Province Contributes to Fields For Life Campaign

November 6, 2009

MLA Wayne Cao helps move project one step closer to the goal with $325,000 contribution

On Friday, October 30, 2009 Deputy Speaker Wayne Cao, MLA Fort Calgary, presented SUBWAY Soccer Centre General Manager Perry Logan with a cheque for $325,000 from Alberta Lotteries CFEP Program.  This represents a substantial commitment from the Government of Alberta and moves the Calgary Soccer Federation’s Fields For Life Campaign one step closer to the goal of raising $13 million for five new artificial turf fields.

“We appreciate this early support from our provincial partners and look forward to more discussions with all levels of government regarding how they can help improve field sport facilities in Calgary,” says Michael Garland Chair of the Calgary Soccer Federation’s Artificial Turf Committee.  The Campaign team is optimistic the city will approve a $4.5 million contribution to the project as part of their budget deliberations later this month.

Already the soccer community has contributed $1 million to the campaign through the three associations involved in the project  —  the Calgary Women’s Soccer Association, Calgary United Soccer Association and Calgary Minor Soccer Association.  These funds have been contributed by players, parents and soccer enthusiasts united in their commitment to the community, their dedication to the sport and their understanding of the need.  In addition, the Fields For Life Campaign is seeking support from the private sector including individuals, corporations and foundations who share a passion for health, sport and quality of life.

“With support from government at all levels, CSF will build five artificial turf fields to keep pace with the incredible growth of sport in Calgary.  Currently over 100,000 players, coaches, referees and supporters are involved in soccer alone, however, these fields will also be used by those involved in high school athletics, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and many other sports,” says Sharon Evens who is chairing CSF’s fundraising effort.

According to Evens, the catalyst for the project came in May of 2008 when the Calgary Sport Council released its 10 year strategic plan for sport facility development and enhancement for amateur sport in Calgary.  The report identified soccer as one of the high participation sports for all ages and both genders.  It also identified a major shortage of fields and facilities for soccer games.  Gord Smith, Chair of Calgary Sport Council says the development of these new fields is a priority because “it will fill a growing need and inspire more collaboration and cooperation between sport groups throughout the city.  We are grateful for the leadership and hard work of members of the Calgary soccer community who have lead this process and developed a great vision for going forward.”

The $13 million will be used to replace four existing natural grass fields at the SUBWAY Soccer Centre with four new artificial turf fields as well as building one additional artificial turf field.  The new fields will help ensure Calgarians have access to urgently needed, high quality rectangular sport fields by summer of 2010.

These exciting plans reflect an ambitious vision to make Calgary a leader in the provision of sport fields and facilities and is in keeping with the City of Calgary’s vision for a growing, healthy city.  “This project represents a great investment in our youth, our health and in our community,” adds Evens, noting that an artificial turf field has the capacity to at least double the utilization of a natural grass field.