Help Protect the Future of Orem Youth Soccer
May, 15 2026
Dear Orem Youth Soccer Families, Coaches, Volunteers, and Supporters,
We are reaching out today with an urgent update regarding the future of Orem Youth Soccer.
Orem Youth Soccer, an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has been proudly serving Orem families for over 40 years through a long-standing co-sponsorship with Orem City. We were recently informed by Orem City leadership that, beginning with the Fall 2026 recreation season, the city intends to move in a different direction for recreation soccer programming.
This decision threatens the future of Orem Youth Soccer’s recreation program as we know it and could significantly impact the quality, affordability, accessibility, and community-driven experience that thousands of Orem families have come to rely on.
For years, Orem Youth Soccer has worked tirelessly to build a recreation program that is:
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Affordable for families
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Volunteer-supported and community-driven
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Focused on player development
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Responsive to parent concerns
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Conveniently centralized at Lakeside Sports Complex
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Built to serve the citizens of Orem
Our volunteers dedicate countless hours to ensure this program runs smoothly and successfully. Many families, coaches, and community members have helped make Orem Youth Soccer what it is today, a high-quality program that serves nearly 1,000 recreation players and their families.
If Orem Youth Soccer is pushed out of Lakeside or loses its long-standing role in recreation soccer:
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Families could face increased registration costs
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Program quality may decline
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Access to centralized fields could be lost
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Parents with multiple children may face greater logistical burdens
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Volunteer opportunities may be reduced
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Community responsiveness and personalized support may diminish
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The future stability of this long-standing program could be at risk
Additionally, uncertainty created by this situation has already forced us to delay registration for the Fall 2026 season, creating confusion and concern for many Orem families.
This is about more than soccer
This is about preserving a program built by Orem families, volunteers, and community members, for Orem families.
This is about ensuring taxpayer-funded facilities continue to support a proven nonprofit organization that has served this city well for years.
This is about protecting choice, quality, and opportunity for current and future generations.
We believe Orem residents deserve to have their voices heard before decisions are made that could dismantle or dramatically alter a long-standing community program.
HOW YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW:
Please respectfully but urgently contact Orem City leadership and share your thoughts on why Orem Youth Soccer matters to your family and our community.
Key points you may wish to share:
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The quality and value Orem Youth Soccer provides
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The importance of keeping recreation affordable
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The convenience of centralized programming at Lakeside
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The importance of volunteer opportunities
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Concerns about increased costs or reduced quality
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The importance of preserving Orem Youth Soccer’s place in our community
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Any concerns regarding city-managed facilities, maintenance, parking, or infrastructure
Contact Orem City Council Members:
LaNae Millett
801-836-8733
Jeff Lambson
801-787-4306
Jene Gale
801-368-3852
jgale@orem.gov
Chris Killpack
801-420-1505
ckillpack@orem.gov
Quinn Mecham
qmecham@orem.gov
Crystal Muhlestein
cmuhlestein@orem.gov
and
Mayor Karen McCandless
801-724-3803
Please act now
Share this message with family, friends, neighbors, former players, grandparents, and any Orem residents who believe in preserving strong community programs.
This message can be found on our website at:
Advocacy resources at:
www.oremyouthsoccer.com/advocacyresources.
Your voice matters.
Together, we can help protect Orem Youth Soccer and preserve the quality recreation experience that has served Orem families for generations.
Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and belief in Orem Youth Soccer.
Sincerely,
Ken Goepfert
Vice President of Recreation
Orem Youth Soccer
On behalf of the Orem Youth Soccer Executive Board:
Steve Bowler, President
Juan Rivera, VP of Competition
Ken Goepfert, VP of Recreation
Rachel Winder, Secretary