Tensions Rise Over Field Access as Coconut Creek Commission Weighs Soccer Program Concerns

by David Volz February 19, 2026

25Shares

Coconut Creek Youth Soccer {City of Coconut Creek}

Soccer is a popular sport in Coconut Creek, and many enjoy playing in leagues. Some want to play less competitively, while others want to improve and play at higher levels.

Tension has been rising among privately run programs that hold games and practices on city fields and the Coconut Creek recreational soccer program.

During the February 12 meeting, Commissioner John Brodie brought up his concerns and suggested further discussion on the matter.

A problem arose when Mike Guardino, the president of the All Play Soccer Club, reported that program players practicing on city fields were removed by city parks and recreation staff before their permits expired.

The club pays Coconut Creek $36,000 annually for use of the soccer fields, according to him.

All Play, a not-for-profit organization, has about 200 players ages 4 to 18 who pay $60 per month to participate at Sabal Pines Park and the George S. Gerber Memorial Park. It is divided into three levels: fitness, developmental (including semi-competitive games), and competitive, in which athletes travel to compete at higher levels. The club competes year-round, according to Guardino, who coaches girls’ soccer at Pompano Beach High School.

The Coconut Creek recreational soccer program runs for about three months, offering an opportunity to play games with an emphasis on fun.

Mayor Jackie Railey is concerned about the situation and will have a consultant meet with city employees. She wants consensus across the soccer community and to give every young person who wants to play a chance.

Guardino said he wants to provide a soccer home for every player, at every skill level, with a clear pathway to move from lower to higher levels.

Got News in Coconut Creek? Send it Here. Don’t Miss reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Parkland Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Margate Talk, Tamarac Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.

Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.