Public Soccer League in Fairfield, Texas carries around 125 to 175 children, and one Fairfield HS student, Erica McQuinn, addressed the School Board in hopes that the School District will consider bringing Soccer to the Athletics Program as so many kids are unable to continue playing once they reach High School age.
The boardroom was filled, along with the lobby and more that could not quite fit in the building, as McQuinn had managed to bring enough students (Along with other students being honored) and members of the community to show the support that Soccer has in the Fairfield ISD area.
Once children hit high school age, they are too old for the public soccer league, the only choice they have is playing in leagues not affiliated with Fairfield.
McQuinn explains how, “For one thing it is the only sport that prioritizes foot eye coordination instead of just hand eye coordination. This benefits other teams because it allows students to strengthen different functions that they don’t normally train much. This, combined with the aerobic intensity of soccer, will create some really well-rounded athletes.”
In addition, she goes on to compliment how talented their students are, and how soccer players who do not have the means to play on an out-of-district league are left behind regarding scholarships.
“Soccer would also help kids keep their grades up in High School because they have an extra incentive to do good because how much they want to play.” McQuinn points out.
Next, McQuinn addresses the cost of starting a soccer program, numbers acquired with the help of Athletic Director John Bachtel and a discussion he had with the Palestine ISD Athletic Program.
The projected cost to start a Fairfield ISD Soccer program would be approximately $20,000 not including the cost of coaching.
Moreover, she points out that the campus has three viable fields, including the current football field.
McQuinn goes on to explain that with the fields comes the possibility of income, as others would want to rent the fields to play on.
She finishes with her belief on how this is the perfect time for Fairfield to start a Soccer program, and leaves the School Board with the words, “if any of you are still unsure, feel free to ask any student behind you or behind me about what soccer means to them, you will find out just how important it is.”
“It will be on the agenda as a discussion item,” was Fairfield Superintendent Dr. Jason Adams response when asked if it would be on added to an upcoming School Board Agenda.
