Simi’s own arena league Local sports facility offers a unique twist on traditional sports
By Kyle Jorrey

jorrey@theacorn.com

STILL GOT GAME—Rick Riggs of Simi Valley competes in the Coed open division of indoor soccer at the Valley Sports Arena, located at 1308 Madera Road. Under new management for a year now, the VSA is experiencing a boom in business, fielding a total of 60 teams in indoor soccer and flag football.

Located in a large strip mall behind the enormous 24-Hour Fitness Center on Madera Road in Simi Valley, the Valley Sports Arena (VSA) at first glance might seem like somewhat of a mystery to the average daytime passerby.

But to the hundreds of Los Angeles area citizens that come there every week to compete in either indoor soccer or flag football, it’s the place to be.

THE LATEST DANCE MOVES?—Jose Flores of Simi Valley tries to keep his feet during the fast-paced action of indoor soccer, the highlighted sport of the local Valley Sports Arena.

“We have about 700 customers. We have a guy coming from as far away as Santa Clarita even though there’s a place like this just 10 minutes away from his house,” said Mike Sperber, general manager of the VSA. “Another guy I know, I think he works for a big pharmaceutical company, he flies in each week for his game. It’s crazy. To some this is just a hobby, but to the avid soccer player, this is a place to come and really work on important aspects of your game.”

Looking almost like a hockey rink with no roof and artificial turf instead of ice, the 85-foot-wide, 170-foot-long open-air facility goes almost unused throughout most of the daytime.

But when night falls, look out. That’s when the arena’s super-fast paced action goes into full effect, with six 50-minute games every weekday evening.

“We go from about 6:30 p.m. until midnight,” Sperber said. “And yes, people are more than willing to stay that late and still get up for their jobs in the morning.”

Though the VSA has big plans for the future, including the addition of leagues for lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee and even dodge ball, they’re bread and butter right now is indoor soccer during the week and flag football on Sundays.

Currently, they cater only to those 18 years and up, but hope to one day organize leagues for children as well.

“We really want to get the kids involved down here, that’s our next big goal,” Sperber said. The 22-year-old Woodland Hills native doubles as a referee and also competes in what regulars call “The Pit.”

In soccer, five 10-week sessions are offered in one of seven divisions separated by gender and age. The divisions vary greatly in skill level, atmosphere and especially intensity.

“There’s a place for everybody here,” Sperber said.

Whereas the weekend women’s over 30 group is more like a bunch of friends getting together at the park to socialize and have fun, the men’s premier league is a battle between talented soccer players who aren’t looking to lose.

The sound of bodies smashing into the arena’s high quality acrylic boards can be heard constantly, often accompanied with a little trash talk.

“It’s a great stress reliever,” Sperber said. “A lot of guys come out here and yell and swear at other people, hammer a couple people into walls, and then go out and can be friends with their boss again the next morning,” he said.

But for the most part, the majority of games at the VSA are just about having fun and getting to compete. After all, the speed and teammate-reliant nature of indoor soccer makes it a unique experience for any athlete, extensive soccer resume or not.

“It’s like playing in a fish bowl, you have to use your teammates,” Sperber said, “because if you start dribbling, there’s no where to go but in circles.”

The VSA office also offers classes in self-defense and an onsite massage therapist. Much more is planned for the future.

To find out more or to sign up for a league, contact the VSA at (805) 306-0615 or visit their website at valleysportsarena.com.