This month’s State of the Village address and volunteer appreciation ceremony highlighted the deep civic commitment that defines Key Biscayne. Residents gathered to celebrate those who dedicate their time and energy to strengthening our community — a reflection of the Village’s collaborative spirit.
One absence, however, was notable: there was no visible representation connected to youth soccer, the largest participation sport for children on Key Biscayne.
OPINION
Given the number of families involved and the central role soccer plays in youth life here, it may be time for a broader community conversation about how the program is structured and governed.
Youth soccer today operates within a complex framework that includes affiliations with the Florida Youth Soccer Association and U.S. Youth Soccer. Compliance standards, coaching development, league participation, insurance requirements, and player pathways make the program far more than a casual recreational offering. As participation has grown, so too have the responsibilities associated with managing it.
Since 2008, The Vilage Parks and Recreation Department has relied on a vendor-based model, issuing requests for proposals to outside operators while continuing to return to the local vendor, KB Soccer Inc. While this model has provided continuity, it also raises the question of whether a program serving hundreds of Village children each year would benefit from a structure more intentionally designed to prioritize affordability, player development, sportsmanship, and sustained community engagement.
One alternative is a nonprofit governance model. Under such a structure, a parent-elected board could oversee policy, financial transparency, and community standards while hiring a qualified director of coaching responsible for technical standards and player safety. This approach would preserve professional coaching while strengthening local accountability. Coordination with the Village Athletic Advisory Board could continue through a formal liaison, ensuring alignment with Village priorities.
This conversation is not about personalities. It is about structure and accountability as programs evolve and grow. Youth soccer is a formative experience for many children and families. Its governance should reflect its importance and provide meaningful opportunities for knowledgeableparents and community members to contribute to its direction.
As another RFP cycle approaches, now is an appropriate moment to evaluate whether the current model best serves the long-term interests of Key Biscayne families. As a former stakeholder, I believe a thoughtful, community-wide discussion could help shape a sustainable path forward.
Never miss a story! Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Editor-in-Chief
Tony Winton is the editor-in-chief of the Key Biscayne Independent and president of Miami Fourth Estate, Inc. He worked previously at The Associated Press for three decades winning multiple Edward R. Murrow awards. He was president of the News Media Guild, a journalism union, for 10 years. Born in Chicago, he is a graduate of Columbia University. His interests are photography and technology, sailing, cooking, and science fiction.