Corporate donations and local fundraising efforts result in new multisport mini-pitch for Squamish

Squamish is the beneficiary of an exciting new mini-pitch at Brennan Park Recreation Centre, thanks to the close relationship between the Squamish Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and a generous grant through MLS WORKS, Canada Soccer, Southern New Hampshire University and adidas. Squamish is one of just two Canadian locations to receive one of 20 mini-pitches built by this group to provide local youth with a safe and accessible place to play.

“We are very grateful to all the efforts that have contributed to the building of this exciting new community asset for Squamish, from the tireless local fundraising efforts to the generous corporate donation,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “In a community so focused on recreation, this new pitch will offer our youth a year-round surface for unstructured play. It is a testament to the spirit of partnership and I thank and congratulate all those involved.”

A variety of local businesses and individuals raised funds and provided in-kind and at-cost equipment and services to support SYSA’s goal of financing and building the pitch, which involved grading, gravel and asphalt. The grant through MLS WORKS and partners paid for the acrylic surface and nets, offering a year round court style facility that can be used for ball hockey and lacrosse, as well as soccer.

“Squamish Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) is very pleased to have partnered with the Whitecaps and MLS WORKS to be able to bring a great training facility to the District of Squamish,” says Tim Sjogren, President, Squamish Youth Soccer Association. “The District provided sound advice and support in the building of the mini-pitch and SYSA is very excited for its players to use the pitch to train and warm up on.  With small sided games being a large part of training in youth soccer, this pitch adds a great area to do this on for all of our teams.”

Part of the grant involved the awarding of a college scholarship to a local resident for online courses at Southern New Hampshire University. The winner of the scholarship, local high school student, long-time soccer player and referee, Ryan Blasak, was announced at the official unveiling of the mini pitch on October 12.

The mini-pitch is located beside the artificial turf field and the gravel field, and is available for broad community use. SYSA teams in the U6, U8 and U10 divisions will use the mini-pitch for free play and practice time.

October 13, 2016