Soccer is surging among children in Bakersfield, with local youth leagues reporting the highest enrollment numbers ever seen in the city.
The summer season kicked off on June 10, 2026, under the organization of Rise Up Athletes, which now fields about 26 teams for kids ranging from 3 to 14 years old.
Organizers say this is the largest season the program has ever run, echoing a nationwide trend documented by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association that shows nearly 5.5 million children between six and twelve playing outdoor soccer.
Overall participation in outdoor soccer climbed to almost 17 million players in 2025, a 16 percent increase over the previous year, according to the same data.
A Season Like No Other
Coaches Grayson Todd and Jordan Guevara, who lead the Rise Up Athletes programs in Bakersfield, attribute the growth to the excitement generated by global tournaments such as the World Cup, which give youngsters a tangible connection to the sport and its stars.
They note that soccer provides a safe, structured environment where children can build friendships, develop routines, and learn teamwork, benefits that parents especially value for kids with special needs.
Some of those relationships extend beyond the field; former players return as referees or coaches, creating a lasting community that continues to grow year after year.