LARGO â The game of youth soccer has taken a dramatic turn in the past 20 years. A combination of competitiveness and cash has changed the game for some from a recreational outlet to a lucrative enterprise that includes numerous affiliations and big-time tournaments.
If the city of Largoâs parks and recreation staff members didnât know that a few months ago, then they certainly do now after a seemingly innocuous decision regarding the Belcher Soccer Complex caused a stir that led to the departmentâs director apologizing to the City Commission.
That director, Joan Byrne, said a change in the process for how the city chose an organization to provide programs at the complex is what led to a flurry of emails from parents and coaches to the commission.