Community center in south Merced has doors open to the community for a year

More than 100 people packed Stephen Leonard Park on Sunday for games and food as part of a celebration of the one-year anniversary of the opening of the park’s community center.

The Merced Soccer Parent/Youth Center aims to be a resource for anybody who needs help, regardless of whether they are a part of the soccer academy, said Rosa Barragan, a parent leader for the academy.

“It’s very fulfilling because I’m not only making a difference for me and my boys but for all youth,” Barragan said.

Elena Chavez, a parent volunteer, was one of the many people honored for helping to make the center what it is today and keeping the doors open.

“I try to do as much as I can for them,” Chavez said. “I’m really happy knowing my time and dedication is appreciated and they see it.”

Chavez has children in both soccer academies in Merced – the San Joaquin Valley Soccer Academy and the Merced Atlas Academy.

“I feel like it’s a community thing and also like a family in a way,” Chavez said of her family’s involvement in the academies. “My kids love it.”

Barragan said ever since the center opened more community members have been coming to Stephen Leonard Park and feel safe bringing their kids.

“The need here is so huge,” Barragan said. “We’re changing people’s mindset of coming out to get help.”

Barragan said neighbors come by the center all the time to thank them for making an improvement in the neighborhood and turning an empty building into a place of resources.

“Making a difference in Merced is a passion for me,” Barragan said. “I never thought I would be able to do that through soccer.”

Fernando Aguilera, president of the Merced Soccer Academy, said the park’s reputation as a family-friendly destination has improved significantly over the last year.

To keep the center doors open, Aguilera said they need more volunteers and support from the community.

“We need more support from businesses and city supervisors,” Aguilera said. “We need a lot of volunteers and coaches.”

Kayla Perez, 10, has been playing for the Merced Atlas Academy for four years and said it’s all about family and having fun playing soccer. She said she enjoys being part of a team and making friends.

Aguilera said it’s more than just playing the game but also about teaching children how to unite in different ways.

“We create leaders,” Aguilera said. “We teach them how they can be leaders.”

The center has a weekly community gathering from 8 to 9 a.m. every Monday with an open agenda to talk about issues and concerns in the community, Chavez said. Coffee and doughnuts are available at the meeting.

“I would love for more parents to come out,” Chavez said. “We open the doors to everybody.”

This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Community center in south Merced has doors open to the community for a year."