East Ridge officials said they have been advised that the East Ridge Soccer Association Board  (ERSA) voted to file suit against the city of East Ridge "in an attempt to take away the equipment being used in support of the soccer leagues and players."

The East Ridge Commission recently voted to run its own recreation program rather than have two youth athletic associations handle it.

East Ridge officials said, "All of this equipment was purchased for the exclusive use of programs in the city of East Ridge and funds used to purchase the equipment were received by the ERSA from the bargain use of taxpayer provided facilities at Camp Jordan.

The agreement with the ERSA was that any and all equipment purchased with funds generated using taxpayer resources would be used for the children participating in these soccer programs in East Ridge.

"The city of East Ridge has spent more than $1.5 million to build the soccer fields at Camp Jordan and recently the city installed more than $1 million in new lighting. In addition, the city bears substantially all the cost of maintaining the fields and pays all the cost for water, electricity and mowing with very little having been paid in the past by the ERSA for the use of the fields. Taking the equipment such as soccer balls and goals away from the players in East Ridge causes the East Ridge taxpayers to have to repurchase equipment that was already purchased by monies generated from the use of their resources and is a substantial injustice to the many participants and players.

"Recently the East Ridge City Council voted to create a new Parks and Recreation Department to manage all athletic programs held on city-owned property in East Ridge and to expand athletic programs in the city. Upon creation of this new department, the existing athletic league boards of softball, baseball and soccer were invited to join the city’s advisory boards in a public/private partnership to manage these programs in the best interests of all participants and the taxpayers in East Ridge.  

"The softball and baseball programs have joined in this public/private partnership with the City and baseball and softball signups are underway.  The city anticipates very successful seasons for these sports. We also anticipate successful soccer programs in East Ridge for both recreation and select leagues. All teams, coaches, parents and players have been invited to join with the city in this endeavor. Many are doing so. 

"Sign-ups have started and the number of players is expected to be at least as many as last season.  Practices are already underway at Camp Jordan and a new advisory soccer board is in the process of being appointed to assist the city in the management of all soccer programs. "