A Weekend of Soccer and Community
The San Juan Bautista Rotary Club, together with the Aromas Community Center Foundation, will host a 7‑a‑side soccer tournament on June 20 and 21 at Aromas Park. The two‑day event aims to inject the excitement of the sport into the local calendar while giving residents a shared space to gather, cheer and connect.
Jorge Terrones, a longtime Rotarian, sparked the idea after noticing a lack of organized recreational activities for families in the valley. “I wanted to create something that brings people together, something fun for kids and adults alike,” he said.
Eight to sixteen teams are expected to compete, each fielding a goalkeeper and six outfield players. Matches will be played on the park’s dedicated soccer field, a 20‑acre facility that also offers picnic areas, playgrounds and walking trails.
Local Support and Festival Atmosphere
The tournament is backed by several hometown businesses, including Graniterock and Hollister Super, whose logos will appear on team jerseys and signage. In addition, a lineup of vendors and food trucks will line the sidelines, offering everything from tacos to fresh fruit smoothies.
Organizers envision the competition growing into an annual tradition that not only showcases local talent but also highlights Aromas Park as a regional gathering spot. By drawing visitors from neighboring towns, the event is expected to boost community pride and support for the park’s upkeep.
Beyond the matches, the weekend will serve as a platform for local nonprofits and civic groups to share resources and foster collaborations. Rose DuMond, a community liaison, emphasized that the tournament is as much about building networks as it is about sport.