Downey soccer club searching for new home

DOWNEY - A competitive youth soccer team is searching for a new practice facility in Downey after being temporarily relocated to Bell Gardens.

FC Golden State Downey was established in January 2013. The teams -- BU8, BU10 and BU11 -- practiced at Downey High School but lost use of the field at mid-year due to field renovations.

The club wasn't able to reclaim use of the field after renovations were completed, team officials said.

Despite their Downey name, FC Golden State now practices at Ford Park in Bell Gardens. The soccer club conducts three practices a week and also needs a field to host home games.

FC Golden State has had success, finishing near the top of their bracket in the Coast Soccer League and the CSL League Cup, but still hope to find a permanent facility in Downey.

"Until we are able to find a suitable home in Downey, we will continue to hold practice in the Ford Park facilities in Bell Gardens," said Carlos Valenciano, the team's head trainer. "Our hope is to return to Downey because this is where we want to be."

"Downey is a great place for FC Golden State to extend its reach to kids in the community as they know that there is lots of talent here and the surrounding cities," he added.

Schools or organizations interested in leasing their facility to FC Golden State can contact Carlos Valenciano at (562) 322-6669.

FC Golden State is an affiliate of FC Golden State Soccer Club, a Pasadena-based non-profit with 88 teams that serves boys and girls ages 5-19.

Try-outs for BU7 and BU12 will be held Jan. 6 at Ford Park. A development program is also available for beginning players.