Toro Soccer Club for Girls

College of Saint Mary (CSM) and Toro Soccer Club have partnered to enhance the growth and development of women’s soccer in Omaha. While the genesis of the partnership began with the limited availability of quality practice fields for the Toro players, the partnership was developed to mutually benefit CSM, their players and the Toro players.

“The availability and quality of practice fields in Omaha has been shrinking despite the City’s best efforts. We needed a quality place to practice and a place to call home”, said Mario Zuniga, Toro Director of Coaching. “Toro has had a relationship with the College for years. Their coaches and players have helped with our team camps and the open soccer camps we’ve volunteered for the young women in our community. They welcomed our request and the partnership grew from there”.

Beyond CSM sharing the use of their fields, CSM players will be sharing their skills, knowledge and experience through a mentoring program with the Toro teams. "College of Saint Mary Soccer is thrilled to have the opportunity to unite with Toro for the purpose of enhancing women and girls in sport,” said Leigh Officer, Director of Athletics at CSM. “CSM players will be excellent mentors and role models. Working with the Toro players will remind us that our purpose is to the community to help with their development and to lead by example. I am most excited about the energy and spirit Toro will bring to our backyard. Heritage Park will never be the same!"

Toro will be assisting CSM with improvements to Heritage Park and in turn, the quality of the soccer program at CSM. The Toro players will also have numerous opportunities to attend, participate and assist with the CSM soccer program. “Toro is a club of volunteers with a mission to develop female athletes through excellent coaching and individual training”, said Jose Novoa, Toro Club President. “Thanks to the help of CSM, we have found a mutual way to continue improving both of our programs and the Omaha community. While the goal of a Toro soccer complex still remains, our partnership with CSM continues our growth while allowing us to maintain our offering as a premier soccer program at the most affordable cost in Omaha.”