News Summary
The Soccer6 league, a community soccer organization, marks its 15th anniversary, bringing together over 15,000 players since its inception. Founded by Mac and Idalia Thompson, Soccer6 promotes fun and inclusivity through coed matches every Sunday. With innovative formats and competitive divisions, including recently added women’s leagues, the league fosters a strong sense of community. Celebrations are planned at BXCR Underground in Anaheim, honoring the league’s journey and future aspirations for expansion. The ongoing participation of former professional players emphasizes the league’s welcoming environment.
Costa Mesa, CA – The Soccer6 league, a vibrant community soccer organization, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Founded in 2008 by Mac Thompson and his wife Idalia, the league has provided a platform for over 15,000 players to engage in friendly competition, fostering teamwork and a love for the sport. Each Sunday, participants enjoy coed 6 vs. 6 matches at Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa, with the league currently boasting about 3,000 active players annually.
The league is known for its innovative approach to soccer, moving away from traditional club coaching to create a more relaxed and enjoyable environment. The unique format features smaller fields and pro-style kits, appealing to a wide range of players, including those over the age of 35 who can participate in the “gentlemen’s league.” Different skill levels are catered to, with competitive divisions for coed, men’s, and the recently added women’s league.
Dania Zimmermann, a lifelong soccer enthusiast and participant in Soccer6, has been a key figure in the league since discovering it via a flier on her car nearly 15 years ago. Over the years, she has cultivated her passion for soccer alongside her family, all while earning the nickname “Dania-sty” from Thompson due to her success within the league. As a player, Zimmermann enjoys the reliability and community spirit the league offers, often allowing her nearly 7-year-old son, Calix, to attend her matches during the summer months.
Thompson transitioned into franchising Soccer6 in 2022, expanding beyond Costa Mesa into Huntington Beach and Long Beach, with aspirations to reach 25 locations across Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties within the next five years. This expansive growth highlights the league’s commitment to offering structured competitive play while tying it to a sense of community.
Throughout the years, Soccer6 has maintained a focus on fun and respect, emphasizing an enforced code of conduct that encourages positive player interactions. The league engages its participants through quarterly “Goal of the Game” prizes, highlight reels, and social media stories that showcase players’ achievements and foster a sense of belonging.
As the Soccer6 league marks this significant milestone, they plan to celebrate on August 1 at BXCR Underground in the Anaheim Packing District, inviting both past and current players to join in the festivities. This event is intended to honor all those who have contributed to the league’s success and growth over the years.
In reflecting on Soccer6’s journey, Zimmermann notes the transformation from its humble beginnings to a thriving soccer community, emphasizing that the league’s foundation began with a simple flier. She looks forward to the future, hoping to share her love for soccer with her children, thus continuing the legacy of community and competition that Soccer6 has built.
The continued participation of prominent players, including Chris Klein, a former U.S. men’s national team player, indicates a strong alignment with the league’s principles and highlights the competitive yet friendly nature that Soccer6 promotes among its players. With an ever-growing base and enhanced offerings, Soccer6 remains a quintessential part of the local sporting landscape in Orange County.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Adult Soccer League Turns 15
- Wikipedia: Soccer
- Los Angeles Times: Soccer6 League Announcement
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Adult Soccer League
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
