Local youth sports rally urges the state to “Let Them Play”

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - High school student-athletes, parents and other supporters gathered at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to urge California to allow youth sports to return to competition.

The local event was part of a statewide grassroots effort called "Let Them Play California."

There were close to 150 rallies throughout the state.

Around 100 people wearing masks were at the Santa Barbara gathering, most of the athletes were football players from several different county high schools.

There were a few speakers including Santa Barbara City College football head coach Craig Moropoulos.

Organizers said that close to 40 states have allowed youth and high school sports to return but competition has been benched in California since early March of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The CIF-Southern Section will give the latest update on the status of high school sports on Tuesday January 19.