A City-First Soccer Upgrade for

A City-First Soccer
Upgrade for

San Diego Parks & Recreation

San Diego Parks
& Recreation

Arena Soccer Complex (ASC) is a removable, non-permanent small-sided soccer system that expands access for U5 through 50+, increases development through more touches and more repetitions, and delivers measurable community outcomes—without locking the City into permanent structures.

Arena Soccer Complex (ASC) is a removable, non-permanent small-sided soccer system that expands access for U5 through 50+, increases development through more touches and
more Repetitions,
and delivers measurable community outcomes—without locking the City into permanent structures.

  • No permanent structures

  • No permanent structures

  • No permanent structures

  • No permanent structures

  • No permanent structures

  • No permanent structures

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Faster development

  • Soccer deflation

  • Soccer deflation

  • Soccer deflation

  • Soccer deflation

  • Soccer deflation

  • Soccer deflation

  • Pilot-first + reversible

  • Pilot-first + reversible

  • All Ages. All Levels.

  • Pilot-first + reversible

  • Pilot-first + reversible

  • All Ages. All Levels.

  • Pilot-first + reversible

  • Pilot-first + reversible

  • All Ages. All Levels.

THE CITY PROBLEM

San Diego has demand. Parks have constraints.

The City’s challenge is clear

  • Youth demand compresses into the same after-school hours

  • Adult recreational demand keeps rising and expects reliable scheduling

  • Permanent construction triggers long timelines, neighbor friction, and inflexible commitments


San Diego doesn’t need another multi-year build cycle. It needs a field-hour multiplier that is fast, reversible, and measurable.

ASC is modular soccer infrastructure: install, operate, remove.

ASC deploys small-sided, high-yield soccer fields using a modular system designed specifically to work within parks environments. It increases utilization and programming capacity while preserving City control and optionality.

What ASC includes

  • Boarded small-sided field configuration (site-fit layout)

  • Safety netting and controlled entry points

  • Turf system intended for temporary deployment

  • Lighting plan with timers, curfews, and spill-control approach (photometrics per site)

  • Professional operations (check-in, staffing, safety, maintenance)

Traditional full-size fields are land-intensive and underutilized.

Arena Soccer Complex solves this by
concentrating play into smaller, more active spaces that operate longer hours with higher consistency.


This model increases availability while reducing friction for operators, cities, and users.

The City keeps control. The City keeps flexibility. The community gets more access.

Traditional full-size fields are land-intensive and underutilized.

Arena Soccer Complex solves this by
concentrating play into smaller, more active spaces that operate longer hours with higher consistency.


This model increases availability while reducing friction for operators, cities, and users.

The City keeps control. The City keeps flexibility. The community gets more access.

WHAT ASC IS

WHY SMALL-SIDED
WORKS

Small-sided works because it increases reps.


Small-sided formats create the development environment kids actually need: more touches, more 1v1 moments, more shots, more goals, more transitions, and more decisions per minute. It’s also more fun—which increases retention and participation.


Development benefits

  • More touches per player = faster technical growth

  • More decisions per minute = faster game understanding

  • More shots and goals = more engagement and joy

  • Smaller teams = more responsibility, less hiding, more development



Small-sided is the simplest and most scalable development upgrade the City can support.

Small-sided works because it increases reps.


Small-sided formats create the development environment kids actually need: more touches, more 1v1 moments, more shots, more goals, more transitions, and more decisions per minute. It’s also more fun—which increases retention and participation.


Development benefits

  • More touches per player = faster technical growth

  • More decisions per minute = faster game understanding

  • More shots and goals = more engagement and joy

  • Smaller teams = more responsibility, less hiding, more development



Small-sided is the simplest and most scalable development upgrade the City can support.

Small-sided works because it increases reps.


Small-sided formats create the development environment kids actually need: more touches, more 1v1 moments, more shots, more goals, more transitions, and more decisions per minute. It’s also more fun—which increases retention and participation.


Development benefits

  • More touches per player = faster technical growth

  • More decisions per minute = faster game understanding

  • More shots and goals = more engagement and joy

  • Smaller teams = more responsibility, less hiding, more development



Small-sided is the simplest and most scalable development upgrade the City can support.

Soccer deflation: lower cost per game without lowering quality.


For the vast majority of families who pay out of pocket for organized youth soccer in San Diego, the reality is the same: a typical 10-game season quickly feels like a $300 decision once registration and common add-ons hit. ASC is designed to reverse that pressure by creating more playable slots per acre, more total games per hour, and simpler logistics, so the cost per game can come down while access goes up—without lowering the quality of the experience.

How ASC enables lower cost per game

  • More usable playable time per day through efficient scheduling

  • Less wasted field downtime through quick turnovers

  • Higher total game capacity per acre

  • Balanced programming: youth access windows + adult evening leagues to keep operations sustainable

SOCCER DEFLATION

WHAT THE CITY GETS

A Parks & Rec multiplier with measurable outcomes.


  • More soccer per acre without permanent construction

  • More total participants (U5 through 50+)

  • Higher utilization in peak windows with predictable scheduling

  • Safer play environment with contained field, netting, and controlled entry

  • Equity upside through designated low-cost access windows and scholarship pathways

  • Public win: visible, high-usage programming that signals the City is solving affordability and access



ASC gives the City more access and better outcomes with less risk.

A Parks & Rec multiplier with measurable outcomes.


  • More soccer per acre without permanent construction

  • More total participants (U5 through 50+)

  • Higher utilization in peak windows with predictable scheduling

  • Safer play environment with contained field, netting, and controlled entry

  • Equity upside through designated low-cost access windows and scholarship pathways

  • Public win: visible, high-usage programming that signals the City is solving affordability and access



ASC gives the City more access and better outcomes with less risk.

A Parks & Rec multiplier with measurable outcomes.


  • More soccer per acre without permanent construction

  • More total participants (U5 through 50+)

  • Higher utilization in peak windows with predictable scheduling

  • Safer play environment with contained field, netting, and controlled entry

  • Equity upside through designated low-cost access windows and scholarship pathways

  • Public win: visible, high-usage programming that signals the City is solving affordability and access



ASC gives the City more access and better outcomes with less risk.

Designed around the City’s #1 requirement: reversible deployment.


ASC is built to minimize lock-in and maximize City control. This is not a permanent build and not a one-way decision.

City-first commitments

  • Reversible deployment: remove the system and return the site to prior condition

  • City-controlled terms: approved hours, approved footprint, approved operating rules

  • Lighting discipline: timers, curfews, spill-control approach, and photometrics as required

  • Neighborhood respect: posted rules, staff presence, escalation protocol, quiet hours

  • Clean operations: consistent maintenance and safety inspections


    If the City wants it, scale it. If the City doesn’t, remove it.

Designed around the City’s #1 requirement: reversible deployment.


ASC is built to minimize lock-in and maximize City control. This is not a permanent build and not a one-way decision.

City-first commitments

  • Reversible deployment: remove the system and return the site to prior condition

  • City-controlled terms: approved hours, approved footprint, approved operating rules

  • Lighting discipline: timers, curfews, spill-control approach, and photometrics as required

  • Neighborhood respect: posted rules, staff presence, escalation protocol, quiet hours

  • Clean operations: consistent maintenance and safety inspections


    If the City wants it, scale it. If the City doesn’t, remove it.

Designed around the City’s #1 requirement: reversible deployment.


ASC is built to minimize lock-in and maximize City control. This is not a permanent build and not a one-way decision.

City-first commitments

  • Reversible deployment: remove the system and return the site to prior condition

  • City-controlled terms: approved hours, approved footprint, approved operating rules

  • Lighting discipline: timers, curfews, spill-control approach, and photometrics as required

  • Neighborhood respect: posted rules, staff presence, escalation protocol, quiet hours

  • Clean operations: consistent maintenance and safety inspections


    If the City wants it, scale it. If the City doesn’t, remove it.

NO PERMANENT
STRUCTURES

HICKMAN PILOT

Start at Hickman: 90 days, measured weekly, reversible anytime.


Pilot Phases

Phase 1 (Weeks 1–2)

Site walk, concept layout, safety plan, parking plan, hours, lighting plan

Site walk, concept layout, safety plan, parking plan, hours, lighting plan

Site walk, concept layout, safety plan, parking plan, hours, lighting plan

Phase 2 (Weeks 3–4)

Install, soft open, staff training, neighborhood communication

Install, soft open, staff training, neighborhood communication

Install, soft open, staff training, neighborhood communication

Phase 3 (Weeks 5–12)

Full programming + weekly reporting to Parks & Rec

Full programming + weekly reporting to Parks & Rec

Full programming + weekly reporting to Parks & Rec


Weekly KPI Reporting (City dashboard)

  • Utilization % by hour

  • Youth vs adult participation

  • Safety log / incident reporting

  • Parking observations and mitigations

  • Community feedback + resolutions

  • Low-cost access window usage + scholarships (if implemented)

    The pilot is designed so the City can evaluate results without permanent commitment.


Weekly KPI Reporting (City dashboard)

  • Utilization % by hour

  • Youth vs adult participation

  • Safety log / incident reporting

  • Parking observations and mitigations

  • Community feedback + resolutions

  • Low-cost access window usage + scholarships (if implemented)

    The pilot is designed so the City can evaluate results without permanent commitment.


Weekly KPI Reporting (City dashboard)

  • Utilization % by hour

  • Youth vs adult participation

  • Safety log / incident reporting

  • Parking observations and mitigations

  • Community feedback + resolutions

  • Low-cost access window usage + scholarships (if implemented)

    The pilot is designed so the City can evaluate results without permanent commitment.

Programs for every age and every level.

Program List

  • Youth recreational leagues (U5–U14)

  • Youth development nights (skills + small-sided play)

  • Adult recreational leagues (18+, 30+, 40+, 50+)

  • Clinics, camps, and weekend community tournaments

  • Corporate leagues and charity events

    Youth gets priority in after-school windows. Adults fill evening prime time. Weekends support mixed use and events.

  • Youth recreational leagues (U5–U14)

  • Youth development nights (skills + small-sided play)

  • Adult recreational leagues (18+, 30+, 40+, 50+)

  • Clinics, camps, and weekend community tournaments

  • Corporate leagues and charity events

    Youth gets priority in after-school windows. Adults fill evening prime time. Weekends support mixed use and events.

  • Youth recreational leagues (U5–U14)

  • Youth development nights (skills + small-sided play)

  • Adult recreational leagues (18+, 30+, 40+, 50+)

  • Clinics, camps, and weekend community tournaments

  • Corporate leagues and charity events

    Youth gets priority in after-school windows. Adults fill evening prime time. Weekends support mixed use and events.

PROGRAMS (U5 to 50+)

OPERATIONS & SAFETY

Professionally operated. Predictable enforcement. Clean standards.

Operations commitments

  • Staffed check-in during programmed hours

  • Field marshals during peak periods

  • Clear rules of play and code of conduct

  • First-aid readiness and incident reporting protocols

  • Routine inspections for boards, netting, goals, and turf surface

  • Lighting operated only within approved hours and rules

FAQ

FAQ

Is this permanent construction?

No. ASC is designed for reversible deployment and City-controlled terms.

What happens if the City doesn’t like it?

Remove it and restore the site. The pilot is structured to preserve City optionality.

Will this create noise or parking problems?

Not if managed correctly. ASC uses controlled hours, staffing, posted rules, and escalation procedures to prevent unmanaged spillover.

Why small-sided instead of full-size fields?

Small-sided creates more touches and decisions per minute, which accelerates development and increases retention because the game is more engaging.

What does the City need to fund?

ASC is designed to be capex-light for the City. The City’s role is site partnership, approvals, and performance oversight.

Let’s make San Diego the national model for affordable soccer access

The Next Generation
of Soccer Infrastructure.

The Next Generation
of Soccer Infrastructure.

Schedule a Hickman Walkthrough

ASC is the City’s lowest-risk path to expand soccer capacity quickly while staying flexible, reversible, and measurable.

Be First
To Play

ASC is the City’s lowest-risk path to expand soccer capacity quickly while staying flexible, reversible, and measurable.

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