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More than 100 young athletes were honored at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center on Dec. 12 during an evening ceremony quite literally “under the stars.” The event celebrated the successful completion of the fall season of the Coral Gables Young Stars Soccer Program, a cornerstone of the city’s parks and recreation program.
According to Mark Dougherty, director of coaching, the ceremony brought together youth program participants, their families, and community supporters, including Commissioner Kirk Menendez, who spoke about his personal connection to the city’s sports programs.
“As a neighborhood kid, I played soccer right here on this field, and I even coached here in the ’80s and ’90s,” Menendez said. “It’s all about families, kids, parents, and grandparents.
Things may come and go, but family and friendship – that lasts forever.
A Legacy of Building Community
The Young Stars program, overseen by Dougherty and a dedicated team of coaches and Youth Center staff, has become a shining example of the city’s commitment to building a strong community. Many Parks and Recreation staff members, including Community Recreation director Fred Couceyro, are lifelong Coral Gables residents who grew up participating in similar programs.
“This program is truly a win-win. It provides kids with a fun, safe outlet to learn and grow while fostering teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game of soccer, but it also engages families – whether they’re cheering from the sidelines, coaching, or volunteering – strengthening the bonds of our community.”
Dougherty brings a wealth of his own experience to the role. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, he began his coaching career at a local community recreation center at 16, before playing professionally. The first goalkeeper selected in Major League Soccer’s inaugural draft, he played for Tampa Bay Mutiny and later earned MVP with the Columbus Crew.
After concluding his playing career, he coached for the U.S. National Women’s Team and Men’s Olympic Team, as well as several professional and academy clubs. Today, he channels that passion into developing the next generation of soccer stars in Coral Gables.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable learning experience for our youth,” Dougherty said. “Soccer teaches kids so much – teamwork, communication, resilience – and those lessons stay with them long after the final whistle.”
Programs for Every Level
The city’s Youth Soccer offerings include:
Young Stars Program: Designed for children under 13 who prefer to compete within the Youth Center’s program.
Travel Soccer Program: For players seeking a more competitive experience, these teams play against other clubs located in Miami-Dade.
Seasonal Opportunities: The program offers fall and spring leagues, as well as a four-week summer camp.
Looking ahead, Dougherty and his team remain focused on creating memorable experiences for young athletes. Spring registration for the next season is already open at playgables.com, with additional information available by emailing parks@coralgables.com or calling 305-460-5600.
Commissioner Menendez summed up the evening’s spirit.
“You know it’s a good program when the kids are happy, but you also see the joy on the faces of parents and grandparents,” Menendez said. “Watching them get their certificates like they’ve just won an Academy Award; that’s magical.”
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