California is in the midst of a professional soccer boom, with the creation in recent years of new men’s and women’s teams in Oakland, Los Angeles and San Diego. Now, smaller California cities are looking to soccer as a way to spark economic development and boost community pride. That’s why earlier this month I was in the Antelope Valley city of Lancaster, about an hour north of Los Angeles, to attend the inaugural home game of the city’s new soccer team, AV Alta FC.

<p>California is in the midst of a professional soccer boom, with the creation in recent years of new men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s teams in Oakland, Los Angeles and San Diego. Now, smaller California cities are looking to soccer as a way to spark economic development and boost community pride. That&rsquo;s why earlier this month I was in the Antelope Valley city of Lancaster, about an hour north of Los Angeles, to attend the inaugural home game of the city&rsquo;s new soccer team, AV Alta FC.</p>

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

<p>KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.</p>