Playing Fields for Youth

Re “Youth Teams Squeezed Out of the Game,” Sept. 11.

A grass athletics field cannot withstand unlimited wear and tear. Constant use destroys it. Once the grass is gone, the field becomes unplayable.

Van Nuys High School has one football field, one softball field and a small multipurpose field for 3,600 students. These fields are in constant use by our physical education classes, our athletic teams and our marching band.

Each year by the end of football season, our fields have been left in ruin due to heavy use. As a result, students during the winter and spring have had to play in dust and mud. This has been especially hard on our soccer teams and marching band.

We regretted having to cancel permits for the use of our fields by groups such as the East Valley Trojans. However, the wear and tear on our fields was simply just too great.

RUSS THOMPSON, Principal, Van Nuys High School