Over the past five seasons, the Roots and Soul Organization has made significant commitments to play at Auckland and Rainey College. Due to United States Soccer Federation and United Soccer League Professional League standards, Rainey is one of two options within a city that meets these criteria, the other being the Oakland Coliseum.
Laney requires additional turf to be layered on top of Laney’s existing turf to meet official width standards. This system caused problems such as being unable to play the game many times at Laney College. These ongoing turf issues are the main reason Roots and Soul submitted stadium proposals that the organization could build on its own.
Over the past few years, the Roots & Soul organization has expanded rapidly. To keep up with the demand and growth of the club, including the women’s team, Rainey is no longer a viable option in the future. Rainey has been an incredible home for the club and the club is keen to build a similar experience that welcomes more of the Auckland community to the game.
In keeping with the organization’s motto ‘Oakland First, Always’, this next step is being taken very seriously, with Roots & Soul finding a temporary home while the club seeks a long-term permanent home in Oakland. We aim to pave the way.
The Roots and Soul Organization continues discussions with the African American Sports & Entertainment Group (AASEG) to consider how the organization can coexist, thrive, thrive and create a brighter future for Oakland .
