Chad Lundquist/Nevada Appeal Puma forward Brisieda Lozano, 9, left, battles with Yanitzia Perez, 6, of the Chivas's during Wednesday's game at the Carson indoor soccer league arena.
They squeeze into cramped quarters to play the sport that they love. And they couldn't be happier.
The Carson City Soccer League, which was established in 2000, now has an indoor league operating out of a facility at 3909 Fairview. Games are held from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Games are held year-round. The league was in dire need of a facility it could use during the winter.
In the past, players from Carson City would play in a league in Reno. But there were times due to inclimate weather, the players couldn't make it to Reno and they had to cancel many games.
"We were just giving our money away," League co-owner Ramon Nava said. "So we just decided to build something here. We've been trying to have it for a couple of years."
Nava said league officials drove around the city looking for a facility it could lease and came across the building on Fairview by accident. Nava said those who participate in the league feel "really fortunate and real thankful for having this building." Nava said the league began playing in the facility last December.
The playing surface is a wrestling mat and the playing area is somewhat smaller than what's used for regulation-size indoor arena games. The playing area is about 45 feet long by 25 feet wide while a regulation-size indoor arena is about 60 by 50. The size of the playing area leads to high scoring games with scores like 14-12 being the norm.
Right now there's a women's 16 and older adult league with nine teams, a boys 13 and under league with six teams and a girls 10 and under league with five teams. Each team has 12 players.
There isn't a men's league right now because all of the players are involved in outdoor leagues, but Nava said he expects 12 teams to play in a men's league, beginning in October. The fee to play in the league is nominal at $35 and covers 10 games. One reason for keeping the fee as affordable as possible is because of the number of low income families who play in the league, Nava said.
Nava said one of the main reasons for the league is to give youth someting to do, but he also said that the league's family oriented.
"This is to keep our kids busy - and some of our wives," Nava said. "They get a chance to play, too."
While the league is predominantly hispanic, the league welcomes anyone interested who wants to play.
Nava said someday the league may want to move into a bigger facility, which could provide for a regulation-size playing area, but is quite happy with what it has now.
"Everybody's happy," he said. "We can't complain. They main thing is everybody's having fun. We are really grateful for what we have."
During games, there's a concession area just outside the building. To help defray costs, the league also rents out the facility for events such as private parties and weddings.
Sponsors Video Center Sports of Reno, clearwire wireless and Novedades Dulce also support the league. Nava said the league is looking for more sponsors.
Those interested in being a sponsor or those who want more information about the league can call Nava, 745-3083.
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