Province kicks in $3 million for indoor soccer facility

Nova Scotia's soccer community will receive a boost thanks to a provincial infrastructure investment of $3 million.

Premier Darrell Dexter made the announcement today, June 14, at Soccer Nova Scotia's Indoor Soccer Training Centre in Halifax.

"We know that more Nova Scotians are registered for soccer than any other sport in this province, and demand for indoor facilities is high," said Dexter. "This investment will go a long way to ensuring more Nova Scotians have opportunities year-round to live active, healthy lives.

"By making the healthy choice the easy choice, we are making life better for Nova Scotians in every region of the province."

Soccer Nova Scotia, the governing body for soccer in the province, plans to expand its current facility at the Mainland Common. Plans include an additional indoor soccer field, seating for 1,000 spectators, increased meeting areas and upgraded space for players and coaching staff.

"This facility will lessen the severe shortage of indoor soccer facilities in HRM. It will meet the programming needs of all ages, tiers, and genders that are presently not served due to unavailability of facilities," said George Athanasiou, CEO of Soccer Nova Scotia.

Soccer Nova Scotia has also committed to making space available for use by other sports.

"This isn't just about soccer. Let's not forget that other field sports will also be served by this facility, such as football, rugby and ultimate frisbee," said Athanasiou.

"This facility will provide an indoor training environment that will help prepare players for the outdoor game," said Maggie Malone, a soccer player from Clayton Park. "It will allow my club team to train in a proper soccer facility in the winter months rather than school gyms. This will help improve our training and provide more opportunity for everyone involved in the game at all ages."

The total cost of the project is $9 million.

In February, the Government of Canada announced $1.6 million in funding for this project from the Recreation Infrastructure Canada program. The Halifax Regional Municipality also committed $1.9 million at the time and provided the land for the expanded Soccer Nova Scotia facility.

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection will provide the provincial funding from its Building Facilities Infrastructure Together (B-FIT) program.

The program, launched in 2007, provides funds to build, replace and upgrade major recreation facilities in Nova Scotia. Under B-FIT, the province has committed more than $67 million to 37 major infrastructure projects, generating more than $200 million worth of construction.