Santa Ana, Calif. (June 15, 2020) – The County of Orange will allow the re-opening of practices for youth sports under COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Day Camps. “Youth sports are a fantastic way for children to enjoy the outdoors and get some much needed sunshine,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. “I greatly look forward to seeing youth sports start in Orange County and encourage all sports leagues to maintain social distancing and follow safety protocols.” The County of Orange will require all youth sports practices to follow state guidance of physical distancing and safety protocols for small and stable groups without spectators. “After many weeks away from their teams and teammates, children across Orange County can once again be able to do what all children should be encouraged to do which is to play, work on their physical, as well as mental, strength and learn valuable life lessons about collaboration and uniting for a common goal,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District. At this time, youth sports activities will allow for practices only. There is no set time in which the state will re-open sporting events and games with spectators. 

“The State’s guidance is the next big step in bringing OC back to normal. I advocated for a safe return to youth activities because playing sports is a fantastic way to build character, in addition to burning off the past months’ pent-up energy,” said Supervisor Don Wagner.

“The Day Camp guidance also gives youth leaders clarity on how to safely conduct business. Our families have been wanting healthy outlets for their children and I am beyond thrilled to see young people now able get out and play once again.” Youth sports leagues must ensure that they meet the proper safety protocols as outlined in the COVID19 Industry Guidance: Day Camps which include proper cleaning, disinfection, limits on the number of participants, and physical distancing. “The need for children to be active while practicing safe social distancing at sports practices is important,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “We understand that people want to have their lives return to as normal as possible, but it’s important to stay vigilant and follow state guidelines on how to do so.” Youth sports league staff will be required to train all staff and families on how to follow safety actions, including screening practices and enhanced sanitation practices.

“Orange County residents understand the severe impacts that COVID-19 has on our residents but these issues can be mitigated by following state guidelines,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “By allowing youth sports practices to resume in a safe manner, it allows Orange County children to enjoy time with their peers and have a little bit of normalcy at this time.” 

The County of Orange has initiated a Small Business Grant Relief Program to support small businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19 in Orange County Supervisorial District Five. Grants up to $10,000 will be available to eligible small businesses and non-profits within the district, which includes Mission Viejo.

The business applicant must prove that their business has been affected by COVID-19 in at least one of the following ways: Sales from the business are down more than 25% compared to the previous three months (prior to March 1, 2020); the business has had to lay off at least one of its employees (full or part-time); or the business was forced to shut down by the state or local government.

Applicants that meet the criteria will be randomly selected based on the percentage of population of each city/unincorporated area within the district. The application period opens June 19, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. and goes through June 23, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. 

Business owners can join informational webinars with County officials and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to learn more about the grant program and have questions answered, live. The first webinar, in English, is Thursday, June 11, at 12:00 p.m. and a webinar with Spanish translation will be held Friday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. Those interested can register for the webinars online in advance.

Trevor is an Orange County native, born in Huntington Beach but grew up in Irvine.  Like most young boys, he loved sports and was an avid athlete, playing both soccer and baseball.  He played club soccer for FC Blades, Irvine Slammers, and LA Galaxy OC for many years.  Trevor is also a product of our youth referee program, officiating games in our recreational programs from the time he was in middle school through high school.  

Trevor is a recent graduate of Northwood High School in Irvine, and unlike most students who are making plans for college, Trevor had a different calling.  Next week, Trevor will be heading to Boot Camp Training with the US Marine Corps.  We had the privilege to interview Trevor and get to know him, as well as learn about his experience playing for our club:  

What are your hobbies? Working out, riding my motorcycle, training for the Marines, spending time with my friends, going on hikes, cooking, eating and going to car shows.

Who inspires you?  My girlfriend, my brother, my recruiter, my mom and dad, and my coaches

What did you enjoy about playing soccer?  The camaraderie, the coaching staff, new opportunities the club provided, and the team environment.  

What did you learn from your club playing experience?  Hard work pays off (the harder you work in practice, the easier and more fun the games are), the way you train your mind allows you to overcome obstacles that are greater than yourself, and you always have to strive to be the best for your buddies to the left and right of you.  

Why did you decide to join the Marines?  To fight for something greater than myself, and to make my family (my dad) proud. I find motivation through my brother and am driven by wanting to succeed like him. My goal is to be a Critical Skills Operator within the US Marine Corps. 

What are you looking forward to?  The brotherhood (camaraderie), to fight for the buddies to my left and right,  learning how to be disciplined and bettering myself physically and mentally.

Can you share a memorable soccer experience?   My favorite positions to play were right and center back.   One time my team was playing in a showcase at Silver Lakes and it was over 100 degrees.  We were playing Strikers, losing 2-3.   I guess we were a little intimidated; the other team looked bigger and stronger.  A lot of us were tired and defeated, but that changed at half time.  Coach said that heat was zero excuse for losing a game, because the other team was playing in (the) same conditions.  (We) Just had to play harder, had to want it more.  (We) ended up winning  the game 4-3!  That was a good lesson for all of us.  

As you can see, Trevor exemplifies all of our core values (AMBITION, COMMITMENT, DIGNITY, UNITY) on so many levels!   We are excited to share his story with you and we hope he inspires you to be the best you can be.  We are extremely proud to wish Trevor all the best in his next adventure; You’ll Never Walk Alone.