Police intervened at a Winter Park youth soccer tournament after a three-year-old player scored goals, prompting a dispute between parents and league organizers. The match, organized by i9 Sports, drew police officers following complaints that the child dominated the field against older opponents and held the ball too often. Law enforcement confirmed that no arrests were made, and no ban or removal order was imposed regarding the park. The family was instead offered a refund for their tournament registration fees.
Winter Park Police Respond to Youth Soccer Dispute
Officers arrived at the Florida soccer complex on a youth league field after the league director contacted emergency services regarding a heated argument between spectators. According to police body-worn camera footage, the dispute centered on a three-year-old boy named Nevada, who wore the number 10 jersey and dribbled past opposing players to score repeatedly. The tournament organizer told police that while the child was exceptionally talented, he pushed other players to keep possession of the ball. Police reports noted that the league director contacted authorities over a dispute involving the parents, explaining that the decision to remove the child stemmed from the behavior of the adults.
League Investigation and Parental Accusations
The i9 Sports organization launched an investigation into the incident. The child’s father, Don Pierre, stated that tournament officials called the police simply because his three-year-old son kept the ball at his feet too frequently. Conversely, the league director reported to law enforcement that the decision to remove the child stemmed from the behavior of his parents. Parents of opposing players, whose children were five years old, complained that Nevada’s playing style prevented anyone else from gaining possession. The family maintains that Nevada was unfairly targeted simply because he was too good at playing, with the mother, Martasia Griffin, stating that her son was targeted throughout the entire season solely due to his talent.
Police Escort and Tournament Refund
Law enforcement confirmed that the family cooperated fully with officers at the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did police arrive at the Winter Park soccer match?
The Winter Park Police Department responded after the i9 Sports league director requested assistance regarding a dispute between spectators on the field.
How many goals did the three-year-old player score?
The child scored ten goals during the match against five-year-old opponents before parents of opposing players raised complaints.
What action did the sports organization take regarding the family?
The i9 Sports organization excluded the child from the league, offered to refund the family’s registration money, and police records also noted that officers escorted the family members off the field and notified them of a ban from accessing the facility.