Courtesy: The Journal Times


Inner city soccer league ends a successful winter season

By Phyllis Sides

Journal Times

Sunday, January 6, 2008

RACINE — The soccer program started by Jose Toscano last winter continues to grow and offer the opportunity to play soccer to kids in Racine’s inner city.

The Racine Futsal League, which began with only a handful of participants, now serves about 200 children ranging in age from 7 to 16 years old, Toscano said. During the winter season the league has 18 teams divided into three age brackets.

The league takes its name from a style of soccer of that’s played indoor or on the streets in Brazil, Toscano said. The ball used in this style of soccer is smaller and heavier than a regular ball.

“We got started last year training some of the kids. And we’re growing and taking it season by season,” Toscano said. “It’s local and inexpensive. We’re trying to attract people who otherwise might end up going to Milwaukee and Kenosha to play. In winter there was no place for kids to play. I have two children whom I wanted to be able to play. That’s why we got started.”

The Atlas’ Emilio Toscano, left, battles for control of the ball with Barcelona’s Martin Ibarra, right, Sunday morning during their 12 and under Racine Futsal Winter League championship game at Park High School. Photo by Gregory Shaver, Journal Times.
On Sunday morning the league completed its winter season with a series of games at Park High School Fieldhouse. The season started in early November.

To mark the season’s end, all the players on each team got participation medals and the first- and second-place teams in each age division received team trophies.

The age groups and teams are:

Age 10 and under

* First place — Club Deportivo

* Second place — Racine

Age 12 and under

* First place — Atlas

* Second place — Barcelona

Age 15 and under

* First place — Club Deportivo

* Second place — Club Mexico

Toscano said the league is looking to continue the program in the summer. “Our goal is to provide affordable local competitive soccer.” The outdoor season will start in late March or early April.

Now that the winter season is over the league will hold open practices on Saturdays at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center, 1134 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, from 9 a.m. to noon. “Anyone who wants to come practice with us can,” Toscano said. For more information, call Toscano at the Upper 90 Soccer shop at (262) 633-4449.





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com