Pick-up game nights with The Rising Tide could face a hiatus
Sandra Iveth Santos
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV): For several months, The Rising Tide fan club has been opening the soccer fields for free at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. However, that benefit to the community could be at stake.
On Wednesday night, hundreds of athletes once again arrived at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex (SRSC). More than 240 players were even waiting in long lines to get on the field.
From the first day in mid-May, dozens arrived to participate in the weekly event, which has grown in number, surpassing more than 200 players per session.
Until now, this was made possible thanks to sponsorship, fundraising, and collaboration with the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex.
Jonathan de Anda, general manager of the SRSC, says he continues to support The Rising Tide club in its efforts to offer these resources to the community free of charge. In a statement, he added:
“From the beginning, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex partnered with The Rising Tide to make these practice nights possible, helping to secure sponsors, volunteers, and in-kind support. Our goal has always been simple: to facilitate access, so the community has a safe and welcoming place to play. We’re even currently exploring a Saturday morning option to maintain the pace of practice nights.”
The Rising Tide says it’s facing difficulties, as holding the sessions involves equipment, maintenance, and utility costs; and are currently looking to keep the sessions going, in accommodating the large crowd that shows up every week.
Shey Gibson with The Rising Tide says they’ve are facing a decision to possibly pause their Pick-up nights, and this Wednesday they held what may have been their last session. But they continue working with the Soccer Complex and other sponsors to keep the momentum going.
“The Soccer Complex offers us a discount for the night. Additionally, they’ve helped us secure Gatorades, community service opportunities, pinnies, and other soccer gear. The management at the regional complex has been a vital resource in making these nights a success,” Gibson said in a statement.
On Wednesday, The Rising Tide used the last available funds to hold their Pick-up session, that usually go from 8:00pm — 10:30pm. Gibson says the average cost of each session for the club is around $500, but for the athletes, it’s completely free.
Some of the athletes we spoke with on Wednesday said this has been a great opportunity for local athletes to connect with more people who share the same interest in the sport.
The Rising Tide is a fan club established to support the USL professional soccer team, Monterey Bay FC. On Saturday, the club will travel to support their team, MBFC, against the Oakland Roots.