It’s that time of year again! The MLS is in full swing, and our local university and college teams are gearing up to win their leagues. Across the pond, the European teams are just starting their 2024/25 season.
But let’s focus on what’s even more exciting—our own Fall 2024 season is about to kick off! We’ve got 18,000 players ready to hit the fields in our area, along with thousands of coaches, referees, game-day facilitators, and administrators. For the next 12 to 16 weeks, our weekends will be filled with soccer action and a whole lot of fun. Let’s make this season memorable for everyone, Especially the Players!
As we gear up for the season, remember to respect all our officials and board members. They put in countless hours to make everything possible—setting up fields, painting lines, and ensuring every net and corner flag is in place. Their hard work behind the scenes deserves our gratitude.
And a special note on our referees and game day facilitators—they’re out there giving their best, making both good calls and, occasionally, not-so-good ones. Remember, we don’t have VAR yet, so let’s keep it positive and respectful!
Here’s to an amazing Fall 2024 season. Enjoy every game, and let’s keep it fun for everyone!
Best regards,
John Hodgson
John Hodgson is the Commissioner for the California Youth Soccer Association, District VII