SPORTS NEWS

Advertise Your Business On PutnamLIVE.com!

WINFIELD SOCCER COMPLEX TAKING SHAPE
New Locker Rooms, Concessions Building
By Mark Hallburn
Publisher
PutnamLIVE.com

When Dave Martin and Rob Ryan started planning for a $10,000                               storage shed, in 2006,                                  for the soccer teams at                                    Winfield High School,                                 they had no idea what                               they were getting into.

But when great people                                 get together for a great                             project, great things                               happen.

Now, $200,000 later, Martin and Ryan, with the help of dozens of hard-working volunteers, are nearly completing a beautiful $300,000 complex that has many turning, well, green with envy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, Ryan, who is President of the non-profit Winfield Soccer Alliance, isn't taking any credit.

"Because of great support from businesses and individuals in our community as well as political grants and a school board grant it just escalated almost beyond belief," he says. "There have been numerous soccer coaches, parents, players, businesses and just community people involved. If I had to give you a number of hands on helpers I would estimate 50-60 volunteers from time to time."

Together, everyone's efforts have built a new combination locker room, press box, and coach's office. They are in the process of finishing a second building to house the concession stand, public bathrooms, and field maintenance areas.

But that's not all.

"We are now installing the scoreboard and sound system," Ryan adds. "The new stadium fence with added netting behind the goal boxes is nearly complete and the ground work for stadium lights is in place."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even with free labor, all of the materials takes money, Lots of money. So the Winfield Soccer Alliance is selling advertising sign space at the site to fund more projects.

"In addition to prominently displaying your company's sign," Ryan says, "We announced all companies and individuals who support our efforts during halftime at every home soccer game. We plan to do the same again in 2009 and 2010 for those companies and individuals who renew or initiate their support. We understand that today’s economy is tough on everyone. However it is time for the renewal of signs at the field. The cost of the 1-year renewal is $200, a 2-year renewal is $300 and a new sign for 2 years is $500."

Whether you purchase an advertising sign or just want to help, Ryan asks that you please send your tax deductible donations to:

         Winfield Soccer Alliance, Inc.
            c/o Stadium Fund Signs
            321 Scary Road,
            Scott Depot, WV 25560

You may also telephone Ryan at 304-539-0811.

"The Winfield Boy’s & Girl’s Soccer teams had great success in 2008 as both teams advanced in post season play," Ryan recalls. He hopes the soccer complex will be completed in time for another successful season, in the fall of 2009. 

"As an upcoming senior," says Matt Wilton, "I am excited about practicing and playing in the new facility which will be the best in the region. It will be something that the whole community will be proud of, especially the soccer teams. I appreciate all the volunteers who have made this dream come true."

Still to come is lighting for the complex. According to Ryan, Girl's Coach Marshall Hoff is working with his brother-in-law, Bud Turner, "In getting AEP to maybe sponsor the lighting for the stadium." That way games can be played at night for more flexible scheduling.

For more information about the Winfield Soccer Alliance, please click here.