competitive travel teams for advanced athletes. The goal is to create a clear pathway for players to grow within the system as their skills develop.
City leaders say the approach is designed to reduce overlap, improve coordination, and ensure consistent standards across all soccer offerings. Under the proposal, the selected organization would be responsible for the full scope of operations, from coaching philosophy to league participation, while working closely with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“Issuing an RFP for the soccer program allows the Parks and Recreation Department to partner with a single provider rather than multiple organizations with similar goals,” said Sayona Khandwalla, a city spokesperson. “This approach improves coordination, supports shared field usage, and streamlines the overall management of soccer programming. Placing the program under contract also ensures consistency, accountability, and high-quality service for city residents.”
The city is asking potential vendors to outline how they would manage key components of the program. Those include player evaluation and placement, coaching curriculum, training standards, practice and game schedules, and participation in leagues and tournaments. Proposals must also explain how players would progress through different tiers of competition as they improve, creating opportunities for long-term development rather than short-term participation.
Timing appears to be a critical factor in the city’s decision. Coral Springs has recently invested heavily in upgrading its athletic facilities, signaling a broader commitment to youth sports. One of the most notable projects is a $1.4 million investment to install modern artificial turf at North Community Park, providing a high-quality playing surface designed to withstand heavy use and South Florida weather conditions.
Additional changes may also be on the horizon. City commissioners are considering plans for the Sportsplex that could include more dedicated soccer fields or flexible event lawns. If approved, those upgrades would further expand capacity and make it easier to host practices, games, and possibly tournaments. Improvements are also underway at Turtle Run Park, adding to the city’s growing inventory of upgraded soccer facilities.
Together, these investments suggest the city wants a partner capable of maximizing the potential of some of the newest and most advanced playing surfaces in the region. Officials appear focused on ensuring that facility upgrades are matched with a program structure that can fully utilize them.
The move toward a comprehensive soccer model comes at a moment when youth sports participation is becoming increasingly competitive, with families often seeking clear development pathways and higher-quality coaching. City officials believe consolidating oversight under one organization could help meet those expectations while maintaining accessibility for players at all skill levels.
The city is moving quickly to secure a partner ahead of upcoming seasons. The deadline for submitting proposals is Wednesday, Feb. 11. Once submissions are reviewed, city leaders are expected to move toward selecting a vendor that can deliver a unified, citywide soccer program aligned with Coral Springs’ long-term vision for youth athletics.
