SACRAMENTO – Senator John Laird has selected the Salinas Regional Sports Authority as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for Senate District 17, recognizing the organization’s longstanding work expanding access to youth sports, recreation, and wellness opportunities across the Salinas Valley.

Founded in 2008 through a unique public-private partnership involving Monterey County, the City of Salinas, and local community leaders, the Salinas Regional Sports Authority (SRSA) was created in response to a lack of high-quality recreational facilities in the region. Since then, the organization has led the development and continued expansion of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex into a growing regional destination for youth sports and community programming.

“Organizations like the Salinas Regional Sports Authority play an important role in strengthening our communities and expanding opportunities for young people and families throughout the Salinas Valley,” said Laird. “SRSA has created a space that not only supports recreation and healthy lifestyles but also brings people together and serves as a community resource for the broader region. I’m proud to recognize their work as Senate District 17’s Nonprofit of the Year.”

Today, the complex serves more than 11,000 weekly visitors and draws participants from communities across the Salinas Valley, from King City to North Monterey County, as well as teams traveling from the Bay Area for tournaments and competitive play. While soccer remains the primary focus, SRSA has continued expanding its programming to include youth and adult leagues, camps, clinics, flag football, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee, with additional future plans including sand courts, a BMX pump track, skate park, and multi-sport courts.

In addition to athletics, the organization partners with groups including Salinas Valley Health and other nonprofits to host mobile health clinics, wellness programming, and community events designed to support both physical and mental well-being.

“This recognition is a tremendous honor for the Salinas Regional Sports Authority and for the entire community that has helped bring the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to life,” said Jonathan De Anda, General Manager of the Salinas Regional Sports Authority. “What began as a vision to expand access to quality recreational spaces has grown into a regional community asset serving thousands of youth, families, athletes, and visitors each week. This award affirms the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can play, connect, build healthy habits, and feel a sense of belonging. We are grateful to Senator Laird for recognizing this work and for supporting the continued growth of this project for the Salinas Valley and the broader region.”

Senator Laird celebrated the organization today as part of the 11^th annual California Nonprofits of the Year initiative. The program honors outstanding nonprofit organizations from across the state for their contributions to communities and public service. The California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) partners with legislators each year to recognize nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact in communities across California. As part of the recognition, the Salinas Regional Sports Authority was invited to attend a special celebratory luncheon for honorees in Sacramento.