The continued growth of soccer in Prince Edward Island received a major boost today as information on the province’s first indoor soccer facility was announced. Funding partners, the Government of Canada, Province of Prince Edward Island, PEI Soccer Association Inc. and the Town of Stratford, provided details of the 64,000 square foot regional facility. It will be located in Stratford adjacent to four existing outdoor soccer fields.
Construction will soon begin on the more than $3 million facility and will be completed by the fall of 2008. It is expected that it will benefit the 6,000 soccer players in the province and provide a year-round venue for players, coaches and referees.
“Our government is investing in a project that will not only provide economic benefits, but also encourage the growth of a sport and contribute to the quality of life for Islanders,” said Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and to the Minister of International Trade. “The indoor complex in Stratford will add to the calibre of soccer in the province by providing an Island-wide training centre.”
The building will be a clear span, self-supporting steel structure with an artificial turf playing space. It will provide the opportunity to hold provincial and inter-provincial tournaments which will benefit off-season tourism.
“This new indoor soccer facility will serve residents of Stratford, and all Islanders for many years,” said Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “The provincial government is proud to play a role in funding this project, which is an investment in the health and well being of our residents.”
“This facility will provide an opportunity for athletes of all ages and abilities to enjoy soccer on a year-round basis," said Gerald MacDonald, President of the PEI Soccer Association. “The indoor complex will serve the entire province and is contributed to by all players on PEI. We are extremely grateful to all three levels of government for their support in making it a reality.”
“We are very pleased to be a partner in the development of this facility which will provide an economic boost to the Town of Stratford and an opportunity for year round access to the highest participation sport in Stratford and P.E.I.,” stated Mayor Kevin Jenkins.
Under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island will each be contributing $1,015,333 to the project. The PEI Soccer Association Inc. will contribute $865,333 and the Town of Stratford is contributing the land as well as $150,000.