Murrieta Soccer Academy, City Pledge Commitment To Giant Complex

MURRIETA, CA — A multi-million-dollar soccer facility proposed for Los Alamos Hills Sports Park in Murrieta is still moving forward, officials confirmed this week.

Both the city and Murrieta Soccer Academy said they are "in the process of receiving the necessary approvals" to begin construction, and they plan a "target opening in the summer of 2023."

Funding for the behemoth $10 million soccer complex at 37000 Ruth Ellen Way was greenlighted in December by the Murrieta City Council. The city-owned complex will be operated and maintained by Murrieta Soccer Academy.

Murrieta will use a portion of its bonding capacity to finance construction, while the Murrieta Soccer Academy will pay all the associated principal and interest payments related to the new facility. The financial and legal contracts related to the build and management of the complex have not yet been released as of this report.

If Murrieta Soccer Academy defaults on its financial obligations, the city would be responsible to pick up the tab, according to the city.

The plans and concepts for the complex include the construction of a minimum of six new soccer fields with a possible seventh field; ancillary structures such as a rehab/training building; restrooms; maintenance buildings; and parking facilities.

Once the new complex is completed, there is hope the fields will once again hold tournaments, now being held in south Temecula.

Murrieta Soccer Academy president Rob Hawkes discussed the venture.

"We are thrilled that the efforts between the city of Murrieta and MSA have led to this exciting announcement and are poised to develop a long-sought-after soccer complex here in Murrieta," Hawkes said. "This is more than adding fields. This project adds the elements needed to continue building an elite program, a program with an environment that is focused on player development at all levels while providing pathways for the most advanced players. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community."

Murrieta spokesperson Dominique Samario confirmed the partnership.

"While there are still some steps in the process, the city is excited to be partnering with Murrieta Soccer Academy to create a premier soccer facility and sports fields adjacent to the Los Alamos Hills Sports Park," she said.

Before its rebranding last year, the Murrieta Soccer Academy was formerly known as Murrieta FC and was affiliated with San Diego Surf from 2018 to 2021. Approximately 700 youth currently play year-round soccer and train with the academy coaches.