New Soccer Facilities in NS

[aussoccerfan]

http://www.herald.ns.ca/NovaScotia/742804.html

"Rec facilities get $1.2m boost

N.S. chips in to help build first multi-use sportsplex for South Shore

By BEVERLEY WARE South Shore Bureau

BRIDGEWATER — It was an ‘uh-oh’ moment. Barry Barnet had forgotten to sign the $833,334 cheque he was about to hand over to the South Shore Fieldhouse Society and didn’t have a pen.

Scott Patterson jumped out of the crowd and handed his own to the minister of health promotion and protection. "You can keep the pen, Mr. Minister," said Mr. Patterson, the society’s vice-president and a local banker.

"I had two pens anyway," he joked later, opening his jacket and patting his inside pocket.

Mr. Patterson wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of the grand announcement. The province gave the society $133,000 more than it had even asked for to build a $2.5-million multi-sport fieldhouse and indoor track — the first such sports complex for the South Shore.

"In September, we will break ground," Mr. Patterson said. It has taken barely six months for the group of soccer enthusiasts to create a business plan, garner the support of area municipalities, businesses and sports groups and, with Tuesday’s announcement, make the indoor multi-sport fieldhouse and walking track a reality.

Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover said he takes his hat off to the society for its ability to unite communities to build a facility that will benefit the entire South Shore. He said the society, headed by former District of Lunenburg chief executive officer Doug Quinn, serves as an example for Bridgewater and the District of Lunenburg, which for years have been unable to come to an agreement over the site or plans for a multi-purpose recreation complex for the region.

Mr. Publicover said the sports centre announced Tuesday will not usurp the planned recreation and community complex the two municipalities want to build. "Not at all," he said in an interview. "This just re-energizes us to move forward. They are a fine example of what can be done with hard work and co-operation."

He told those gathered on the artificial turf of Bridgewater Elementary School’s new soccer field for the announcement that the society is competent, effective and co-operative.

"Your efficiency is truly commendable," he said, and the society has shown "town boundaries don’t mean anything."

"It’s about what’s good for the regional area."

The town donated 1.4 hectares off Glen Allen Drive for the 34-by-67 metre building, and both the town and District of Lunenburg have committed $310,000 to build the complex. Warden Jack Wentzell said councillors across the district realize the economic and health benefits the complex will bring to the region and were unanimous in their support for the project.

Tuesday’s announcement was the first in a series the province has planned across Nova Scotia over the next couple of weeks as part of its $50-million, 10-year sport and recreation infrastructure plan.

Mr. Barnett praised the fieldhouse society as personifying dedication, resourcefulness and community spirit. He said the volunteers saw a need in the community and acted to fill that need.

He said his department was formed to help create a healthier and safer province, but it can’t do that without the support of communities, businesses and individuals. He said his government wants to combat obesity rates, chronic disease and inactivity.

"It’s a competition we must win," Mr. Barnet said and told Mr. Quinn and society volunteers, Mr. Quinn, visibly moved by how much money the province has committed to the project, thanked the province "for believing in our dream." His group had already gathered countless letters of support from community businesses and sports groups — from lacrosse and archery to golf and floor hockey — in addition to the money committed by the two municipalities."

[aussoccerfan]

http://www.herald.ns.ca/NovaScotia/832632.html

"Province kicks in cash for soccer facility

STELLARTON — Barry Barnet, provincial minister of health promotion and protection, announced $400,000 Monday for construction of an indoor soccer facility here. The arena-size, $1.8-million building will extend the season for other outdoor activities like golf, softball, lawn bowling and walking for seniors.

It will be built next to the W.M. Sobey Soccer Complex on Acadia Avenue, which includes three soccer pitches, two ball fields and a tennis court at the same site. Athletes from across the region are expected to benefit from the year-round training opportunities.

Stellarton provided $200,000 towards the facility, and requests for funding have been made to the neighbouring municipalities in northeastern Nova Scotia. An application has been made to ACOA, and a corporate fundraising campaign is underway. Monday’s announcement was the latest of a series around the province since April 14."

[aussoccerfan]

http://www.newglasgownews.com/index.cfm?sid=26428&sc=50

"Indoor soccer coming to Pictou County

KEVIN ADSHADE & JENNIFER VARDY LITTLE

The News

(STELLARTON) – Pictou County will soon be home to an indoor soccer facility.

The province is contributing $600,000 to help build a $1.8-million indoor soccer facility in Stellarton, it was announced yesterday. The target date for opening is November, 2007, said Stellarton recreation coordinator Dave Hood.

“I think it’s tremendous for the town, Pictou County and the Highland region as a whole,” Hood said. “It will have a tremendous impact on soccer, and a lot of other sports. This will serve the whole region.”

The facility will be a year-round soccer soccer training centre for about 4,000 people who play the game in the Highland area.

It will also support other activities such as archery, golf, track and field training and softball.

“The new complex will help citizens of all ages – from school children to seniors – adopt a healthy lifestyle through participation in physical activities normally not available in the winter months,” said Len MacDonald, president of the Highland District Soccer Association.

“The indoor playing field will fill a current need by providing a new home where players can train and compete. At the same time it will provide community groups with a warm, safe and welcoming environment to exercise and socialize.”

Stellarton’s Terry Weir, vice president of the association, said the facility also should impact the business community in terms of recruiting talent.

“It adds another aspect to the quality of life here. There have been a lot of people working hard on this project,” Weir said. “This isn’t just about developing good soccer players.”

The Town of Stellarton has committed $200,000 to the project. An application has been put forth to ACOA for more cash, while a corporate fundraising campaign is also in the works."