The final week of February saw youth sports’ official return, including the first prep cross country competition between Serrano and Apple Valley, which Serrano soundly won. Youth sports have been on hold since March 2020, when the pandemic forced the closure of schools throughout the state. For coaches and players alike, the return of sports is a welcome one.
Tonya Clark is the Assistant Regional Commissioner for American Youth Soccer Organization Region 538. The girl’s team of 16-19-year-olds began practicing the last week of February. The last time they played competitively was November 2019. Clark says the girls are excited to come together as a team again. “Even though they’re tired and exhausted and out of shape, as they go and do the stuff that’s not so much fun, they enjoy it just because they’re together.” With multiple players on the team that are seniors this year, she believes it is important to bring this group together, even if it is just for one tournament, so the seniors can play one last time before they graduate.
The team, named Tri Com, has two tournaments scheduled for this season. One is in Bullhead City, AZ, scheduled for April. The other will be in Upland, CA, and is scheduled for June. Tournaments can be 2–3-day events and the team can play up to three games a day.
Now that sports have resumed, Clark wants to see kids outside having fun again. “It’s not about the competition. It’s not about the win. It’s about them being able to have what they should be having as youths. “Registration for the AYSO Fall season is scheduled to begin around May.
As of February 26th, San Bernardino County allowed the resumption of moderate-contact and high-contact outdoor sports. This includes cheer leading, baseball, softball, rugby, water polo, and football. Sunset Community Little League has already started sign-ups for their upcoming season.
