NAUGATUCK -- While gearing up for the start of the soccer season, members of the Naugatuck Youth Soccer League found some very important pieces of equipment missing.
Amy Keach, vice president of the league, says on Saturday morning they found all 10 of their soccer goals were dissembled, and someone took parts necessary to piece them back together.
“You don't expect to show up at the beginning of the season and have someone have taken half your goals for scrap,” said Keach.
Replacing the goals would cost upwards of $9,000, but money is just one of the league's problems. The more pressing issue is time, because the first game of the season is scheduled for this weekend.
“I'm sick to my stomach,” said Keach. “We’ve got a game scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday to kick off the season and I don't have goals that the refs will let us use.”
The league includes more than 400 young soccer players, who are all ready to hit the field. Now it’s looking like they may have to wait.
“It’s low, I guess is the best way to put it,” said soccer coach Joe Magalhaes, who is also the assistant purchasing director for the league. “You’re not even hurting adults, you’re hurting kids.”
The league is looking into fundraising options and borrowing equipment from other soccer leagues so they can begin the season as scheduled. The league is privately funded, mostly through registration funds.
It's likely the season will have to be pushed back until they can replace the goals.