Somebody has got to take a stand. The falling of soccer goals and crushing of children who have been playing on them is a hidden danger. The CPSC found that most soccer goal accidents happen not during the game, but during practice or when neighborhood kids treat the goal like playground equipment. Four years ago, the CPSC started sending out warnings to local schools, cities and soccer programs. And yet, the I-Team found unanchored soccer goals in fields all over Minnesota.
Communities are seemingly unaware of the danger.
Soccer parent and coach Bill Driver has written letters to the editor in local newspapers as well as to local park and recrecation departments about the hazard. He's frustrated so many communities ignore the warning. All of the goals were equipped with manufacturers' stickers warning of the risk of leaving goals unanchored. Lonnie Brokke of Roseville's Park and Recreation Department told the I-Team they try to make sure the goals are anchored during games. The I-Team found unanchored goals throughout the 24 fields adjoining Flying Cloud Airport.