May 26, 2026
City Council
DATE: May 26, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Subject:
Proclamation Celebrating 30 years of the Richmond
United Soccer Club
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Richmond United Soccer Club is completing their
30th year of providing quality soccer programs for
Richmond families as an all-volunteer community club.
The City of Richmond acknowledges the oldest soccer
organization with a multigenerational impact in Richmond for crime reduction, pathways to career and educational opportunities, immigrant rights and supporting Richmond youth and families
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing the 30th anniversary of
the Richmond United Soccer Club, the oldest soccer
organization in Richmond, and its multigenerational
impact and role in crime reduction, pathways to career
and educational opportunities, immigrant rights to support Richmond youth and families by providing access to safe, structured extracurricular activities that have been shown to support positive youth outcomes, including improved
physical health, academic engagement, and social-
emotional development, in crime reduction which led to
the lowest homicide rates in the history of our City -
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
AGENDA
REPORT
May 26, 2026
DISCUSSION:
The recognition of the 30th anniversary of Richmond United Soccer Club provides an opportunity for the City Council to acknowledge a longstanding, community-based organization that has played a significant role in youth development and neighborhood cohesion in Richmond.
Founded over three decades ago, Richmond United Soccer Club has operated as an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible and affordable soccer programming for local youth and families. The Club has served thousands of families across Richmond, many from historically underserved communities, by reducing barriers to participation in organized sports. Its programming emphasizes not only athletic development, but also teamwork, leadership, and community engagement.
Unlike many youth sports organizations, Richmond United Soccer Club has sustained its operations without paid staff, relying instead on the consistent involvement of volunteer coaches, parents, and community members. This model reflects a strong culture of community ownership and investment, with many former participants returning as coaches and mentors. As a result, the organization has contributed to intergenerational engagement and continuity within Richmond.
The Club’s impact extends beyond recreation. Access to safe, structured extracurricular activities has been shown to support positive youth outcomes, including improved physical health, academic engagement, and social-emotional development. Additionally, our organization was acknowledged by The City in Richmond in 2024 for our role in crime reduction which led to the lowest homicide rates in the history of our City. For many families, Richmond United Soccer Club represents one of the few affordable entry points into organized sports. It also provided many families with immigrant support services through facilitated community meetings, support networks and volunteer opportunities to support immigration cases.
This milestone also highlights the continued need for investment in recreational infrastructure and youth programming within the City. As participation in youth sports remains high, organizations such as Richmond United Soccer Club depend on equitable access to safe, well-maintained fields and facilities in order to sustain and expand their services. The Macdonald Mini-Field Project is a proposal by our Club to invest in our community through temporary use of vacant land for community programs in the Iron Triangle, one of the poorest communities in the Bay Area.
By recognizing this 30-year milestone, the City affirms its support for community-led initiatives that promote youth development, health, and neighborhood vitality. This acknowledgment also reinforces the importance of partnerships between the City and local organizations in meeting the needs of Richmond residents.
May 26, 2026
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation