City of Austin gives update on first 'soccer city' resolution

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We're getting our first update from the city of Austin after City Council approved a "soccer city" resolution earlier this year.

That resolution aimed to do the following:

• Increase the number of fields available
• Expand youth programs and access to those programs
• And attract new soccer events to the city

"I think the initial resolution, we were all very excited just about the energy to create more opportunities to play, more field spaces," said Aaron Rochlen, the founder of Soccer Assist, a group that has built mini-pitches in and around Austin. "Something it seems that almost everyone, at least I've talked to, is in agreement there's a strong need for. As wild as Austinites are about soccer, spaces to play for recreation to competitive are not easy to come by."

The first update on that resolution is out -- and shows the city has done things like change its website with more information on where to find soccer fields, take inventory and have initial conversations with Travis County and Austin Independent School District about the needs of the soccer community.

This resolution was brought forward by Council Member Vanessa Fuentes.

"Believe it or not, we didn't have any information about our recreation programs when it comes to soccer available online," Fuentes said of updates made to online resources in this first round of changes. "And then it also has an opportunity for Austinites to pitch in, where you can donate to help support Austin parks, and you can donate to support programs and services for our youth."

The resolution promises another update from city staff in March. Fuentes says there's a lot more to be done.

"The key word is initial. If I believe the memo, there's more coming out. There's more research and hopefully some more exciting opportunities...there's a lot of people in this city, companies and individuals that are able to collaborate and help," Rochlen said.