OPINION: Building character and community at Mesa del Sol

The Mesa del Sol Regional Outdoor Sports Complex is far more than a collection of fields. It is a cornerstone for youth development, community engagement and economic opportunity in Bernalillo County and the city of Albuquerque. As our region continues to grow, so does the need for safe, high-quality spaces where young people can play, learn and thrive.

Currently, more than 6,800 youth soccer players rely on access to field space in our community. In addition, the New Mexico Youth American Football League brings over 4,000 young athletes to the Mesa del Sol complex each fall and spring for league play. These numbers represent more than just participation statistics — they represent thousands of families who are actively engaged in coaching, officiating, volunteering and supporting their children through sports.

Youth sports are one of the most effective tools we have for keeping kids active, healthy and connected to positive role models. When young people are involved in organized sports, communities see tangible benefits. Studies and real-world experience consistently show that juvenile crime rates decrease when youth are engaged in structured athletic programs. Sports teach discipline, teamwork, accountability and respect — values that extend well beyond the playing field.

Mesa del Sol provides a safe environment where these lessons can take root. Without facilities like this, youth leagues struggle to grow, schedules become overcrowded, and opportunities are lost. Simply put, we cannot continue to grow youth sports in our region without safe, well-maintained spaces for kids to play.

The importance of the Mesa del Sol Regional Outdoor Sports Complex also extends to the local economy. By hosting regional league games, tournaments and multiday sporting events, the complex brings visiting teams and families not only from across New Mexico but neighboring states as well. These visitors stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, shop at local businesses and contribute to Albuquerque’s tourism economy. Already with the existing four turf fields, New Mexico has benefited from over $2.7 million in direct spend. Imagine what another four turf fields can do for our economy.

Across the country, cities have recognized youth sports tourism as a powerful economic driver. Communities that invest in modern, well-designed sports complexes consistently see returns in the form of increased visitor spending and long-term economic growth. Albuquerque has the potential to do the same.

Those of us who travel nationally for youth sports see firsthand what is possible. From Texas to Arizona to Colorado, communities have built beautiful, accessible sports facilities that serve local families while attracting regional and national events. These cities have positioned themselves as affordable, family friendly sports destinations — and Albuquerque can, and should, be among them.

This is why continued support from Bernalillo County, the city of Albuquerque and capital outlay support from state legislators is so critical. Investment in Mesa del Sol is not a luxury — it is a commitment to our youth, our families and our future. It is an investment in public safety, community health and economic development.

Gloria Faber is the executive director of the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association.